Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Bartlesville. Your AC will need to be prepped for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to have an AC repair professional identified and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any troubles surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be ideal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and have confidence that they’ll do an acceptable job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate situation. We don’t want to leave you sweating a crooked repairman or the heat so the team at Farris Heating & Air has some cautionary signs to watch out for that let you know you may be dealing with an unreliable company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work
A reputable company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company asking for payment prior to starting work should set off the alarm bells. Another demand of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to problems down the road having your problem fixed properly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Before Inspection
A technician may have an inkling 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. Choose 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 it doesn’t count unless it’s in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the job and charges into writing, don’t have confidence in them to complete the work. By getting a signed contract prior to work beginning you’re making certain that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unexpected costs after your repair is completed.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can easily search online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you are living in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re safeguarding yourself from a company that uses untrained workers. And any complaints or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you find a company that is operating without a license, there’s almost certainly a reason for that and you’ll want look elsewhere.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a trusted AC repair technician in the Bartlesville area. The pros at Farris Heating & Air are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 918-333-0376 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.