There’s no worse time for your air conditioner to go on the fritz than when temperatures are in the 100s. Before hiring a contractor to make repairs, Better Business Bureau advises you to carefully research contractors for a cool experience.
BBB has received almost 100 complaints against air conditioning companies within the past 12 months. Most complaints allege contractors were not on time and would not respond to messages. Other consumers claim problems still persisted even after the repair, or that some companies would not honor their warranty. It might be a good idea to look for an HVAC repair company both online and offline before determining which one would be best for your maintenance.
“BBB Business Reviews are a great place to start when looking to hire a contractor,” said Randall Hoth, president and CEO of the Wisconsin BBB. “Taking the time to properly research a company can often save consumers the grief of dealing with an untrustworthy contractor.”
If you find yourself in need of an HVAC repair, BBB recommends the following:
Research company background and licensing. Visit bbb.org for the Business Review of any AC service company you plan to hire to learn more about its reputation and history of complaints. Confirm the company is licensed and insured.
Compare prices and service packages. Get at least three estimates for any air conditioning services or maintenance work. Utilize BBB’s Request-a-Quote service to instantly connect with BBB Accredited Businesses. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used.
Review warranty coverage. Find out if the HVAC Company offers any type of warranty or guarantee. Make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the coverage. Also, be sure to check the warranty on your current air conditioning unit to determine whether any repairs or replacements may be covered.
Ask about energy efficiency. Many new air conditioning units are manufactured to be more energy efficient than others, which often qualifies them as tax deductions. Make sure you get the necessary paperwork to cash in on those savings.
To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org. To receive news, tips and advice from the Wisconsin BBB, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. For more information or further inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.wisconsin.bbb.org or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), 920-734-4352 (Appleton), 608-268-2221 (Madison) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin).
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. Although the first BBB was founded in 1912, the Wisconsin BBB began in 1939. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.