We all know the challenge of finding talent. In particular, we all struggle with finding qualified and reliable talent. Additionally, many homeowners really struggle identifying and hiring experienced technicians that they trust in their home. Fortunately, it is possible to identify talented HVAC techs and find the top HVAC companies in your area!
“Over the years, there are proven ways to find trusted help. Many of the methods work for identifying qualified companies for a variety of home services, such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Additionally, these time tested methods work for things like lawn care and babysitting. Although, we recommend using a different company for those services!”
What to look for to identify the top HVAC companies in your area?
For example, asking your network for suggestions, then searching reviews provides the starting steps towards identifying the top HVAC companies.
Why start with your network and reviews?
For starters, these steps are simple and straightforward. Word of mouth works because we trust the stores and experiences of our friends and family. Additionally, reviews provide a few clues about all companies. Plus, while looking at reviews, we learn about companies customer service. We are all human and make mistakes from time to time. But, how we respond to negative feedback shows our character! Does a company take accountability for their actions? If so, that highlights their dedication to the customer experience.
For more, we searched the web and rounded up other expert opinions on ways to identify what sets companies apart from the competition.
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Top HVAC Companies Take Pride in Professionalism
Generally, homeowners are wary of fly-by-night home service companies. As a result, the top HVAC companies separate themselves from the field by demonstrating signs of longevity. From welcoming prospective homeowners to their office to joining industry alliances and showing signs of certifications, insurance and more, look for signs that the company intends to do business for a long time!
For some specific tips, the following experts share their thoughts.
“Reliable contractors are professional. Their people are prompt and courteous. How a company treats you now reflects how they will treat you if there is a problem. They should have an office or shop facility, and they should not be ashamed to have you visit them. An office or shop is an indication that the company has been in business and intends to remain in business.”
– American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
“State insurance requirements vary depending on the contractor’s incorporation status and type of license. If there is no insurance requirement, you may wish to ensure that the contractor has voluntarily acquired liability insurance. If the contractor has liability insurance, they should be able to provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate.”
– Concord Municipal Light Plant
“Truly professional contractors care about your home’s indoor environment system, because they care about your business…and they want your referrals. True professionals offer employee training, provide state of the art equipment, ask you questions about your lifestyle needs, and provide options for service, so you can make the right decision.”
– ACCA
“Reputable HVAC companies will usually belong to recognized professional and trade organizations. Some well-known organizations include the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Membership in one of these organizations is not automatic. Applicants are required to have certain certifications, meet professional standards and meet or exceed other requirements before they are admitted.”
“Trade associations are a common way for members of an industry to band together in support of higher standards and performance. NADCA is a trade association comprised of about 1,000 companies in the HVAC inspection, maintenance, and restoration industry who have signed the NDACA Code of Ethics, and they have also invested time and resources into industry-related training and education. Hiring a NADCA member provides consumers with an added level of security, since members possess general liability insurance, and have at least one person on staff that is trained and certified. NADCA requires that all members have at least one certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS) on staff, and they must clean and restore your heating and cooling system in accordance with NADCA standards and guidelines.”
– Why You Should Choose a NADCA Member
“Start by calling and asking the following: How long have they been in business in your area? Which manufacturers do they do installs for? (They should work with at least two different companies.) Verification of trade licenses. Verification of insurance. (Make sure the contractor carries general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If the contractor is not insured, the homeowner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property.) Verification they are properly registered with the state and local authorities. References of former customers you could actually talk to.”
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Reliable HVAC Companies Focus on Customer Service
In addition to looking for professional status signs, the top tier HVAC companies in any area also focus on customer service. After all, how will a company stay in business if they don’t keep customers happy? Interestingly, offering honest and upfront assessments is important in the home service trade. For example, a company that just offers the lowest quote likely uses short cuts in their service. Of course, this makes things worse for homeowners, so look for honest and upfront interactions.
But what signs or signals demonstrate honest communication? The experts shares some inside tips.
