July 8, 2015
The time has arrived to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in Franklin & South Indy. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to have an AC repair professional chosen and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just select the first number out of the phone book and be assured that they’ll do a satisfactory job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate predicament. We don’t want to leave you sweating a sketchy repairman or the heat so the team at Winters Heating and Cooling has some warning signs to watch out for that let you know you may be dealing with an unreliable company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate in advance of beginning any work. Any company asking for payment prior to starting work should be called into question. Another sign of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed accurately or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Ahead of Inspection
A technician may have an idea of what is going wrong with your air conditioner over a phone call, but they won’t be able to truly diagnose it until they have actually inspected your system. Find a company that will provide you with an estimate only after conducting an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve watched even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the labor and charges into writing, don’t have confidence in them to accomplish the work. By getting a signed contract prior to work beginning you’re ensuring that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unanticipated costs after work has been completed.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can find out online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you are located in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any grievances or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you come across a company that is operating without a license, there’s most likely a reason for that and you’ll want to stay away.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a credible AC repair technician in the Franklin & South Indy area. The pros at Winters Heating and Cooling are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 317-406-5382 to set up an appointment up with us anytime.