When you need an AC repair or installation, you want to work with a company you can trust. But you wouldn’t go for the first company you see online. In the era of endless options and search results, how do you find a trustworthy AC company? That’s why the professionals at Champion Home Services have worked hard to create the perfect playbook of how to make sure that you are choosing the perfect company for your San Antonio heating and cooling needs.
Read their Reviews
Reading reviews is a solid way to discover if a company is trustworthy or not. Sites such as Yelp, Facebook, and Google offer a large pool of reviews. They detail how the company handled their HVAC units, and if any problems or suspicions arose. These reviews will give you an in-depth view of how the company has dealt with prior customers.
Keep in mind that it’s unlikely a company will always have five stars. Mistakes happen, or customers might be displeased with the service for personal reasons. Most reviews will offer an honest testimony about the company. It’s best not to let one bad review rule out the company for you.
Look for patterns when reading reviews. Do customers praise the company’s quick response times? Or do they note a lack of professionalism on the job? Do companies tend to reply with thoughtful responses? With such a large database of reviews, you’ll be able to pick up on a distinct habit of the company.
Ask Around
If online reviews don’t seem reliable, then you can always ask those around you. Friends, family, or coworkers may have experience with a local reputable HVAC company and can recommend them to you. Or, they may have companies in mind that you should avoid.
Ask them specifics about the company, and even ask to see the work they did. A poorly done AC installation will be obvious and will drive you away from the company. A well-done AC repair is also clear and may entice you to choose the same company.
If their work was done more than two years ago, take their advice with a grain of salt. Companies often change over time, for better or worse. New employees could work differently than old ones, rates can hike up, and new management could take over. It’s best to look up more recent reviews if this is the case.
Check for Affiliations
Looking up the company on the Better Business Bureau is also a good way to gauge its trustworthiness. This will show you if they’ve had any complaints against them in recent years. The Better Business Bureau bases its scores on if the company has resolved and/or replied to these complaints or not.
Seeing how a company addresses and solves complaints can be helpful. Keep in mind that a high Better Business Bureau score only means that the company has addressed complaints. It’s not advised that you choose a company based only on this score. Again, don’t expect a perfect score from every company, as there are always exceptions.
Another thing to check for is if any manufacturers are associated with the company. This is a good sign, as manufacturers won’t partner with a company unless they’re trustworthy and legitimate. Many have standards in place to avoid working with poorly performing companies. If you see on the company’s site that they work with a manufacturer such as Trane, it’s a sign of a good company.
Ask for Written Estimates
When it comes to estimates, a trustworthy company will give you a written estimate. AC estimates can be done both in-person and virtually. The company should take the time to learn your home’s stats and needs before giving you an estimate. Never trust a company that will give you an estimate without the proper knowledge.
Be wary of companies who don’t give you a written estimate. With no written record, they could end up charging you more than originally agreed upon. It’s best to get written proof of an estimate so that this doesn’t happen.
Companies should be upfront and transparent. If they won’t create some record of an estimate, you may end up paying more than initially expected.
Don’t be Tempted by Low Prices
Finally, a low price does not mean the best price. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. When it comes to your HVAC needs, you may need to pay a little more money for a longer-lasting system.
When a company offers you a low price, think about why they can charge that price. Do they cut corners? Use faulty or broken equipment? Not hire licensed workers? These companies may also offer a low estimate, only to later wreck your wallet with add-ons and future repairs.
If you go with the cheapest option, you may end up paying more for repairs later. Consider the rates of companies carefully and ask what determines their prices. This is not to say that you must go with the most expensive option. You could find a great deal if the company’s reviews are promising and they still offer a low rate.
Contact Champion Home Services
For a trustworthy San Antonio HVAC company, you can be assured that Champion Home Services is a sure choice. Our licensed electricians won’t cut corners, and we still offer great rates. Contact us today for an estimate!
