As we move into the warmer seasons and the humid part of the year in California, there is one thing no residents can live without – air conditioning. Your home’s HVAC system is the most valued and may be one the more expensive systems used for the house on an everyday basis. Whether something goes wrong, you can’t get your AC to kick on or shut off, or you just need some general maintenance on your unit – you need to find the best AC company to handle your needs.
While we all can wish for universal heat and air to continually work to their full potential and never break down, that is not reality. Until that happens, California residents must stay on top of their HVAC systems to ensure they work correctly and remain well-maintained. To keep your home or business warm in the cooler months and cool during the Summer – you will want to find an HVAC company in Los Angeles you can rely on, and there are a few things you will want to consider when vetting your options.
Research Reviews and References
We live in a digital world that is constantly changing and advancing, and this is something every consumer can use to their advantage. When searching for the perfect HVAC company, you must turn to Google or any other prominent search engine to get started. Once you have developed a pool of businesses to choose from, you can further narrow down your initial findings through first-hand accounts and experiences. Reviews are meant to serve future customers in making decisions about the goods or services they are considering.
Evaluating previous customer reviews will help to provide more information about each company you are looking into, and it will also help to offer perspective about the services they offer. The more homework you commit to, the better off you will be, and once you locate the best heating and cooling business for your needs, you won’t have to worry about continuing this cycle of research. You can even take things a few steps further, you can reach out to the business you are considering and ask for references as well. This will help you dig deeper into the company you may be dealing with.
Licensing & Insurance is a Non-Negotiable
If there is one thing you can never be too thorough with, it is confirming your HVAC company’s licensing and insurance information. California requires all HVAC companies to be fully licensed and carry minimum coverage insurance for any kind of heating and cooling work done in a residence or commercial property. It is unlikely that you would want a lawyer to represent you that didn’t go to law school, and you wouldn’t want a diagnosis from a doctor that wasn’t licensed to practice – HVAC services are no different.
Once you have finally narrowed down your search, you can begin reaching out to companies directly and ask for their license and insurance information. You can verify their license online through county and government websites. Be sure to review their insurance carefully to ensure they are carrying valid and viable insurance. Any legitimate HVAC company will be more than willing to provide you with all the necessary information.
Ask About Warranties
A warranty protects you, the home or business owner when you complete a new product or service. Warranties are meant to defend the consumer and their wallets. If you need a new air conditioner unit installed because your previous one broke down, and you hire an HVAC business to come out and complete the installation only to have that brand new AC system crap out on you a few months later – where do you turn?
This is where you can rely on a warranty. Any reputable HVAC company will have a fair warranty policy to serve its clients. You will want to review the warranty for labor, installation, repair, replacement, etc. Every project will be different, and you want to avoid paying for something and then having to relive the same situation because you weren’t sure whether or not the company you were working with offered a warranty on the product and service.
Check Financing Opportunities
When selecting an HVAC company, it’s advisable to check if they offer financing solutions. Choosing a contractor that provides HVAC financing to customers can offer numerous benefits for your investment. Firstly, it allows you to manage the upfront costs, making high-quality systems more accessible. Additionally, financing provides flexibility in payment, enabling you to spread the expenses over a period that suits your budget. This can be particularly advantageous for comprehensive HVAC upgrades or installations. Moreover, by securing financing through your contractor, you streamline the process, as they have a vested interest in your satisfaction. It’s a strategic move that not only ensures financial convenience but also establishes a partnership geared towards the long-term performance of your HVAC system.
Get Everything in Writing
Having things in writing avoids unnecessary confusion, misunderstandings, and possible disagreements. Before you choose to move forward with scheduling HVAC services, you must request an itemized invoice or contract. It is a major red flag if your contractor is unwilling to provide that.
Documents and contracts are legally binding and meant to protect both parties involved in the signing. If your HVAC company is not offering up some sort of contract for services, it is a reason for pause. You should fully understand the services being provided, an itemized list of any materials required, the business’s information, permits required, payment information and options, and warranty information. However, you shouldn’t begin signing anything without obtaining estimates.
Request a Free Estimate
Requesting a free estimate is the best way to understand your HVAC service pricing. Your estimate assists in giving you an accurate idea of what is required for your scheduled service and what to expect from your technicians. Universal Heating and Air provides a complimentary assessment and full consultation for any and all of your HVAC needs in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities.
Universal HVAC technicians are wholly dedicated to providing everything you need and changing how residents and commercial customers experience heating and cooling emergencies, repairs, maintenance, and installation. With Universal HVAC, you can count on licensed, bonded, and insured technicians with decades of experience and highly skilled craftsmanship. Don’t let your heating and cooling repairs get you down, and don’t allow your regularly scheduled AC maintenance to stress you out – whatever it is you may need, you can take control of your HVAC systems, and you have the power to work with transparent, reliable and experienced contractors!
