The HVAC business is booming in Florida, with over 11,000 AC companies operating statewide.
Every Floridian knows how important having a functioning HVAC system is. We live in one of the warmest states in the country and in the heat of summer, you’ll be running your air conditioner almost constantly. The last thing you need is for it to start breaking down with no plan for repairs.
With so many AC companies in the state, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. When you have a great HVAC company helping you out, you don’t have to worry about poor indoor air quality or unforeseen repair costs. In today’s post, we’ll give you 5 tips for hiring the best option.
Don’t wait until your AC unit fails to look for help. Keep reading and find a great AC company today.
1. Research Online Ratings and Reviews
The first thing you should do when searching for any home service is to Google, “AC repair near me” and look at the ratings and reviews. Every quality AC company relies on its reputation with former customers, so this is a great way to find the most reputable options and learn a bit more about them.
Former customers are never shy to share their experience with an AC company, both good and bad. In reality, you should be looking more closely at any red flags about customer service or quality of services that can eliminate certain companies from contention.
Another option is to get referrals from other Punta Gorda homeowners. A referral is sometimes easier to trust than an online commenter that you might not know. Use a combination of both of these tactics to find 5 of the most reputable AC companies in your area to research further.
2. Experience, Licenses, and Certifications
Once you’ve chosen several potential HVAC companies, it’s time to start digging a bit deeper into who they are and what they do. The obvious place to do this is on their company website, where you can glean more important information that the reviews won’t tell you, like how long the company’s been in business and how qualified they are.
Experience matters in the world of HVAC maintenance and repair. The longer you’ve been at it, the more AC issues you’ve seen, so always prioritize on-the-job experience when looking for an AC company.
For instance, at Ellsworth’s Heating and Cooling, we’ve been serving the Fort Myers area for over 50 years. During that time, we’ve seen just about all there is to see from every kind of HVAC system.
The other important things to look for are licenses and certifications when gauging a company’s qualifications. In Florida, you need a state HVAC contractor certification to work as an HVAC technician. All of our employees go through important factory training, so they’re prepared for anything.
In fact, the current president of our company, William Barnes, is the founder of the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association. If you’re looking for someone more qualified to service your AC, you won’t find it in Florida.
3. Insurance and Warranties
Anytime you’re bringing a technician into your home to do work, you need to make sure they’ve got insurance. If they don’t and you don’t call them on it, you may be liable for any technician injuries or property damage that occurs during their service. No quality AC company operates without general liability and workers comp insurance.
Nor do they operate without offering customers service guarantees and manufacturer’s warranties. A service guarantee is a form of warranty that ensures you don’t have to pay if something goes wrong with your HVAC service. They’ll come back and work on it again until you’re satisfied.
Manufacturer warranties are just as important. If any mishaps occur due to a defective part, you’ll get the new part and repairs for free. These things bring the customer peace of mind knowing that the AC company is confident in itself and its manufacturer partners.
4. Get Estimates
Very few Florida homeowners budget for HVAC maintenance or replacement. These things often come when you’re not expecting them, so the costs associated with HVAC service can feel prohibitive. It’s important to find a company that will work with your budget while offering quality service.
Always obtain an AC repair free estimate from a few different companies so you have a good idea of what your service costs. Remember, it’s not always the best move to choose the cheapest option. Choose a company that has a great reputation and offers competitive pricing.
We understand that there’s never an opportune time to pay for HVAC repair or replacement. That’s why we offer all of our customers the option of financing their new HVAC unit. We’ll work with you to come up with a payment plan that works for your financial situation.
5. Services On Offer
Lastly, and most importantly, you always want to make sure that the HVAC company you choose can do what you need them to. Find out what they specialize in and if it’s not in line with your needs, then it rules them out as an option.
Most reputable HVAC companies will offer a range of services, from AC installation to regular maintenance. What sets us apart is our ability to handle things like duct repair and design, provide air quality solutions, and replace pool heaters.
We also specialize in commercial HVAC services and UV germicidal light, which is quickly becoming one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality. Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, so you need good indoor air quality to prevent allergies and sickness in your home.
There’s Only One Choice for AC Companies in Punta Gorda
AC companies are a dime a dozen, but if you want quality service from a company that cares about your comfort, Ellsworth’s Heating & Cooling is the only choice. Since 1968, we’ve been helping residents of Fort Myers and the surrounding area tackle all AC issues big and small, both affordably and reliably.
To discuss your AC needs with one of our helpful staff, don’t hesitate to contact us today.