Things to Keep in Mind Before Signing on the Dotted Line
When you apply for a new job, the interview is an important part of the process. The company will ask all sorts of questions about your background, your qualifications and why you’re the right person for the job. As a homeowner, you should be doing the same for every home service company you plan to work with. This includes companies for plumbing, electrical and, in this case, heating and cooling.
Before hiring a new HVAC company in Thousand Palms and the surrounding areas, there are certain things you need to know. It doesn’t matter whether you find the answers by reading through the company’s website or asking a company representative over the phone. What matters is that you know the answers before committing to any type of work.
- What are your credentials?
First and foremost, you need to ensure the company you’re working with is fully licensed, insured and certified to perform the necessary work. Otherwise, you’re exposing yourself to a great deal of liability and financial risk. If an uninsured contractor gets injured on your property, you can be held liable for the injured worker’s medical bills and lost wages. If an unlicensed company makes a huge error on the job that results in a fire or other catastrophe, you could ultimately be held liable. Working with a licensed company not only minimizes your risk, but also speaks to the company’s capabilities. To earn an HVAC license in California, you need to attend an HVAC educational program, complete on-the-job training and acquire at least four years of professional experience. Make it your top priority to work with only reputable companies that will abide by the law and do the job right. - How long has the company been in business?
Has the company been around for25 years or two? While we’re not trying to discriminate against newcomers, there’s no question that the longer you’ve been in business, the more likely you are to be a reputable and reliable company. - What brands do you carry?
Just like cars, everyone has their preferences when it comes to HVAC brands. Ask the company which manufacturers they partner with. Are they established brands you’ve heard of before? Once you know the brands the company carries, look up online reviews of the manufacturing company’s products. At Timo’s, we partner with Trane because it’s the brand we trust in our own homes. - Are your technicians NATE-certified?
You’ve proven your stuff if you’re a North American Technician Excellence (NATE)-certified technician. This certification is the gold star within the heating and cooling industry. If your technician is NATE-certified, you know he or she has undergone rigorous testing to develop critical on-the-job skills. We recently covered the five major benefits of choosing NATE-certified technicians. - Do you provide free estimates?
You should know upfront how much you’ll be paying down the road. If you’re ready to replace your heater or air conditioner, double-check to ensure the company offers free estimates for new system replacements. - Do you extend tax credit and rebate opportunities to your customers?
If you want to save even more money, partner with a company that can help you take advantage of available rebates and tax credits. The right partner will inform you of these opportunities and walk you through the process of cashing in for making energy-efficient upgrades in your home. - Do you offer a maintenance program?
Remembering to schedule maintenance tune-ups is easier said than done. That’s why it’s better to work with a company that offers a maintenance program with membership perks, such as scheduling reminders, repair discounts and more. An established program like our Advantage Plan will help you stay on top of seasonal maintenance and save more money over time. When you hire a new HVAC company, the best-case scenario is finding a service partner for the long haul. Keeping your equipment in top condition through your membership maintains not only your equipment, but the valuable and trusted relationship you have with the company.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
For more than 20 years, we’ve been earning our customers’ trust by working with honesty and transparency. Whether we’re providing AC repair or installing a new system in your home, we do everything in our power to make you feel at ease and confident that you’ve made the right call by choosing our NATE-certified technicians. If there’s anything about our company you’d like to know, ask away! You can connect with us by contacting us online or calling us at 760.475.9542.
