10 Tips for Hiring the Best AC Repair Technician Near You

8/11/2022

Summer in central Iowa can get very hot and sticky, which is why you don’t want to be left hanging when your AC conks out on the hottest day in July and August. However, if this does happen, it’s important to know whom you can trust to make an effective and affordable air conditioning repair in the Des Moines area.

1. Learn More About Your AC Unit

First of all, do some research. Familiarize yourself with your particular air conditioning system so that you know the type, brand, model, and maintenance history. Determine if there are any rooms that are particularly uncomfortable so that you have a rough idea of the extent of the problem. This will help guide your search.

Becoming familiar with your AC unit has other perks as well. The more time you spend learning about your specific air conditioning unit, the more confident you will become when diagnosing any potential problems that you may come across. This knowledge could end up saving you money down the road when you understand how to fix your unit and don’t require a technician anymore.

For trickier tasks, however, it is always a good idea to let a professional take over. It may cost you more money upfront, but you will end up saving money by ensuring that the repair is done correctly the first time and in the future won’t require frequent fixes.

2. Look Carefully & Do Your Research

How do you find an AC repair company? Start by asking around. See if there are any local contractors that your friends or family have experience with and can recommend services in Des Moines. If that doesn’t produce any results, try an online search or a review site. 

Review sites are handy because they provide information about the personal experiences of people who have hired a particular heating and cooling technician before, so you know that the information is accurate. If there are poor reviews or no reviews, then that’s the reason for concern.

Also, check your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the HVAC repair contractor you’re considering has any past complaints. Try to find at least three possible contractors for your consideration so that you’ll have multiple options. From there, you can decide based on credentials, availability, or costs.

3. Seek Out Experienced AC Repair Companies

Find out how much experience your potential contractor has either by contacting them directly or checking their website. Some relevant questions to consider about their expertise include:

• How long have they been in business?

• Are they full-time or part-time contractors?

• What experience do they have with your system in particular?

• Do they have any areas of special expertise?

• What continuing education or training have they had recently to keep up with changing technology?

You’ll definitely want a professional, full-time contractor working on your home, and it’s best if they have experience with your specific air conditioning model. If your system has any special features (such as cutting-edge designs or very old parts) then try to find a contractor who has worked on similar systems before.

4. Learn About Legal Compliance For Ultimate Peace of Mind

Your contractor needs a license. Ask them for their license number—in most areas you can look up business licenses to see if they are current. In some places, you may also be able to find records of past jobs.

Also check to see if the company has proof of insurance, particularly liability and worker’s compensation coverage. If they don’t, then you could be held responsible for any accidents on your property. There should be a one-page certificate of insurance that you can verify.

Finally, be sure to ask the contractor if they obey all health and safety regulations.

5. Look Up References

The best way to find out about service quality is by contacting past customers. Ask the contractor for a list of customer references. One great tip is to ask the company only for customers whose names begin with a certain letter of your choice—that way you ensure that you’re getting a random sample of customers, not just their most satisfied clients.

If the information is provided to you, try to contact three to five of these former customers, and be sure to ask about things such as how quickly the job was finished, whether it was completed within the budget, and how well their work has held up over time.

6. Be Specific

Ask the contractor any job-specific questions you might have. This is where it pays off to do your research—you’ll be able to learn about what options you might have and whether the contractor is equipped to deal with them. 

Does the job need to be completed quickly? Are there multiple ways to repair your air conditioner or HVAC system? What type of equipment do they plan to use?

7. Ask About Specific HVAC Brands The Contractor Carries

If you’re looking for a new or replacement air conditioner, be sure to ask the HVAC technician what brands or manufacturers they carry. If you have your heart set on a specific make or model, then be sure that the HVAC contractor you choose carries that model. If all you’re looking for is a few minor air conditioning repairs, make sure they have parts that are compatible with your current brand.

8. Go Green

If conservation is important to you, be sure to ask the company about their environmental friendliness. Find out what they do to promote energy and water conservation, and whether they carry Energy Star-qualified products. 

A good air conditioning technician should be able to provide you with information about the efficiency of the system and its environmental impacts.

9. Calculate the Cost

Get a written, itemized estimate from each potential contractor, and make sure that it includes factors such as the labor and materials cost, potential energy saving, warranties, and tax rebates (available for many energy-efficient options).

Keep in mind the difference between the upfront costs and long-term costs. If your energy costs are going to increase after installation, then picking the cheapest technician might not make financial sense in the long run. If the company you’re considering offers any special deals, take those into account too.

10. Find Out About Financing Options

On a related note, find out about the payment schedule. Particularly big jobs might require a deposit and incremental payments, which can complicate matters financially. Be sure that you read all the fine print and find out exactly what costs you will be responsible for; also double-check that you can afford to add the regular payments to your budget.

Give Service Legends A Call

For air conditioning service, repair or replacement in the Des Moines area, Service Legends offers all 10 of these things and more. Our Fixed Right Or It’s Free Guarantee is just one way we’re the best in the business. Give us a call or schedule online!

Learn more about AC repair tips that can save you money!

515-657-6634Request Appointment Online

 

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