We understand that not all contractors can be RSC technicians. It’s important to know what to look for when hiring an HVAC contractor and how to tell the trusted, professional ones from the bad ones. Here are four warning signs that will let you know right away that you should call a different HVAC contractor before the current technician even begins to service your home.
1. Lack of Professionalism
If you’re hiring someone to work on your HVAC system, one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your home, you want to be able to trust that they’re going to service it properly. If they appear professional when they come to your home, it will be easier to trust them.
A few signs that the HVAC contractor you hired is not demonstrating professionalism may be someone who arrives unprepared, is not in company uniform, and is unable to provide proper certifications, credentials, or licenses.
Not Prepared
A good contractor will arrive with the tools and equipment they need to service your HVAC system. In some cases, the technician may need to leave to purchase a specific part. However, if it seems like they aren’t prepared, there’s a good chance that you’re right, and you may want to think about hiring a different company for the job.
Not in Uniform
It’s very reassuring when you open your front door and see the technician standing in a company uniform with their name or the company name stitched on their shirt. This detail is important, because it shows that they are professional and their company cares about the little things.
Not all companies have matching uniforms, which can appear sloppy and make you question their work and credibility.
Not licensed
When you hire someone to work on your heating and cooling system, choose someone who is properly trained for that kind of work. All of our HVAC technicians at RSC undergo extensive training and must pass a national exam to become NATE Certified technicians, so you know we are both educated and experienced. There’s a lot that goes into an HVAC system, which is why you want a licensed technician.
2. Rude Mannerisms
Another warning sign that you hired the wrong HVAC technician is their mannerisms. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Were they cautious of where they parked when they got to your home?
- Did they bring debris into your house and not supply their own mats or use shoe covers?
- Did they clean up after themselves and not leave a mess behind?
- Did it seem like they were in a hurry to begin servicing your unit?
Being aware of your HVAC contractor’s mannerisms and intentions is very important, because it shows that they are conscious of your property and will handle your service call with care. Your heating and cooling system has a lot to do with the air quality and level of comfort you experience in your home, so you should make sure you hire someone who cares.
If the contractor you hired doesn’t respect your home, that is a sure sign that you should look into hiring a different company to complete the job. There’s a good chance that someone else will provide better service.
3. Poor Communication
Great customer service goes hand-in-hand with communication. The right technician should attempt to establish a connection with you before servicing your home. Pay attention to the first conversation you have with them before the servicing even begins.
Doesn’t Ask Questions
The technician should confirm the issues you are having and the service they will be providing. They should also ask the proper questions and evaluate your HVAC equipment before servicing it to further understand the problem at hand.
If it seems like they are in a hurry to get working or do not ask questions, it is more likely that they will misdiagnose your problem because they were rushed.
Doesn’t Get the Job Done the First Time
Good communication is important, because you would rather have your problem resolved the first time. While there are some exceptions, making a second appointment to have the contractor return to your home is not only an inconvenience to you, but also a warning sign that you may have hired the wrong person for the job.
The right contractor will communicate with you every step of the way. You should always know what they’re doing, and they should follow up with you after they provide a service.
It’s also important that you feel confident that the HVAC company you hired will be there for you if you have any further questions about your system.
4. Surprise Changes
If you haven’t already figured out that the technician you hired is not the right one, there is one last warning sign: surprise charges or fees. Your HVAC contractor should be transparent with you from the very start.
Before they even begin servicing your home, you should know exactly what they’re going to be doing and how much it should cost. Every now and then, something unexpected happens that alters the technician’s initial estimate. However, you should always have a good idea of what you’ll be paying for the service before they do anything.
At the end of their visit, many technicians will present you with a bill that is a complete surprise to you. A lot of HVAC companies use a pricing strategy called time and material pricing; that bill is typically larger than that of companies using a flat rate pricing strategy. In these instances, it pays to go with your gut and get a second opinion if the technician says your system is going to cost a lot to be repaired.
Hire a Trusted HVAC Company
Homeowners often find out too late that they hired the wrong company for a job. If you want to feel confident that you are choosing a qualified HVAC contractor, turn to RSC Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of experienced and trusted professionals are happy to take a look at any problems you are experiencing.
