In the greater Phoenix area, there is a dizzying number of HVAC technicians who will gladly work on your air conditioner. Yet, not every technician is created equal. There’s a wide range of service quality, experience and knowledge out there. This is why it’s important to do your due diligence before hiring anyone to repair your air conditioner. To ensure your air conditioning repair, maintenance or installation is completed right the first time, here are a few tips to consider.
Factory Training
Today’s air conditioners are incredibly complex pieces of technology. Extensive training is necessary to be able to install and service them. The best technicians are those who have undergone factory training to learn the subtle nuances of each brand. There are differences that can be overlooked by inexperienced or insufficiently trained technicians. Before you hire a technician, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask what level of factory training they’ve undergone.
License and Credentials
There is risk involved in working on an air conditioner. In fact, a lot can go wrong. Don’t take chances with an unproven technician. A license proves that the technician has been professionally trained. Additional certifications such as NATE, HVAC Excellence certification and EPA 608 certification provide even more evidence that you’re dealing with someone who knows what they’re doing.
Experience
While you don’t need to hire the most senior technician out there, it’s always a good idea to choose one who has at least a few years under their belt. Many of the best technicians begin in apprenticeship programs and gain experience working alongside more experienced technicians.
Versatility
Ideally, you’ll want an air conditioning technician who has the ability to work on all major HVAC systems. There are benefits to developing a strong working relationship with a technician you trust. If the technician has this level of versatility, you’ll gain confidence knowing you can stick with them if and when you decide to install system components from other manufacturers.
References
It may be tempting to call the number on the ad touting cheap air conditioner repair, but what do you know about their work? Don’t roll the dice with your air conditioner. The risks are too high. The best way to find an HVAC repair company you can count on is word of mouth. If a friend or family member has had a good experience with a particular company or technician, you will likely have a similar experience. Other sources for finding quality service providers include the Better Business Bureau and online review sites. It’s also a good idea to ask any technician you’re considering to provide a list of references. And, take the time to call these references to get a clear picture of the technician’s work.
Ellsworth Home Services is proud to have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Ask us for references anytime!