It’s time to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in Lake Forest. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a wise idea to have an AC repair professional identified and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be ideal if you could just choose the first number out of the phone book and be assured 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 shady repairman or the heat so the team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has some cautionary signs to watch out for that let you know you may be dealing with a dishonest company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A reputable company will provide you with an estimate prior to beginning any work. Any company demanding payment prior to starting work should set off the alarm bells. Another demand of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to frustrations 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 certain until they have actually inspected your system. Choose a company that will provide you with an estimate only after an inspection.
3) Refuses to Put it in Writing
If you’ve viewed 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 prior to work beginning you’re making certain 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 a great number of them do. You can find out online and see if licenses are required in your state. If you reside in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re protecting yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any grievances or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you come across a company that is operating without a license, there’s almost certainly 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 credible AC repair technician in the Lake Forest area. The pros at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 949-204-0859 to arrange an appointment up with us anytime.