Your home’s HVAC system is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home and your family’s comfort. You want professional service you can trust when it comes to your home. Ernst Heating & Cooling of Hamel understands. How can you be sure the HVAC company you hire gives you the best care and service? The following red flags should have you running in the opposite direction.
Red flag 1: Lack of insurance
Accidents happen. You may face an expensive scenario if your HVAC company does not have insurance. If an uninsured HVAC technician is injured on the job at your home, you could be responsible for medical bills and legal fees. You could also be on the hook for any property damage during a service visit. Ask to see a prospective HVAC company’s certificate of insurance. If they refuse to share the document or say they don’t carry insurance, move on to the next name on your list.
Red flag 2: Abnormally low prices
We understand – you work hard for your money and want to get the most out of that for which you are paying. But if a price seems too good to be true, listen to your gut. Advertisements may list big deals, but the fine print soon reveals additional fees and add-ons that hike the price. Low prices may also mean bare-bones service that doesn’t include service agreements or warranties. That great deal can quickly wind up costing more than you expected. Compare prices around town to determine the going rate for specific services. If a company’s rate is dramatically lower, ask yourself why.
Red flag 3: Requiring payment upfront
Beware of contractors who request payment upfront or demand payment in cash. It’s not unusual for HVAC companies to require a down payment of 20% to 30% on a large job, such as an HVAC installation. Many companies, like Ernst Heating & Cooling, offer special financing that you can apply for to help you pay for the new equipment. Reputable HVAC companies also work with contracts that list the scope and cost of the work.
Red flag 4: No reviews or bad reviews
Reputable HVAC companies work hard to earn good reviews. A quick Google search can show online reviews from verified customers. Look for a company whose owner takes the time to respond to reviews and fix any issues that may have come up during a service visit.
Red flag 5: A one-person show
We support small businesses and understand that some industry models are an excellent fit for solo practices. However, if your A/C goes out during a heat wave, you want a company that can fix your problem as soon as possible. Look for a business that offers 24/7 emergency service, even on weekends and holidays.
Ernst Heating & Cooling understands the importance of outstanding service and takes pride in our trained HVAC technicians and over 70 years of experience. You deserve an HVAC company you can trust. Call us at 618.217.1836 or schedule an appointment online if your HVAC company search is too many red flags.