Your HVAC system is one of the lifelines in your home. Too hot? Too cold? No temperature control whatsoever? Having no control over your HVAC system can feel like you’ve lost control over your home. It is important to put your HVAC needs in the hands of someone you can trust. Here are a few signs it may be time to look for a new HVAC professional:
Poor Initial Communication
When first figuring out how and when to get a contractor in your home it’s important that during your first call you feel comfortable and your contractor is willing to work around your schedule. There is nothing worse than miscommunication straight from the start. This should be an automatic red flag as this is no way to begin a professional relationship.
Unclear Timeframe
Finding time to schedule an HVAC service is already hard enough. If your contractor is unable to find a day that works for you, establishes an overly obtuse service window, or worst of all shows up outside of the given service window it’s time to find a new contractor to work with. A professional HVAC technician will respect your time and make your family’s needs a priority.
Arrive Unprepared
A seasoned HVAC contractor should arrive with the necessary tools to accomplish all standard repairs the first time around. If you hire someone that is constantly leaving to pick up parts, then this is a sign that they may not be worth your business again in the future. Technicians usually know what they need to complete certain jobs.
On some occasions, it may be necessary for the technician to leave to get this equipment, especially if it’s a specific part, but generally this should be communicated and not the norm.
Minimal Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of any professional relationship. The reason you brought a contractor into your home is because you aren’t the expert, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to know what is going on. While working with an HVAC technician they should communicate the assessed issue, the proposed solution, and any abnormalities along the way.
It’s important that the technician not only communicates with you, but also never does anything without your approval along the way. A good HVAC contractor will set themselves apart from a bad one by going the extra mile.
Even after your service, a good contractor might give you extra tips and tricks to keep your system running its best and avoid similar problems in the future. A bad technician will come “repair” the problem with minimal communication, and leave without any additional comments.
Problem Goes Unsolved
While this may seem the most obvious, it isn’t always so easy to tell until a few days down the road. If your HVAC system continues to experience issues after one, even two visits from a technician it may be time to look for a new HVAC professional. While at times this may mean it’s time for a new HVAC unit, this should have been communicated to you ahead of time. A trained technician will present effective solutions sooner rather than later.
Your heating and air conditioning system is vital to the everyday flow of your home, and your technician should know that. If your HVAC professional continues to claim the issue is “fixed”, but the issue persists, they may not be as experienced as they may claim. Do not wait until your system fully breaks down again if you notice a problem still exists. You deserve to work with someone who takes your inquiries seriously, and takes care of it correctly the first time.
Generally Unprofessional
If you are hiring a professional to complete any job there is a standard of behavior you expect from those you choose to work with. If your technician uses inappropriate language, leaves a mess, involves others without communicating, continues to try to upsell you on additional services after you’ve shared you aren’t interested, or takes part in any other actions that make you uncomfortable it’s time to find a new company to work with. If you are paying for a service and allowing someone into your home it is okay to expect the utmost professionalism from your technician.
Let Us Help
There is no need to put up with a bad HVAC technician. Wyckoff Heating and Cooling has been helping homeowners with their heating and cooling needs for over 70 years. If you need servicing, or a second opinion let us help!