When you have a problem with your home’s heating or cooling system, and go online or to the phonebook to find a professional HVAC contractor to address your issue, you’ll want to avoid just picking out the first name you see. Also, you’ll want to be wary of contractors soliciting work in your Twin Cities neighborhood, offering suspiciously low prices and quick work. If you need work done on your home heating or cooling system, take the following factors into account:
Reputation
If a contractor hands out business cards with no local address or you are unfamiliar with the company, before you hand over any money or sign anything, check their reputation. Ask your neighbors or coworkers whom they use for repairs or look up contractors through the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency. Check any references given to you. A certified and qualified technician will be able to produce a local license and insurance available upon request.
Too Good to Be True
Many shady contractors will offer prices that are too good to be true and try to pressure consumers to pay upfront. At times these contractors will have the materials to fix the problem; however, those supplies might be stolen. While it’s common to pay a portion of a job upfront, expect to pay no more than half of the contracted price. Many unscrupulous contractors will take the money and never be seen again. Another common occurrence with less than trustworthy contractors is that they’ll take money in advance, but then not complete a job because they spend your money and don’t have any left to buy needed equipment or supplies, or to pay their workers.
Written Contract
A written contract may seem more legitimate; however, there are some things to be aware of. You should never sign a piece of paper for only a bid, or for a contractor to look at a problem. Get bids from several contractors and compare prices. Make sure the contract you end up signing has a set completion date and price. Only then sign an itemized contract.
At Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re confident that we will provide you with satisfactory answers to all of your questions when seeking a reliable contractor to work in your Twin Cities area home. Please contact us today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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