You’d think that finding and hiring an HVAC company would be a quick and easy process. While it’s not like searching for the Bermuda Triangle, it does require some effort on the front end to find a good quality, reputable business. It might start with a Google search of ‘AC Repair Near Me,’ but it should continue with asking for recommendations from neighbors and friends, reading online reviews, and making calls to businesses to talk to them directly.
Steps For Finding Local HVAC Contractors
The first thing to do in your AC company search is to compile a list of local businesses that you can research. Follow these steps to get started:
- As mentioned above, perform a Google search to get started. Use a few phrases, as different key words may bring up different companies.
- Take note of referrals you get from your friends and family. While some people are willing to spend more than others, you can trust that people won’t recommend a business that did poor work or scammed them.
- Check directories – both in print and online – for a list of local HVAC companies that you can contact.
- Make a post on neighborhood Facebook groups or forums like Next Door asking for recommendations. People will give you names of both the businesses that wowed them and those to stay away from.
- Stop by your neighborhood hardware store. Ask the employees if they have any recommendations. It’s likely that someone there is familiar with the industry and may even have local contacts.
Screen The Air Conditioning Companies
Now that you’ve got your initial list of businesses, narrow it down by digging a little deeper. Read online reviews on each company’s Google business page, Yelp or Angie’s List profile, and Facebook page. How many stars do they have? Do they have 2 reviews, or 200?
Poke around the websites and social media profiles of each company. Is it all stock photos and vague information? Stay away from those guys. Do they have real photos of their staff, a physical address, service descriptions, and hours of operation? This shows more organization and professionalism. Move forward with these companies.
Make First Contact
After all this research, choose your top three companies to contact. Make a call to ask about their process for whatever service you need. Ask pointed questions, too, like how long they’ve been in business, if they’re licensed, and how they screen their employees. If you have a positive experience on the phone with the company representative, go ahead and make your first appointment.