You know that the AC/Heat system requires regular maintenance. You also know that, eventually, repairs and replacement of parts are going to be necessary. There is also going to be a day when you will need a completely new unit installed in your Tucson home. At Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we understand your concerns, so we are transparent with our credentials. Here are some ways you can ensure that the AC/Heat company you hire is reliable:
Licensing and Insurance
All professionals who work in industries such as construction, beauty and finance must be licensed by their respective states. AC/Heat professionals are included in this requirement and must be licensed. Exact licensing requirements vary by state. Some are more stringent and bureaucratic than others. Some states also require higher fees than others, too. States instituted licensing requirements in order to protect the consumer. If something happens, there is a reference number the customer can use in order to resolve their issue. Customers can rest assured that Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing carries a license.
A reliable AC/Heat company is always licensed. They do not let it lapse. Plus, their team of technicians is also licensed. Additionally, a reliable AC/Heat company is insured. Insurance is a safety net. The worst can happen, and it is not necessarily anyone’s fault. Acts of God do happen. In those cases, and others, insurance kicks in so that no one loses. Insurance is protection all professionals carry just in case.
Certification and Awards
AC/Heat companies that are reliable hire technicians who are reliable, too. These technicians may be certified or they may be award winners. Technicians who spend time outside of work building up their skills are great professionals who take pride in their craft. Those technicians, however, can command a greater salary. A company that is willing to pay them is a company that is reliable.
Check out the company’s “About Me” page on their website. This is where you can find out if they have any special certifications as well. Since technology is evolving faster than ever, it is good to know what equipment they’re familiar with. Maybe they are certified in specialized programs like efficient homes. That means that they understand smart technology and connectivity.
The About Us section on our site touts our many accolades. We’re proud to be an award-winning company with BPI-certified professionals on staff.
Deals and Other Specials
Every company has to turn a profit in order to keep its doors open. AC/Heat units are an investment. These machines, even though technology is evolving, are still expensive. Since the units are becoming more energy efficient and tech driven, servicing them requires a specialized skillset. The more specialized a niche is, the more money it can command in fees. An AC/Heat company that is willing to balance their rates so they can turn a profit and still keep in mind what their customers can comfortably afford is reliable. Those that find a balance are good members of the community, too.
If an AC/Heat company offers special deals or discounts and you require service, there is no reason to turn down their offer. While it is true that this is a clever sales technique, you have nothing to lose. The company, however, does. It takes effort, time and money to send out a skilled technician who may not leave with a new customer, so they have to show you their best. This is a great informal interview opportunity for you. Show them your issue or concern, ask questions and then evaluate their findings. If you are in an emergency situation, you may have to go with it. If you have time to think about your next step, you can assess your experience and then make a decision.
Again, during a discounted service call, the technician has to demonstrate his knowledge, efficiency and people skills. You can see for yourself if the technician represents a reliable AC/Heat company. Did he arrive on time? Did he know what he was going to work on? Did he demonstrate that he could handle the job? Was he courteous when you asked questions? Did he answer the questions?
During the service, you can see how the technician works. You should focus on whether or not he is efficient. He should not work so quickly that he could miss something. He should not work so slow that you could incur additional fees due to extra labor hours. Basically, you are trying to figure out if this is an honest company. An honest company is usually reliable because its profits come from return customers, not one-offs. Repeat business allows a shop to better schedule their technicians. This affords them the opportunity to maximize their team’s schedule as well as their skillset. Then, when an emergency pops up, those can be handled in a timely manner, too.
In industries that are consumer-facing, technicians who are outstanding at their craft deal with basic customer questions on an almost daily basis. Their challenge is to continue to explain basic but important information to their customers in a manner that gets the most important points across without being too technical.
References
This is the digital era. At least 80% of consumers will conduct an online search before purchasing a product or signing up for a service. When searching for an AC/Heat company, you are very likely to find numerous results for one in your area. As you go through the results the search engine displays, visit the candidate’s website.
Most companies know that today they must have an online presence. A website is a salesman that works for them around the clock, so it has to provide you with basic information at the least. Do their services extend to your AC/Heat system? Do they offer emergency services? What services do they offer? Everything should be spelled out for you upfront. Their contact info should be prominently displayed for those who have more specialized questions. This info should also be easy to find.
On their website, what customers are saying about them should also be displayed in some format or another. Every company displays customer reviews and comments in a different manner, but nonetheless, there should be something. This helps legitimize their company. It also demonstrates that they have a roster of customers who are willing to vouch for them. It is true that only the positive reviews and comments are going to be displayed, but there are companies that only have happy customers.
To help you fact check the reviews and comments, you can ask for references. Asking for references is a good habit to get into anyway. This is when your network comes in handy. Customers can read the many positive reviews that Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has received under “Testimonials” on our site.
To see why we at Rite Way Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a reliable AC/Heat company in Tucson, give us a call to schedule an appointment today. The comprehensive services we offer cover cooling, heating and plumbing systems.