Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is really heating up here in Manassas. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to have an AC repair professional selected and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be nice if you could just choose 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 shady repairman or the heat so the team at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. has some cautionary signs to be on the lookout for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Ahead of Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate prior to 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 properly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Before Inspection
A technician may have an idea 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. Look for a company that will provide you with an estimate only after conducting an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve viewed even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know it doesn’t count unless it’s in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the job and charges into writing, don’t have faith in them to complete 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 look up online and see if licenses are required in your state. If you are living in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any grievances 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 keep clear.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a dependable AC repair technician in the Manassas area. The pros at Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. are ready to get the project done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 703-260-1148 to set up an appointment up with us anytime.