It’s time to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in York. Your AC will need to be prepped for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional identified and properly vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be nice if you could just choose the first number out of the phone book and have confidence that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances. We don’t want to leave you sweating a sketchy repairman or the heat so the team at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning has some warning signs to watch out for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work
A reputable company will provide you with an estimate prior to beginning any work. Any company asking for payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another request of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed accurately or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Ahead of Inspection
A technician may have an educated guess of what is going wrong with your air conditioner over a phone call, but they won’t know for sure until they have actually inspected your system. Look for 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 you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the work and charges into writing, don’t have faith in them to complete the work. By getting a signed contract preceding the work you’re guaranteeing 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 a great number of them do. You can find out online and see if licenses are required where you live. If you reside in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re protecting yourself from a company that uses untrained workers. And any grievances or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you encounter a company that is operating without a license, there’s most likely 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 credible AC repair technician in the York area. The pros at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to get the project done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 717-383-4479 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.