Do You Need A Referral? Air Conditioning Repair Contractor Questions To Ask

Posted on: 9 May 2022

Which air conditioning repair contractor is the best choice in your area? Anonymous references from unverifiable online sources won't do. But friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and people you know in real life are valuable resources. If you're not sure which questions to ask your friend or cubicle-mate for a referral, take a look at what you need to know about an AC repair company.

What Type of Repair Did Your System Need?

Your system has a suspected refrigerant leak. But your neighbor's contractor repaired their air ducts. Even though most HVAC companies handle general repairs, you want to make sure that the contractor you choose has expertise in the current problem area. 

Talk to your referral source (a friend, neighbor, or any other real-life contact) about their AC system's issues and how the contractor that they're recommending helped. Their answer should include the nature of the repair, the timing, the quality of the service, the technician's ability to communicate, and anything else that you feel is important to know. You may also want to get specific and, if you feel comfortable with the person, ask how much the repair cost and if the company charges by the hour or the job.

What Type of AC System Do You Have?

While most AC companies provide general repairs, some only service specific types of systems. If you have a mini-split ductless air conditioner and the contractor your friend recommends only works on forced air central systems, you will need to get other referrals and continue your search.

Why Did You Hire the Contractor?

Now for the big question. What made your friend, relative, or neighbor choose this contractor over the other ones they interviewed? You may get a few different types of answers to this question. These could include:

  • The price. While price is a deciding factor for many homeowners, you should not base your choice solely on the contractor's quote alone. Quality, a labor or parts guarantee, expertise, and experience often outweigh a low price.

  • The brand. Some contractors are authorized to work on or sell specific AC brands. If you have a system that's made by the same manufacturer as your friend's air conditioner, you're in luck. This means the contractor has the ability to repair your worn or damaged AC unit.

  • Reputation. Did your friend hear about the contractor's standout reputation? A contractor who is known around town as a top service professional will typically provide high-quality repairs. 

Other reasons to hire a contractor include responsiveness/communication, punctuality, section 608 certification (this is necessary to work with some types of AC refrigerant), and labor warranties/guarantees. 

For more info, contact a local air conditioning repair company. 

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