Bad weather is simply a fact of life, and may be the reason you hire a HVAC contractor. It can happen anytime, and most homeowners will be intimately familiar with the sort of damage a severe weather event can cause. Property damage can be caused by hail, heavy rain, wind, snow, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. That damage can affect landscaping, windows, doors and door frames, and siding.

Outdoor heating and cooling equipment is also in danger of damage when severe weather strikes. When extreme weather strikes systems can fail due to shifting out of position and even falling. This causes damage to refrigerant lines and electrical systems. Even if the system does not come loose from its secure placement it can still become clogged with mud and debris. This requires immediate attention in order to ensure that the system performs adequately.

Working with HVAC systems can be complex – and potentially dangerous. No HVAC system beginner should attempt to work on these systems until they have been examined and cleared by a professional heating and cooling technician. The challenge is which company to select to do that inspection. Unfortunately, all it takes is a truck with the appropriate signage for many people to claim they are qualified technicians. Many of these individuals are poorly trained, and allowing them access to your HVAC system could very well make matters worse – and there are always the twin dangers of the ‘technician’ overcharging you – and then disappearing.

This sort of situation tends to become more prevalent after severe weather events. In order to avoid the expensive mistake of selecting the wrong service provider, ask these six questions before you hire a professional heating and cooling contractor.

1.Do you have the required insurance, licensing, and certifications?

Almost all States have stringent requirements when it comes to insurance and the licenses required by the legitimate HVAC contractor. These are essential, not only do they ensure that the job will be done professionally, but they will also provide you with peace of mind. These documents ensure that the contractor that you are dealing with has employees that have the correct training – and that you are covered should anything go wrong while they are attending to your HVAC system. Contractors with extra ACE certification are much more likely to provide exceptional service.

2.Tell me about your Experience as an HVAC Contractor

A company that has been in business for decades is not always the best at what they do – but it’s a pretty good indication that they have a wealth of experience. The mere fact that they have managed to stay in business in a highly competitive sector shows that they have established a great reputation. After all, this is a business that relies to a large extent on word of mouth to attract new clients. Spend some time investigating the company you are thinking about hiring. The Internet has a wealth of information – including some exceptional third-party review sites that will provide information to verify if the company actually is as experienced as they say. Google the company – it only takes minutes.

If you want to really get to know the company, ask them for contactable references. Have a chat with some past customers to get their opinion of the service they were provided.

Ask these sorts of questions:

• Was the job finished on time?
• Were you comfortable with the levels of professionalism shown?
• Did the final bill match the estimate?
• Were you able to speak to a person, rather than a machine when calling the contractor?

3.Do HVAC contractors undergo drug tests – and has a background check been run on technicians?

Any homeowner will want the reassurance that he or she is dealing with clean, sober, and reliable company representatives, after all these technicians will be in your home with your family members. Ensure that the contractor has performed all the checks required (including drug testing) when they take onboard new employees.

4.Are you able to Assess the Entire Home HVAC System?

Really severe weather can damage an HVAC system beyond repair – and in these cases, a replacement will be required. However, it’s not as simple as merely switching out one furnace and aircon for another. Your HVAC system is built for your comfort and it can only operate effectively if all the components are matched and operating in sync. For instance, an HVAC system can only be effective if it is matched to properly functioning ductwork.

So before you hire your HVAC contractor as these simple questions:

• Do you offer a heat loss and gain evaluation as part of your service?
• Will you analyze the home’s insulation levels and test for air leaks?
• Will you be evaluating the duct system to ensure correct sizing and/or configuration?

5.Will you Provide a Written estimate?

An itemized estimate is essential – and make sure that you get that estimate in writing. It is the only way that you will be able to compare the offering of one HVAC contractor with another. The ideal company will provide a free estimate and one that is comprehensive so that you don’t suffer any nasty shocks when it comes time to settle the bill. Ask whether the company charges per hour or a lump sum on completion of the job. Always remember that the lowest estimate does not always mean that you will be getting the best service – if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Any contractor that supplies a quote that is far cheaper than the competition is going to have to cut corners somewhere, or present you with a bill that reveals a list of costs that you were simply not aware of.

6.Are there any Special Discounts available?

Getting an HVAC system back in working order after severe weather can be an expensive business. Make sure to ask your chosen contractor about any discounts that they have available when replacing or repairing your HVAC system. Your contractor may also offer leasing and finance options – which can be a great way of lessening the impact of any repair or replacement on your bank account.

Why Choose My AC Repair Orlando?

If you are in search of an HVAC contractor that can restore your HVAC system to full working order after a natural disaster, then this national company with the small town heart may be for you. The combination of world-class service, attention to detail, and a focus on customers helps My AC Repair Orlando stay ahead of the competition. Combine these with a reputation for great prices, great results, and sky-high levels of customer satisfaction and you have a company that will go the extra mile to leave you with a smile on your face. If you need professionals to inspect or repair your HVAC system reach out today.