What Should I Look for in a Local HVAC Company Near Me?
- susan4434
- Sep 14, 2021
- 5 min read
Arkansas humidity and extreme shifts in temperature keep heating and air professionals busy fixing broken air conditioners and heaters. There are a lot of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) companies to choose from in the Northwest Arkansas area, so how do you choose the right technician for the job?
The most important question to ask when looking for a HVAC professional is who are you going to trust to get the job done correctly and safely the first time? Spending the time to research HVAC companies in your area before hiring them to do the job may save you money and time.
This article will discuss the most essential qualifications you need to look for before hiring a HVAC technician.
What to Look for in a HVAC Company?
If it is a hot day and your air conditioner is not working, you may not have the luxury of researching the HVAC service providers in your area. However, if you are short on time, it is still not a good idea to always go with the first HVAC company that shows up on an Internet search or your first recommendation from a friend.
Although an Internet search can quickly narrow down the options, it is best to use some tried and true ways to evaluate and choose a good HVAC technician.
How Long Has the Company Been Open for Business?
Nothing is wrong with hiring a new business, but make sure the HVAC professional is from the area, and has been open for at least six months. Many technicians are moving into the area because Northwest Arkansas is growing quickly and Arkansas does not require licenses for technicians.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas has been in business for 28 years. The technicians work directly for Air Control. They are not subcontracted. Air Control technicians and installers are drug tested, background checked, trained and experienced.
Do They Have Good Customer Reviews or Recommendations from Friends?
One of the best ways to find a good HVAC company is to rely on the recommendations from friends or online reviews. Companies work hard to build up reviews on Google, so it is a great idea to read the customer experiences. The number of reviews a company receives is important, but the high rating of the review is a better indicator of the quality of service. Another thing to consider is to look for testimonials from customers that have experienced similar issues you are having with your home’s air conditioner.
Reviews from friends, neighbors or colleagues are probably the most helpful and credible. More than likely, they will be glad to share their success stories, and will pass on any negative feedback as well.
Are They Licensed, Trained and Insured?
Although it is unlikely to run into an untrained technician, it is possible. Arkansas does not require technicians to have a license to practice HVAC repair or service. However, contractors are required to be licensed and have to renew the license each year.
HVAC contracting companies must receive a license from the state’s Labor and Licensing department. In order to get a license, a company has to fill out the forms and apply for board review. They are also required to take a contractor exam.
If an HVAC professional wants to become a contractor, they are required to work for at least two years, or have two years of HVAC education before applying for a license and taking the exam. The state suggests a HVAC professional have at least six months of hands-on work before applying.
If the company does not explicitly say they hire only trained service technicians, ask the HVAC technician what type of training they have had. It also a good idea to understand if they are qualified to work with electrical and refrigerant. Understanding how many years they have been working with air conditioners is also important.
There are six levels of licenses a HVAC contractor can get from the state of Arkansas. Each license must be renewed every year and continuing education is not required. If a HVAC contractor completes work that exceeds $50,000, the state may require the contractor to obtain a license, carry workers’ compensation coverage and secure a cash bond worth $10,000.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas is licensed, bonded and insured.
In Arkansas, it is common for a HVAC technician to have:
EPA certification: This shows that the technician is trained in servicing, repairing, maintaining, servicing and disposing of equipment that may release refrigerants, which contribute to ozone depletion.
NATE certification: The North American Technician Excellence certification shows that a technician is proficient in working with HVAC systems and equipment, including heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners. The NATE certification must be renewed every five years.
Additional Considerations
Additional questions to consider before hiring a HVAC professional include:
Do they have technicians available to do the job right away? In the extreme-temperature months, breakdowns of heating systems and air conditioners are so common that HVAC companies can often be booked for several days.
Do they offer after-hours support? If your air conditioner breaks down on a hot Sunday night, you might not be able to wait until Monday for HVAC service. Some companies offer 24-hour repair service, but be prepared to pay extra for after-hour jobs.
Do they provide free quotes? The problem with your air conditioner may be an easy fix or a serious repair. HVAC companies that offer free, on-site estimates give you a chance to review the repair and understand how much the work will cost and what work and parts will be required to complete the job. Some companies even offer free second opinions from the other technicians or managers at the company.
Are warranties offered? Most air conditioner manufacturers will offer a warranty on the actual air conditioning unit. But since half of getting an air conditioner installed and working requires a HVAC professional labor, the installation is not covered. In this case, some HVAC companies offer a warranty that guarantees their workmanship. Try to get some guarantee of service once any repairs are made on the unit. For example, Air Control of Northwest Arkansas supplies a one-year labor warranty on installations, whether it is a new or a replacement unit. For more information on warranties, read our blog post, Is it a good idea to get an extended warranty for HVAC repair?
Do they run specials or discounts? Because air conditioning repairs can be costly, especially for a replacement, look for a company that offers seasonal specials or discounts on equipment.
Summary
Air conditioner and heating system repairs can be a costly investment in time and money. It is worth the time to research the HVAC companies in your area to make sure they are qualified to successfully and safely complete repairs. Some things to consider when evaluating a HVAC company include:
Make sure the company has been working in the Northwest Arkansas area for a significant time, or at least six months.
Review online reviews and referrals to ensure the company has a good reputation from customers who paid for their services.
Ensure the HVAC contractor is licensed. If employing a HVAC technician that works independently, ask about their qualifications, training and experience. Ask if they have a NATE and EPA certification.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas meets and exceeds all of the qualifications discussed in this article. You can view customer testimonials on their website here: https://www.aircontrolcorp.com/service-reviews-testimonials.
Knowing that you hired a trained, licensed and reputable HVAC professional to perform service in your home will outweigh the short-term inconvenience of having a broken air conditioner or heater. It may also save you money and time in the future if the repair was not completed safely or well.
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