6 Red Flags To Look Out For When Hiring An AC Repair Company | The Woodlands, TX
The advent of the internet has made finding an AC repair company as simple as typing a few words on the keyboard and hitting “enter.” However, this convenience comes at a small cost. With the plethora of options available, picking just one is easier said than done.
There are many reputable AC repair companies in The Woodlands, TX, but the region has its fair share of bad apples. To make sure you don’t engage with them, we’ve compiled a list of red flags you should look out for in an AC repair company.
In this piece, we share helpful tips to help you sidestep these half-baked companies and get your money’s worth.
The One-Man Army Company
Many businesses thrive under a single person, but the AC business isn’t one of them. The demands of running an AC company are just too much to be handled by a single person. So, if you see an AC company run and staffed by a single person, it’s best to look the other way.
A good example is during the winter when heating, and AC issues are through the roof. It would be impossible for a single person to respond to all the different emergencies simultaneously. Furthermore, most AC repairs are challenging to complete by a single person. At least one extra person is needed to hold the ladder, help with the heavy lifting, and hand out tools.
So while these one-person army companies might promise much, they’re likely to underdeliver. It’s best to steer clear of them to save time and money.
A Lack of or Improper Insurance
Any insurance company without proper insurance is definitely not worth your time, regardless of its affordability. You’d be surprised to learn that even licensed AC companies might lack proper insurance. And while it may not seem like a big deal, it could be the difference between an affordable AC repair job and you paying thousands of dollars in hospital bills.
It’s vital for the AC company you settle on to have general liability insurance. This policy will protect you or your business from any out-of-pocket costs in the event of any property damage. Without this insurance, you’ll be liable for any damage caused by the AC technicians, even if you didn’t have a hand in it.
The second insurance policy to look for is workers’ compensation insurance. This policy shields you from liability in case the AC technicians suffer a work-related injury or death. The insurer will cater to hospital bills, emergency services, etc. An AC repair company without this insurance means you’ll have to compensate the injured technicians, and it won’t be cheap.
It’s worth noting that in Texas, unlike other states, companies don’t need to have worker’s compensation insurance. Unscrupulous companies exploit this loophole to minimize their operating costs at the expense of their clients. So, unless you want to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for others’ mistakes, settling for an uninsured AC repair company is a huge no!
No License
Any AC company operating without a license in The Woodlands, TX is doing so illegally. It would be unwise to engage in business with such a company. Not only will the services likely be subpar, but you’ll also be supporting illegal activity.
It’s important to inquire about an AC company’s license before doing any business with them. A company with a valid license has agreed to abide by governmental regulations devised to protect the interests of the business and the client. It’s not uncommon for unlicensed companies to engage in malpractice that violates these regulations.
For insurance, some companies might charge you extra for unnecessary services, and some might dupe you into installing unnecessary equipment. While you may think you might be saving a buck by working with an unlicensed company, you’ll actually be getting the short end of the stick. So, keep it simple; no license, no business.
Asking for Cash Upfront
No reputable company would ask for cash upfront before rendering their services. Any AC repair company that does so is likely trying to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash or avoid taxes, both of which are illegal.
To be safe, avoid any AC company that asks for cash upfront. It doesn’t matter how good their website looks or how promising they may sound. Even a fraction of the total cost as a deposit isn’t worth the risk. Stick to companies with clear estimates and those that accept payment only after complete client satisfaction.
Bad Reviews Online
Thanks to online reviews, you can learn volumes about what an AC repair company offers without visiting its website. Sites like the BBB and Yelp give honest reviews about other people’s experiences with the AC company in question.
Negative reviews are a huge red flag that you shouldn’t overlook. Of course, even reputable companies have one or two negative reviews. However, a company with more negative than positive reviews will likely disappoint.
However, it’s not uncommon for business rivals to write negative reviews about each other. That is why it is best to stick to reputable review sites such as the ones mentioned above. Otherwise, you’ll have to guess which reviews are genuine and which ones are not.
Outrageously Low Prices
Some AC companies lower their prices to get an edge over the competition, but remember, when the deal is too good, think twice. AC companies offering too-good-to-be-true prices likely have something up their sleeves.
Remember, the AC repair company has to make a profit at the end of the day.
So, if whatever you’re paying them is only enough to cover service costs, ask yourself where they get their profit. These low prices are likely an advertising gimmick to lure unsuspecting customers before they hit you with the original cost, which is sometimes double the advertised price.
Keep an Eye Out for These Red Flags
Choosing the wrong AC repair company is a waste of time and money. Now that you know the red flags to look out for, you can make a more informed decision when looking for an AC company to repair your AC system. Remember to explore all your options and settle for the one you deem best.
At Mr. Reliable Heating & Air, we’re the best AC repair company in The Woodlands, TX. Contact us today for professional and reliable AC repair services. You won’t be disappointed!
Photo By Anja W at Shutterstock
