One of our followers on social media recently asked us an excellent question: “How to know who to trust?” What an excellent question. How can you choose a trustworthy HVAC company when there are so many rip-offs, scammers and unethical technicians. Even if the company they represent is well known and ethical, the technician may not be.
Go with your gut:
If it sounds too expensive, or if what the tech is saying doesn’t make sense or if they are speaking in technical jargon meant to confuse you or intimidate you, or if it just feels wrong, wait! First call around and ask if the procedure the tech is mentioning should cost that much, and ask other companies to check your equipment to make certain the work is necessary. If something doesn’t feel right, take your time and if they try to pressure you, walk away.
Beware of Red Flags:
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- High-pressure sales tactics: If a technician tries to rush your decision, this is a major red flag.
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- Unwillingness to provide detailed estimates: A reputable company will give you a clear, written estimate for the work, including costs for labor and materials. If they will not write on paper what the problem is or the parts needed, and only write “for services rendered” or something similar, they may have something to hide.
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- Insufficient examination of your system: A thorough HVAC check requires more than just a quick glance. If the technician isn’t spending adequate time inspecting your system, be wary.
Request Multiple Quotes:
Don’t settle on the first company you contact. Obtain at least three quotes from different HVAC companies. This allows you to compare pricing and get a sense of what services should be included.
Always check for licensing and certification:
Ensure the HVAC company is properly licensed and displaying their license number, bonded, and insured in Iowa. Their license number should be easy to find, on their business cards, on their website, etc.
Check certification
Verify the technicians are certified by organizations like the Iowa Department of Licensing or the North American Technician Excellence (NATE).
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Look for reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Consistent positive feedback is a good indicator of a company’s reliability. Be cautious of companies with a significant number of negative reviews or unresolved complaints.
Ask for Personal Recommendations
Ask friends, family, colleagues and neighbors for recommendations. Personal experiences from people you trust can be even more reliable than online reviews.
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- Check Their Experience: Inquire about how long the company has been in business. A company with a long history in the community is generally a safer bet.
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- Ask About Their Process: A reputable company should be transparent about the process they follow for inspections and repairs. Ask them to explain how they diagnose issues and how they plan to fix them.
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- Get Everything in Writing: Before any work begins, get a written agreement outlining the scope of work, the cost, and the timeline. This protects you from unexpected charges or incomplete work.
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- Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or the company doesn’t seem trustworthy, it’s better to walk away. Trust your gut feelings when assessing the professionalism and transparency of the company.
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- Look for Industry Affiliations: Companies affiliated with industry organizations, such as ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) or the BBB, tend to adhere to higher standards of business practice.
Taking these precautions can make it easier to select an HVAC company that is reliable, honest, and capable of providing the services you need while reducing the risk of being scammed.
Do you have a heating or cooling question? Would you like a quote on services and parts? Give us a call or send us an email.
When your HVAC technician tells you “You have a clear case of Thermal Recirculation Loop Misalignment caused by an Inverse Condensation Deflector Dysfunction resulting in Electromagnetic Refrigerant Feedback Interference. There’s no rush, but if we don’t install install a new Heat Extraction Anti-Freeze Coil Deionization Unit your house will blow up.” It’s probably time to call around!