Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Bishop. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional selected and suitably vetted before your AC has any troubles surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and trust that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate predicament. We don’t want to leave you sweating a sketchy repairman or the heat so the team at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning has some red flags to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with an unreliable company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate prior to beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another sign of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed accurately or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Ahead of Inspection
A technician may have an educated guess of what is going wrong with your air conditioner just by talking with you, but they won’t be able to truly diagnose it until they have actually inspected your system. Choose a company that will provide you with an estimate only after an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve seen even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know it’s an absolute must 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 trust them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re ensuring that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no surprise 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 easily search online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you are located in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re safeguarding yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any complaints 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 keep clear.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a trusted AC repair technician in the Bishop area. The pros at Bishop Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to get the project done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 760-784-9034 to set up an appointment up with us anytime.