3 Things to Look for in a Heating and Cooling Company
While the Tri-Valley area doesn't get the kind of winter weather other parts of the country get, it still gets cold during the winter. And that means homeowners use their heaters more and more. Unfortunately, more heater use means more heater problems. So it often happens that the first cold day of the winter sees a flood of emergency calls to HVAC companies. But even those homeowners who stay on top of their HVAC maintenance should make sure they're calling the right company for their needs. Not every HVAC company offers excellent workmanship and superb customer service. Luckily, there are three main things homeowners can look for to spot a great heating and cooling company.
Good Reviews
One of the first things homeowners should consider when researching an HVAC company is reviews. Consulting sites like Facebook and Google can help them get a feel for the service a given company offers. While the vast majority of customers don't post reviews, some do. Usually, these reviews are at either end of the spectrum: five stars or one star.
To be sure, no company is perfect, so there will probably be a few negative reviews. These are worth a read to see what customers are saying and if they have a valid issue. Likewise, the positive reviews are also worth reading. And they should far outnumber the negative ones. Some words to look for in these reviews include "fair," "prompt," "courteous," and "professional." These are all marks of a good HVAC repair company.
Insurance and Licensing
If the company's reviews look good, it's time to move on to their website to see about licensing and insurance. A company that's not licensed and insured can cause big problems if something goes wrong during or after the visit. Licensing is one way for customers to know that the company has passed a range of minimum standards for operating an HVAC repair business and staying up to date on the latest best practices.
By hiring an insured HVAC company, homeowners can breathe easy knowing that they're covered if something happens to one of the technicians while they're working. Without insurance, the homeowner is open to litigation for medical bills and even lost wages. Hiring a licensed and insured HVAC company is essential for protection and peace of mind.
Attractive Maintenance Plans
The third and final factor homeowners should look for is HVAC maintenance plans. Not every HVAC company offers maintenance plans. But those that do are generally well-liked and trusted. This is because HVAC maintenance plans ensure a long and healthy relationship with the homeowner and their home's heating and cooling system.
Many companies are only looking to make a quick buck, getting in and out while charging as much as possible. But a company that offers a comprehensive HVAC maintenance plan knows the value of customer service, competitive pricing, and a positive customer relationship. Plus, these plans can help save homeowners money by ensuring the system runs smoothly with regular maintenance checks!
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling has been serving Livermore, CA, and the Tri-Valley since 1998. They are fully licensed and insured, and their technicians are all background checked and drug tested. They utilize the latest technology and offer up-front, flat-rate pricing. Contact them today for HVAC maintenance and repair in the Livermore, CA, area!
