4 Tips for Finding the Right AC Repair Company Near You

Every homeowner should have a qualified AC repair company on speed dial, so you can get a damaged or malfunctioning air conditioning system running again as quickly as possible. This will ensure your home is cool and comfortable during summertime, no matter the age or condition of your home’s AC unit.

While it’s vital that you have a qualified AC repair company available to service or replace your home’s air conditioner when needed, choosing a reputable air conditioning contractor is often more challenging than many people realize. To help you find the right AC repair company for your home, check out these 5 tips every homeowner should consider and discuss any of these with an air conditioning company as needed.

1. An AC Repair Company Should Come to You

There are some everyday repairs to a home’s air conditioner that might be estimated over the phone. For example, if you know your residential AC unit needs a new belt between two moving parts or you can see a refrigerant leak from outside the compressor, a technician might offer a quote for those repairs over the phone.

However, most air conditioner repair work requires an in-person inspection before a technician can offer a valid quote. He or she often needs to inspect the compressor, drain hoses, wiring, connections, fan, motor, bearings, and other parts in order to pinpoint needed repairs.

An air conditioning repair technician will also typically need to note the age and overall condition of corresponding parts, such as those belts between moving parts, the grille around the compressor, electrical wiring, the home’s thermostat, and the like. Those parts might also have suffered damage and will then need repair or replacing, and a qualified technician will insist on inspecting them in person before giving you an estimate.

2. Note an Air Conditioner Repair Company Hours

Not every repair conditioner company will have late hours or weekend appointments, but many if not most reputable companies will accommodate emergency calls and offer 24-hour air conditioner repairs. This is a vital consideration, especially if you live in excessively hot and humid climates where your home’s air conditioner might run 24 hours every day!

Not only will excessive use of your home’s air conditioner often result in more frequent breakdowns but homes in tropical or excessively hot areas might need an air conditioner repair quickly, even after normal business hours, to ensure everyone’s comfort. An overly hot or humid interior space can interfere with proper sleep and you especially don’t want to wait several days for a repair technician to simply inspect your home’s air conditioner.

When choosing an air conditioning repair company near you, note if they offer 24-hour emergency repair calls. Opting for a company with expanded business hours and emergency services can mean having your home’s AC unit functioning again quickly even if it should give out in the middle of the night!

3. Local Air Conditioning Companies Near You Are Best!

One reason to choose locally owned and operated air conditioning companies near you, versus out-of-state franchises, is that smaller companies are often very concerned with their local reputation. The owner of a small company might “go the extra mile” to ensure customer satisfaction, as they rely on local online reviews and even word-of-mouth between neighbors for their next customer.

Local air conditioning contractors near you might also be more familiar with area weather conditions that put added stress on home AC systems, including excessive humidity during certain times of the year, winter weather than dries out belts and drain lines, and the like. He or she can then make quick work of pinpointing needed repairs and will ensure that your AC unit is functioning again in no time!

It’s also good to consider that supporting locally owned and operated air conditioning companies also means supporting your local economy. A local AC company will be more likely to hire your neighbors for things like office work, website development, and similar jobs that might otherwise go to out-of-state or even overseas workers! Hiring local companies means keeping your dollars in your own neighborhood, which is good for you and for your neighbors!

4. Check Their Warranties and Guarantees

Most, if not all air conditioning repair companies will offer a warranty or guarantee for their work and the products they use for repairs and replacement. However, not all warranties and guarantees are alike! It’s a good idea to examine those promises carefully and note what’s covered and for how long, as this will tell you something about the quality of work and parts you can expect from an AC company.

For example, an air conditioning company that offers a 30-day warranty might not be as reputable and reliable as one that offers a full one-year or even two-year warranty on parts or labor. Companies that offer service agreements with new installations are also typically more reputable, as a full one-year agreement means that they believe in the quality of their work!

A homeowner can typically find all the information needed about warranties and guarantees on an air conditioning repair company website, or ask about it when you make a call for an estimate. Note the parts and labor covered and the length of coverage, and this will tell you all you need to know about the quality of work you can expect from an AC repair company!

One bonus tip to keep in mind is that it’s good to hire an air conditioning company that specializes in heating and cooling rather than assuming a general contractor will suffice. Many of today’s HVAC systems are complicated and require specialized knowledge and skills, as well as particular tools, to repair properly. A general contractor or “handyman” might not have the needed know-how or even the right equipment to address issues with your residential or commercial HVAC system.

Keep these tips in mind when you’re in the market for an AC repair company near you. If you do, you’re sure to find a company and contractor who can make quick work of fixing your AC unit and getting your home cool and comfortable once again!