“A good contractor should be able to explain to you the problem on the spot without confusing you with too much information and using too much technical jargon, proving once and for all that he is knowledgeable of the job and that he is honest about it. This will also prove that he looks at things in the big picture.”
“In fact, you should be wary of the contractor willing to give you a quote over the phone. To provide the most precise estimate, a technician will need to physically see what your system looks like and what the work will potentially entail. Consequently, you should look for someone who is willing to take the time to inspect your home and give you a more accurate assessment.”
– How to Hire an HVAC Contractor
“Make sure the contractor has adequate staff to install the system and respond promptly to service calls. What guarantees, warranties and follow-up service are offered? Warranties vary, so it’s important to know what is included in the warranty and what is not. Ask about a maintenance service agreement – what does it cost and what does it cover?”
– Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
“A quality ‘HVAC Expertise’ contractor will have technical assistance available around the clock, every day of the year, including holidays, to solve heating and air conditioning emergencies. Often times, the technician will be able to help the customer determine if the problem actually warrants a potentially expensive service call.”
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Top HVAC Companies Employ Top Talent
We all want to work with the best (which is why we are trying to find the best HVAC companies) and these top firms are no different. The best HVAC companies find ways to attract and retain reliable and trusted technicians. From checking reviews to working with certified techs, there are some simply ways to verify top talent.
For more insights on identifying companies that employ the best HVAC techs, the industry experts happily shared their thoughts.
“We built our reputation and business on reliability, convenience, and the best warranties in the industry. Our team strives to provide 100% customer satisfaction built on respect for you and your home. Most importantly, we only hire the best heating technicians by utilizing stringent hiring practices and conducting thorough background checks on all of our technicians. We employ these hiring practices for our customer’s safety and peace of mind. Our technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured. Our technicians are equipped to repair, maintain, and install all major appliances. We provide service on your schedule with upfront pricing.”
“Next you’ll want to hit up the Better Business Bureau. Search for the local Bureau and check to see if there are any outstanding complaints against the contractor. While you’re at it, check your local Chamber of Commerce and Department of Consumer Affairs…. Ideally you’ll find no complaints lodged against the contractor you want to hire.”
“Most states require that HVAC contractors obtain a certification or license to practice, so be sure to ask potential contractors for verification before securing them to work in your home. Technicians also need to complete specialized training in order to repair, maintain and set up the advanced systems found in today’s homes. Heating and cooling technicians may be certified by a variety of organizations including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and North American Technician Excellence (NATE), an independent, third-party certification body that provides rigorous, optional tests that validate the technician’s knowledge.”
– Tips for Finding an HVAC Contractor
“Are the technicians NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified? Will they perform detailed load calculations, and duct design/installation?”
– Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation
“A qualified home performance contractor will help you solve problems in your home such as comfort, indoor air quality, moisture, and combustion safety, and will help you reduce your energy bills. [He also will] use technologically advanced tools to diagnose your home before makings suggestions for improvements.”
– Building Performance Institute, Inc.
At A.Johnson, we believe our work stands for itself! If you are in the Capital District and looking for the top HVAC company in the area, we hope you consider our team.
Why?
- A.Johnson works with the best talent to provide the best services. Our installation technicians are the best in skill, attitude and workmanship. They will care for your home and complete the job with speed and precision.
- A.Johnson provides peace of mind. We offer complete customer and performance satisfaction through our 100% money back guarantee.
- Enjoy the health and safety benefits you and your family deserve. Our team provides a comprehensive approach to fixing any issues. We find and fix the cause of problems, not treat symptoms.
- Ensure your systems are always running at peak, trouble-free efficiency with an A.Johnson comprehensive maintenance plan that includes a precision tune-up, cleaning, lubrication and inspection.
- Exhaustive repair and maintenance expertise. A.Johnson works with homeowners in the Capital District area to fix any and all plumbing, heating and cooling issues in your home.
A.Johnson works with homeowners in the Capital District area to fix any and all plumbing, heating and cooling issues in your home. From routine maintenance to emergency service, contact us today to improve your home comfort needs and learn why we are one of the top HVAC companies in the area!