Get ready to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is really heating up here in Des Moines. Your AC will need to be prepped for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional selected and suitably vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be ideal 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 sketchy repairman or the heat so the team at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling has some cautionary signs to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with an unreliable company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Prior to Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate prior to beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another sign of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed accurately or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Ahead of Inspection
A technician may have an inkling 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. Look for a company that will provide you with an estimate only following an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve seen even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know it’s an absolute must to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the work and charges into writing, don’t trust them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract prior to work beginning you’re guaranteeing that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unanticipated costs after your repair is 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 living in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses untrained workers. And any complaints or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you encounter a company that is operating without a license, there’s usually a reason for that and you’ll want to stay away.
These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a dependable AC repair technician in the Des Moines area. The pros at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 515-207-6569 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.