When it comes to your house, you want to ensure things go smoothly. Choosing the right contractor to carry out work on your HVAC system in your home can be difficult, stressful, and if something goes wrong, expensive.
One of the most important things to do when choosing an HVAC company is to research.
In the sea of searching, it may be difficult to notice qualities that companies have that will be best for your needs.
While everything a company says may sound good, there are some red flags worth looking out for when making a decision.
Long Wait Times
We've all been there. The one thing we need, breaks suddenly.
HVAC problems can be sudden and serious such as heating issues in the winter. What do you do?
As a customer, you want a long-term relationship because you want to ensure quality. You need someone to be there when you need it. The last think you need is to wait all day for the services you require.
It's important to find a company that prioritizes you as a customer. Fast emergency service windows and working around your schedule gives you the flexibility, but the security to know you'll have the services when you need them most.
Poor Reviews and Photos
An online presence is important for many people. Reviews and photos are a good indication of the service you’ll end up receiving.
No one company is perfect, so generally a few negative reviews can be expected. However, a large number of negative reviews is a red flag.
What‘s important to differentiate one company from another is what they do when the customer is displeased. Companies that provide a money-back guarantee for any poor quality of work shows that they are both confident in their skills.
It indicates they are focused on making you happy and creating a long-term partnership between you two.
No Established Reputation
People want to know that companies will be there when they need them.
Without an established reputation, you have no guarantee how long they will be around or how reliable they are.
Companies with long histories and numerous awards provides a solid foundation and a reliable reference for their services.
You can count on companies to be there for you in the years to come.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
No one should feel pressured to buy something. High-pressure sales tactics can make customers feel like the only option they have to end a stressful situation is to say yes.
If the HVAC company you’re considering is using these tactics to sell you their services, they may not be the company for you.
A few of the main high-pressure tactics are:
- Endless chatter
- Limited Time Offers
- Emotional Manipulation
When it comes to solutions to your problems, there’s never just one way. Don’t feel pressured by a company to solve it a certain way.
You should always look to explore options and figure out together what works best for you.
Lack of Transparency
The best way to know if a company is right for you is often through referrals.
But be careful when using online referrals. There is a growing number of referral businesses that exist solely to acquire customer leads and funnel them to various other service companies for a fee. “Fake” referrals that have led you to finding a company you’ve never heard about doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best service.
The best referral is from someone you know or who has an active local presence. Everyone knows the best kind of service is the “I know a guy” kind of service. You know the company that’s recommended will deliver what you need, with business transparency.
With any business transparency between client and the company is key.
By definition, business transparency is clear, unhindered honesty in the way they do business. It is a lack of hidden agendas.
A transparent company with an active local presence will have your best interest in mind.
Bottom-Barrel Pricing
Most companies like to say they have the best pricing out there.
But when you’re looking into several companies regarding one service and you find an unusually low price, it might not be best to go with them.
If all a company wants is to earn a quick buck, you’re not going to get quality work.
When it comes to certain things, the cheapest option out there is often not the one you need.
You often get what you pay for.
Included in every HVAC cost:
- the price in your invoice accounts for the company’s licensing,
- insurance,
- equipment, etc.
If the price is too low, something is missing.
Ultimately the choice is up to you, but don’t rush through your decision without researching first.
