The time has arrived to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is certainly heating up here in Laguna Niguel. 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 chosen and suitably vetted before your AC has any problems surviving an incoming heatwave.
It would be optimal if you could just select 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 Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating has some warning signs to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with an unreliable company.
1) Requesting Full Payment Before Starting Work
A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate in advance of 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 annoyances 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 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 conducting 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 job and charges into writing, don’t have confidence 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 unexpected costs after your repair is completed.
4) They aren’t licensed
Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but most do. You can find out online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you are located in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re protecting yourself from a company that uses inexperienced workers. And any complaints or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you come across a company that is operating without a license, there’s most likely 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 Laguna Niguel area. The pros at Ocean Air Conditioning and Heating are ready to get the work done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 949-317-4175 to schedule an appointment up with us anytime.