It’s time to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in Des Moines. Your AC will need to be ready for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a wise idea to have an AC repair professional selected and suitably vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and be assured that they’ll do a satisfactory job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate situation. We don’t want to leave you sweating a shady repairman or the heat so the team at Heartland Heating & Cooling has some red flags to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate prior to beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work should set off the alarm bells. Another request of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to problems down the road having your problem fixed properly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Before Inspection
A technician may have an idea of what is going wrong with your air conditioner over a phone call, but they won’t know for certain until they have actually inspected your system. Choose a company that will provide you with an estimate only after conducting an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve viewed 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 labor and charges into writing, don’t have faith in them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re making certain that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unanticipated costs following the completion of your repair.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but most 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 safeguarding 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 usually 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 dependable AC repair technician in the Des Moines area. The pros at Heartland Heating & Cooling are ready to get the job done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 515-344-3579 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.