Air Conditioning Heat Pumps

Equip Yourself With the Most Crucial Information

If you needed surgery, would you choose just any doctor to perform the operation? You’re going to want to know all about the surgeon’s training, experience, bedside manner and so on. You are, after all, putting your life in this person’s hands.
While the stakes might not be as high for your heating and cooling equipment, you certainly don’t want to go with just any contractor. The work an HVAC company does today will impact your comfort and safety for many years to come. We might not be performing surgery, but we’re doing important work that shouldn’t be left to an amateur or dishonest company. For example, if the company performing your AC tune-up chooses to cut corners or mislead you with an unnecessary repair, you’ll be wasting your valuable time and money.
As you’re considering which company to hire for your next AC installation, repair or other home service, here are five questions you want to ask the company before taking the next step.

1. Is your company licensed, insured and certified?

This is the deal-breaker question. If an HVAC company doesn’t have the proper credentials, this is a huge red flag. Sure, the company might be able to offer a lower price. But the risk that comes with that price far outweighs the cost difference between a licensed company and an unlicensed company. If an unlicensed and uninsured contractor becomes injured on your property, you can ultimately be held liable for damages. To obtain an HVAC license in Florida, the contractor must meet a number of requirements, including: three to five years of experience, educational training, passing a criminal background check, passing a trade knowledge exam, obtaining liability insurance and more. So when you know a company is licensed, you know it’s met certain criteria and brings years of experience to the table. Another credential to look for is the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. All NATE-certified technicians undergo rigorous testing and training to ensure their skills are at the highest level. If the company you’re considering employs NATE-certified technicians, this is a good sign the company cares about ensuring exceptional workmanship.

2. How much experience do you have with the service I need?

Whether you need a new AC or indoor air quality system installed, ask the company about its experience and longevity in the industry. Often, you can find this information on the company’s website. If you have a specific type of system you need serviced, such as a ductless AC, ask the company how experienced they are with your particular unit.

3. Are there any tax credits or rebates I can take advantage of with my new system?

Upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit comes with its perks. Not only will you save more money on your energy bills, but you can also cash in with local rebates and tax credits. This helps offset the higher costs of more efficient equipment. When you reach out to your local HVAC company, ask them whether they extend these types of money-saving opportunities to their customers.

4. Which brands do you carry?

Some HVAC brands are more reliable and cutting-edge than others. Ask the company which brands they install and then look up reviews of the manufacturer online. At Buehler, we’re proud to be a Carrier dealer and install what we believe to be the most reliable, preferred brand on the market (they are the inventors of modern air conditioning, after all!).

5. Do you offer free estimates?

No one likes feeling backed into a corner. But this is exactly what happens when companies charge for new system estimates. We believe our customers have the right to shop around and explore their options before making a final decision. For this reason, we offer free estimates for new air conditioners, heaters, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Before requesting your next estimate, make sure the company will provide it for free.

Transparency Is Our Thing, So Ask Away!

Knowledge is power. The more you know about a company beforehand, the more equipped you are to choose the right partner and receive the quality workmanship you deserve. Another excellent and easy way to gain insight into a company is by checking out its online reviews. There’s perhaps no better way to understand whether a company is a real deal than by hearing from other customers just like you.

Is there a question we can answer for you? We’re here to provide all of the information and insight you need to feel as confident and comfortable as possible.

Schedule service directly by calling the HVAC Pros at Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing today!

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