The time has arrived to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is really heating up here in Williamsport. Your AC is going to be in for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional identified and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and trust that they’ll do a satisfactory job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances. We don’t want to leave you sweating a sketchy repairman or the heat so the team at Lycoming Heating Company has some warning signs to be on the lookout for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Prior to Starting Work
A reputable company will provide you with an estimate in advance of beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another demand 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 just by talking with you, but they won’t know for sure 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 watched even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know it doesn’t count unless it’s in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the work and charges into writing, don’t have confidence in them to accomplish the work. By getting a signed contract preceding the work you’re guaranteeing that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unexpected costs following the completion of your repair.
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 reside in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses untrained 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 dependable AC repair technician in the Williamsport area. The pros at Lycoming Heating Company are ready to get the project done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 570-326-4450 to arrange an appointment up with us anytime.