Wednesday 28 October 2015

Beware of unlicensed HVAC contractors making a mess of your house

Even though hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor may seem like a cheaper choice than an insured, bonded, and licensed company, the long-term risks associated with such collaboration may lead to unnecessary trouble. The issues are simple but complicated.

What to expect from unlicensed contractors:

  1. Low quality workmanship leading to below average equipment performance
  2. Unreliable air conditioning services, such as inferior A/C installation
  3. Downright deceitful or incomplete troubleshooting reports
  4. Unforeseen cost increases or inadequate HVAC equipment reliability
Dealing with unlicensed and untrained service techs may appear to be a great way to save money, but in a flick of a second such preconceived savings can explode into a big financial nightmare. AC technicians who work outside the parameters of law have a tendency to ignore industry-accepted installation and service regulations. Such people take complete advantage of lax in enforcement of licensing requirements, permitting rules, and the Clean Air Act.

Choose Reputation over Low-price

A good reputation is vital in the industry of HVAC repair and maintenance, and word-of-mouth marketing is the essence of established customer trust. Experts believe, that unlicensed contractors can do a lot of damage due to lack of proper skill, training and knowledge, and can hurt the customer’s pocket. Hiring a reputed contractor will be cost effective. Moreover, since the customer has no real contract with the unlicensed service providers, they cannot hold them accountable.

Here are three main points to keep in mind:

  1. Unlicensed will mean low bids, but the legal and financial consequences may be more than a consumer signed up to face
  2. Hiring a reputed and licensed AC contractor offers better protection than any post event legal remedies
  3. Most licensed air conditioning contractors are dedicated, competent, well trained and financially responsible
To get a license, the contractor has to show capability and experience. The test is intended to disregard shade tree heating and cooling service techs. Construction licensing can help a consumer in finding a reliable and principled A/C contractor. Since, the cooling and heating industry is sprouting, reaching beyond cooling and heating and stretching into the fields of indoor air quality (IAQ), licensing can greatly benefit the consumers in differentiating.

Become a well-informed home owner:

Most homeowners can avoid construction problems by knowing their home improvement rights. Informed customers make better purchasing decisions. Working with a reputed AC contractor helps in ensuring that you do not get victimized by unlicensed or unscrupulous HVAC contractors. In case you have a new unit installed within your house, make sure you check the condition of your present ductwork. Even the most efficient energy-saving air conditioning equipment can fritter away energy where the duct require serious repair.

When as a homeowner you hire a questionable provider for HVAC service work, the final experience may turn out to be a nightmare. Therefore, it is important to keep the bigger picture in mind and hire a licensed contractor, even if it means paying a little extra.