Ensuring your home is cool and comfortable throughout the summer is an important thing to consider. When the temperatures outside hit record highs, you would much rather be indoors. But if your air conditioning unit isn’t working, the first thought on your mind might be to find a contractor for maintenance, repairs or a replacement. Selecting the right air conditioning contractors in Jacksonville may seem difficult at first, but with the right basics in mind you will soon locate the perfect company to work with.
Asking for Referrals
Your family, friends and co-workers could be a potential source for referrals on a local company. They may have recently had some maintenance or repairs done and could highly recommend a company for you. Additionally, they could also give you information on who to avoid if they had an unpleasant experience. Local referrals from your friends and family can also come with benefits for them and yourself in the form of discounts or two-for-one deals. Online referrals are also helpful. Look for local directories that have testimonials or commentary by past clients. It can give you a great idea as to the professionalism and reliability of the company in question.
Check for Licenses and Certification
HVAC are electronic units, and as such they can have some complicated components inside. In addition, many contain Freon which can be dangerous to the environment if not handled properly. When looking for a local contractor, be sure to ask about their licensing and certifications. They should not be hesitant to show you copies of their paperwork. If you aren’t sure what licenses they should have in your area, contacting a government official in your city or state can help direct you to the right office to ask your question. Insurance and workers compensation are also something to consider. Should your property become damaged during an HVAC installation or repair, or a worker become injured in a fall or other accident, will it all be covered? If not, you might want to keep searching for the right contractor.
Check with the BBB
Local references are great, but the Better Business Bureau can also help give a detailed insight into the contractor’s reliability. If they have a high volume of customer complaints, their BBB rating will be low. Ratings range from F to A+, similar to some school grading systems, and can give you an in depth idea of just who you will be hiring.
