The time has arrived to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is really heating up here in Los Angeles. Your AC will need to be ready for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional identified and properly vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be nice if you could just select the first number out of the phone book and trust that they’ll do a good job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate predicament. We don’t want to leave you sweating a crooked repairman or the heat so the team at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating has some warning signs to watch out for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Prior to Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company demanding payment prior to starting work should be called into question. Another demand of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to problems down the road having your problem fixed correctly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Prior to Inspection
A technician may have an idea of what is going wrong with your air conditioner over a phone call, but they won’t know for sure until they have actually inspected your system. Find a company that will provide you with an estimate only after an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve watched even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know you have to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the labor and charges into writing, don’t trust them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract before work begins you’re guaranteeing that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unexpected costs after work has been completed.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can easily search online and see if licenses are required in your state. If you are located in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re safeguarding yourself from a company that uses inexperienced workers. And any problems or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you find a company that is operating without a license, there’s usually a reason for that and you’ll want look elsewhere.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a trusted AC repair technician in the Los Angeles area. The pros at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating are ready to get the job done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 800-296-5088 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.