When you have your HVAC system checked out by a technician from time to time, you can catch problems before they cause problems. A regular maintenance schedule for your air conditioner, furnace, and other HVAC systems can extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run. But how do you know if your technician is doing a good job? How can you tell if they’re charging you a fair price? These are important questions to ask when hiring a technician to perform maintenance on your HVAC system. There are many red flags that indicate you’re getting ripped off, but there are also signs that your technician is being honest and ethical. Let’s take a look at some of them:
If a technician asks you to sign a contract, run away! Contracts are a way for providers to protect themselves from liability in the event that they make a mistake, or if something goes wrong with your system. If you don’t feel comfortable signing a contract, don’t. Contracts that put the customer on the hook for repairs or replacements are a red flag, and should raise warning signs that something isn’t right.If you’re not sure if something is covered in the contract, ask the technician to explain the terms.
When you have a scheduled maintenance appointment, unexpected problems are to be expected. That’s part of what you’re paying for when you have a technician come out to your home. If your technician charges you for repairs that weren’t part of your scheduled maintenance, that’s a huge red flag.It’s your responsibility to make sure your system is up to code and in good working order before you schedule a maintenance appointment. If you find a problem after the technician has left, you don’t have to pay for it.In this situation, you should send a letter to the technician explaining that you didn’t expect the repairs, and that you don’t believe they were necessary. Then, you should send a copy of the letter to the business’s customer service department.
Every state has different licensing requirements for HVAC technicians. Some states require technicians to be certified or even licensed. If your technician doesn’t have a business license, they aren’t allowed to work on your system.If you have a problem with your system, you can report them to the state board. However, it’s much easier for them to prove that they were working on your system if they have a license.
If your technician doesn’t have proof of insurance, they could be subject to a fine. If they make a mistake and cause damage to your home, they could be liable for the cost of repairs.Many companies require their technicians to carry liability insurance. If your technician doesn’t have proof of insurance, you should report them to their insurance company.
If your technician doesn’t bring their own tools, they’re either lazy or incompetent. If they can’t get the job done right, they could end up making a mistake that costs you more money in the long run.When you hire a technician, you want someone who is experienced and can get the job done properly. If they don’t bring their own tools, they could be in over their head, and could make a mistake that costs you time and money.
There are a lot of red flags that indicate you’re getting ripped off when you hire a technician to perform maintenance on your HVAC system. Make sure you ask your technician about their experience, and if they’re certified. You should also make sure they have their license, and that they have proof of insurance.Finally, make sure they have the right tools to do the job right. If they don’t bring their own tools, it’s a bad sign. It’s better to hire a technician who knows what they’re doing, and has the proper tools, than someone who doesn’t.When you hire a technician, you want someone who is experienced and can get the job done properly. If they don’t bring their own tools, they could be in over their head, and could make a mistake that costs you time and money.
HVAC service maintenance can be performed once or twice a year, depending on usage. If it runs intermittently, then once a year is usually enough.
In addition to your air conditioner and furnace, HVAC includes combined systems like heat pumps and indoor air-quality equipment like air purifiers. It also encompasses the control systems and smart thermostats that help everything work together.