If you currently use an HVAC company you are unhappy with, unfortunately you probably have firsthand knowledge of unacceptable service or a dissatisfaction with your climate control system.
Rest assured, it does not have to be that way. Not all HVAC companies have been created equal and you can choose a company that will provide topnotch service and install quality equipment to match your needs. Let’s look at how to choose an HVAC company that can provide you with the services you deserve.
How to choose an HVAC company: Resist the temptation of solely basing your choice on an online search
Living in an instant world with information at our fingertips, many make purchases by picking the first product that pops up on an online search. While sometimes consumers get lucky with that approach, do you really want to trust such a large investment to a cursory review without a more in depth vetting of a company’s reputation? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were an estimated 274,680, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the U.S. in 2015. Here are some measures you can take to make sure you get a first-rate HVAC company.
The 3 R’s – Reliable, References & Referrals
Obtaining references from reliable sources is critical when you are deliberating on how to choose an HVAC company. Certainly, you will want to talk to the prospective HVAC company’s customers and clients, but you need to make sure the references they provide give you useful information for your evaluation. When looking for referrals, check what type of work the HVAC company performed to see how relevant it is to your project.
Speaking to other property management companies or business owners is advisable when mulling how to choose an HVAC company. Check with friends, who have experience dealing with commercial HVAC contractors. An HVAC company in NYC with an large established customer base probably also has a strong reputation.
Review credible online ratings. Each year, the Better Business Bureau is flooded with inquiries and complaints against HVAC service companies. Check with the Better Bureau to ensure there are not a large number of complaints against your prospective contractor and look to see if complaints have been resolved.
Learn more about switching HVAC providers:
Contract Confidence: Transitioning to a New HVAC Service Provider.
Visibility
Besides the “V” for ventilation in HVAC, there is another important “V,” when deciding how to choose an HVAC company.
Visibility is another significant factor to consider when assessing how to choose an HVAC company. Do you see the company’s trucks routinely in your neighborhood? If you do, that is a good sign that the company is experienced working with local businesses and has adequate personnel in your area to service your needs. It also is an indication that you will receive a rapid response time during an emergency.
Appearance
When pondering how to choose an HVAC company, take note of appearances.
Look for a company which is staffed by technicians who convey a professional appearance including tidy uniforms, ID badges, a familiar logo and well-maintained trucks. If a company cares about its public appearance, it is a sign that it hires personnel that are reliable and trustworthy. You should feel free to ask if the company completes employee background checks.
Also, make sure the company you hire has an office or a shop facility you can visit. It is an indication that it is not a fly-by-night business and a company that intends on staying in business.
Training
Training credentials are critical when contemplating how to choose an HVAC company.
If you are calling your current contractor all too frequently for repairs, the problem could lie with the company’s technicians. Possibly, they are not receiving ongoing training, which could impede their ability to correctly diagnose your HVAC problems. HVAC repair is becoming more complicated as more and more vendors move to proprietary technology.
Though a specific license is not legally required in New York for HVAC repair, look for a company that cares about its commitment to professionalism enough to require its employees to seek HVAC industry certifications. When considering how to choose an HVAC company, check to see if the technicians employed at the company have earned certifications.
These certifications include the MSCA (Mechanical Service Contractors of America) STAR certification; the North American Technical Excellence certification and the EPA 608 certification.
More do’s & don’ts when weighing how to choose an HVAC company
DO:
- Do ask for proof that your contractor has proper insurance in the event property damage occurs.
- Do ask for a detailed written estimate before your HVAC work moves forward.
- Do verify certifications and professional HVAC organization memberships.
- Do ask for estimates from contractors, but be wary of a contractor who submits an estimate far lower than others. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges. Find out more about choosing a vendor based on price: HVAC Service Contracts: Controlling Time, Quality & Cost
- Do think twice about a contractor who steers you away from the latest and greatest technology. Less qualified companies may not keep their employees current with training.
DON’T:
- Don’t hire an HVAC company that gives you an estimate over the phone without a site visit.
- Don’t stick with an HVAC contractor who does not properly assess your comfort issues.
- Don’t continue with a contractor who needs repeated visits to fix the same problem or takes too long to get parts.
- Don’t remain with a contractor who misses or is regularly late for appointments.
- Don’t stay with a contractor who fails to complete routine maintenance if you have a preventative maintenance contract.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when you are mulling how to choose an HVAC company. Isn’t a comfort to know that there is a local HVAC service that can match the qualifications you would expect a topnotch contractor to possess and can fill all your HVAC needs?
Arista Air has been serving commercial and residential HVAC needs in the NYC area for more than 60 years and this longevity is an important factor when contemplating how to choose an HVAC company. Arista’s technicians are MSCA STAR certified, which is one of the most stringent and highly regarded certification programs.
Learn more about vetting qualifications: Your Hairdresser Has More Licensing Than Your NYC HVAC Vendor
Arista doesn’t stop its training with the certification of its techs. Its technicians also participate in a 3-month curriculum program annually. For 2 to 3 hours every week, they attend classes in Arista’s training center. At these classes electrical skills, piping, new technology, customer service skills and a variety of other topics are covered and this continuous training is important for you to consider when you’re thinking about how to choose an HVAC company.
Arista takes training so seriously that it also regularly provides workshops that the techs can attend based on their interests. The techs progress is monitored through the use of Smartboards and interactive software. If you started the process of how to choose an HVAC company, doesn’t it make sense to go with a company that makes training a priority? Arista can handle all your HVAC needs efficiently and serves all of its customers with a great deal of care and pride.
Learn more: HVAC Repair in NYC: Does Your Tech Get Enough Training?