How to find a local Air Conditioning and Heating Repair & Service Contractor

How to find a local Air Conditioning and Heating Repair & Service Contractor.

Why Cheap Isn't Cheap - If you have a problem with your air conditioning or heating system you may get advice from acquaintances who suggest someone who does work for a very cheap price. Perhaps this person is a friend of a friend or someone who does the work in their spare time. Take our advice and think very carefully before you let just anyone work on your system. There was a time when you could pull your car under the shade of a tree and almost anyone with mechanical skills could repair it for you. This also used to be true of air conditioning equipment. With today's equipment this is no longer the case. If your air conditioner or heater breaks down you need the services of licensed contractor who has the knowledge, proper tools and equipment, access to the proper parts, and most importantly the experience to do the job right the first time and not leave you in worse shape that when you started. Improper installation and start up can result in early system failure and cause the need for additional maintenance throughout the life of the equipment.

1) Licensed, Insured and Bonded - Make sure any contractor you consider is licensed in the state for the work which you require them to perform. Contractors are required to take tests to prove they have the skills to do the type of work for which they are licensed. Also make sure they carry the proper insurance, including workers compensation and are bonded to insure against damages to your home and property.

2) Make Sure They are Listed - Get a business address and telephone number. Reputable companies will be happy to give out this information. If they don't have a valid business address and proper contact information then they are likely to be gone when warrantee repairs need to be done.

3) Make Sure they Have an EPA License - Make sure any company you deal with has the proper EPA license for the equipment they are servicing. An EPA license is different than a state license and is required to handle refrigerants and to make sure that they are not contaminated and are properly disposed of when removed. (Air Conditioning only)

4) Consider their Business History - When dealing with a contractor ask how long they have been in business. Especially in a smaller community businesses that have been around a while are generally more honest, better trained, and have a reputation for keeping their customers satisfied.

5) Require the Proper Recycling Equipment - Ask what type of recovery system they use for refrigerants. A reputable contractor uses a recycle recovery machine to reclaim any refrigerant which must be removed from the system saving you money and protecting the environment from harmful refrigerants. (Air Conditioning only)

6) Require the Proper Heater Testing Equipment - Ask what type of carbon monoxide detection device they use to determine the safety of your heating system. A reputable service person will use a high quality detection system able to read carbon monoxide or CO down to 1 part per million. (Heating only)

7) Don't be afraid to ask for references. You can also ask friends and family members if they have a company they are happy with but remember to apply the above criteria before making a final decision.

8) Call the Better Business Bureau for a Report. If the company has a complaint on file or they have multiple complaints ask if the percentage of complaints are higher or lower that usual. 1-3 percent of jobs in this field result in a complaint so if the company does hundreds of jobs and only has one or two complaints they may still be acceptable.

9) Check with Local Officials - Check with the building inspector in the area to ask if the company is reputable.

Company Profile of The Pipe Doctor Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning located in Woodmere, NY - Our Mission - Since 1999 we have been providing prompt, professional and affordable residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning, heating and plumbing service and installation to our customers in and around the Long Island area. Our goal is exemplary service built on honesty, education, certification, and high ethical standards. As a result we are quickly growing into one of the leading Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning contractors on Long Island with 7 locations.

http://www.pipedoc.net

516-295-2448