7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Residential HVAC Repair Company

Your HVAC unit is vital for maintaining a comfortable and safe environment in your home. During times of extreme temperatures, if your heating or cooling went out, you could face potentially life-threatening temperatures.

On a less intense scale, it's important to keep your home at a reasonable temperature. After all, what's the point of owning a home if not a sanctuary of peace and comfort?

If you're having trouble with your heating or cooling, obviously, you need to hire a residential HVAC repair service. The only question is, how do you find the best company for the job?

Not sure where to begin? Start by asking the right questions. Keep reading for the most important questions you should ask to find the best Austin air conditioning and heating repair services.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

First, make sure the residential HVAC repair company has an up-to-date business license through the state of Texas. They also need a contractor's license and an HVAC certification.

Additionally, make sure the A/C and heating service provider carries the proper insurance. The company should carry contractor's professional liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance.

A liability policy covers the homeowner in the event that your property is accidentally damaged by the contractor. For example, if they accidentally damaged your drywall or put a gouge in your floor when replacing equipment. This would also cover damages if they backed into your car with their vehicle. 

Worker's compensation insurance protects employees who are injured on the job. For example, if a technician threw out his back while replacing an HVAC unit, the insurance policy would pay for their medical bills and any lost wages during their time away from work.

2. Do You Have Any References?

Next, ask if the heating and air conditioning service in Austin has any references or reviews from past customers. Customer reviews are a great source for finding out about a company's professionalism, customer service skills, and competency. 

Did the service provide an accurate inspection and diagnosis of the problem? Do previous customers recommend their services?

Credible companies will post their reviews on their websites and social media pages for future customers to see. Take a look at our customer reviews to see what other homeowners have to say about our HVAC services.

3.Can I Get a Free Estimate?

As a homeowner, one of your top priorities should be getting a fair deal from service providers, including residential HVAC repair. Therefore, before hiring heating or AC repair in Austin, ask to get a free estimate. 

The contractor should talk to you over the phone or come out to your property to personally inspect your HVAC system. They should diagnose your issue for free and give you a quote for their services. 

It's not a bad idea to get multiple bids so you can compare and contrast pricing. However, remember that the cheapest services aren't necessarily the best option. A low-budget HVAC specialist may not have insurance, have limited experience, or have negative customer reviews. 

4. Do You Offer Emergency Services?

It seems like household emergencies never happen at opportune times. For example, if your child takes a fall and needs stitches, it's going to be during rush hour or when no one is home. Likewise, you can't always expect HVAC failures to happen during workdays and business hours. 

Choosing the right company might come down to finding a contractor who offers emergency services around the clock. For example, recently Texas experienced extremely cold temperatures. If your heating system fails in the middle of the night or on Christmas day, you'll need emergency HVAC repair to keep your family safe. 

5. Do You Have Any Financing Options?

Air conditioning and heating installation and repairs aren't always cheap, no matter what company you go with. Furthermore, nearly 63% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. This means that most people won't be able to pay for extensive repairs or replacements out of pocket. 

If you're in this position, you need a residential HVAC repair company that offers in-house financing. We are proud to provide our customers with this service.

We offer a revolving line of credit that you can use over and over again. This financing option allows you to set up easy online monthly payments that fit your budget. 

6. What Kind of Services Do You Offer?

Before hiring an HVAC contractor, make sure they provide the types of services you're looking for. For example, if you need a maintenance checkup or a duct cleaning, is that something they do?

If you need a complete overhaul of your system, will they remove and dispose of your old equipment? Do they have several HVAC systems for you to choose from? For example, if you're looking for energy-efficient products, make sure they provide them.

You should also look into preventative maintenance service plans. For example, we offer one, two, and three-year plans to our customers.  

7. Do You Provide Product Warranties and Customer Guarantees?

The best residential HVAC repair companies will provide warranties for the products they use. Most manufacturers have product warranties that last several years. If one of your HVAC components fails due to a defect in the product, it should be replaced for free. 

However, the contractor should also guarantee their workmanship. If they make repairs or replace a unit, you're trusting them to do it correctly. 

If something went wrong during the repair or installment, you shouldn't have to pay to have the issue remediated. Ask the HVAC service provider if they have any customer satisfaction guarantees and what will happen if you're not satisfied with their services. Lastly, make sure their warranties and guarantees are covered in the contract you sign. 

Looking for Residential HVAC Repair You Can Count On?

If you're having problems with your HVAC system, don't wait any longer to get your heater or air conditioner serviced. You and your family deserve to be comfortable and safe in your own home.

We can help. Contact us today to get a free diagnosis and estimate on your HVAC repairs. We offer heating and AC repair in Round Rock, Austin, Georgetown, and more.