The Dos And Don'ts Of Your Next Air Conditioning Service Appointment
Posted on: 20 January 2023
Do you need to schedule an air conditioning repair? Before you choose a contractor, schedule an AC repair service or prep for the appointment, take a look at the dos and don'ts to follow.
Do As the Right Questions
What do you need to know about an HVAC contractor before you hire an air conditioning repair company? The right questions can help you to find the best contractor to fit your home cooling needs. If you're not sure where to start, ask the HVAC professional:
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How long have you been in business? More specifically, how long has the contractor been in business in your local area? Avoid contractors with little verifiable experience or companies that move from town to town or change names often.
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Do you fix all AC systems? Some contractors may only work on specific brands of appliances. Others may only service central systems. Ask this question if you have a mini-split air conditioner or want a manufacturer-approved contractor.
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What are your hours? Do you need a repair technician to come early in the morning? In the evening? On a weekend? Make sure the company's hours fit into your schedule.
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What is your availability? If the HVAC contractor in your area can't schedule a service call for weeks, you will either need to stop using your home cooling system temporarily or find another company.
Along with these questions, ask the contractor about pricing and extras. Some companies charge by the hour, while others charge by the job. You will also need to know whether the company has surcharges (such as an extra gas/fuel charge) or emergency fees for after-hours services.
Don't Wait To Schedule An Appointment
Even though air conditioning isn't a necessity, it is important. An un-air-conditioned home is uncomfortable. Not only will the temperature rise, but the humidity (indoor moisture level) can also go up without AC.
The longer you wait to schedule an appointment, the hotter and more humid your home will get. This can cause serious health-related issues—especially for people over 65 or under two, with chronic diseases, or those with some types of mental illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Do Prepare For the Appointment
How should you prep for an AC service call? Remove obstacles that interfere with the technician's ability to easily access the system and its parts. These include anything near a central indoor unit, indoor air handlers (for a mini-split system), or an outdoor condenser/compressor.
Before the tech arrives, make sure they have easy access or an entry point to your home. Turn on lights in the service area to make it easy for the technician to see the appliance and equipment. Keep young children or pets away from the air conditioner or any exterior components. You can also use these prep steps to get your home ready for an air conditioning installation appointment.
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