It’s time to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Tuscaloosa. Your AC will need to be ready for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a wise idea to have an AC repair professional identified and properly vetted before your AC has any troubles 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 an acceptable job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate situation. We don’t want to leave you sweating a crooked repairman or the heat so the team at KDM Service Corporation has some cautionary signs to be on the lookout for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate before beginning any work. Any company demanding payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another request of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to annoyances down the road having your problem fixed properly or completely.
2) Quotes a Cost Before Inspection
A technician may have an educated guess of what is going wrong with your air conditioner just by talking with you, but they won’t be able to truly diagnose it until they have actually inspected your system. Find 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’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 have faith in them to complete 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 work has been 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 are located in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses unqualified workers. And any grievances 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 trusted AC repair technician in the Tuscaloosa area. The pros at KDM Service Corporation are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 205-208-8090 to arrange an appointment up with us anytime.