Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Marshalltown. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional identified and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and trust that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate predicament. We don’t want to leave you sweating a sketchy repairman or the heat so the team at B & G HVAC has some cautionary signs to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company demanding payment prior to starting work should be called into question. Another demand of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to frustrations down the road having your problem fixed correctly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Prior to Inspection
A technician may have an idea of what is going wrong with your air conditioner just by talking with you, but they won’t know for certain until they have actually inspected your system. Choose a company that will provide you with an estimate only following an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve seen even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the labor and charges into writing, don’t trust them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re ensuring that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no surprise costs following the completion of your repair.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but most do. You can look up online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you are living in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re safeguarding yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any grievances or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you encounter a company that is operating without a license, there’s almost certainly a reason for that and you’ll want keep clear.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a dependable AC repair technician in the Marshalltown area. The pros at B & G HVAC are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 641-316-3360 to set up an appointment up with us anytime.