Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is really heating up here in Winnipeg. 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 suitably vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be nice if you could just select the first number out of the phone book and have confidence that they’ll do an acceptable 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 crooked repairman or the heat so the team at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning has some red flags to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A credible company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company demanding payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another demand 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 educated guess of what is going wrong with your air conditioner just by talking with you, but they won’t know for certain until they have actually inspected your system. Choose a company that will provide you with an estimate only after conducting an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve seen even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the job and charges into writing, don’t have confidence in them to complete the work. By getting a signed contract preceding the work 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 a great number of them do. You can easily search online and see if licenses are required where you live. If you are located in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses inexperienced workers. And any grievances or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you encounter a company that is operating without a license, there’s most likely a reason for that and you’ll want look elsewhere.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a trusted AC repair technician in the Winnipeg area. The pros at Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to get the project done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 204-272-8128 to set up an appointment up with us anytime.