Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in Mankato area. Your AC will need to be prepped for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional selected and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and be assured that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances. We don’t want to leave you sweating a shady repairman or the heat so the team at Northern Comfort Inc has some red flags to be on the lookout for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A reputable company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work should be called into question. Another request of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to problems down the road having your problem fixed accurately or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Ahead of Inspection
A technician may have an inkling of what is going wrong with your air conditioner simply by speaking with you, but they won’t know for sure until they have actually inspected your system. Find a company that will provide you with an estimate only following an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve watched 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 work and charges into writing, don’t have faith in them to complete the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re making certain that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unexpected costs following the completion of your repair.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can easily search online and see if licenses are required where you live. If you reside in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re protecting yourself from a company that uses untrained workers. And any complaints or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you come across a company that is operating without a license, there’s almost certainly a reason for that and you’ll want to stay away.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a credible AC repair technician in the Mankato area area. The pros at Northern Comfort Inc are ready to get the job done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 507-387-6596 to arrange an appointment up with us anytime.