Gone are the days of hand-fired coal furnaces, and thank goodness! We sometimes take for granted the ease in which we can simply turn on the heat as the weather cools. It is nevertheless a bit of a pain when your heating goes out. Contractors get a bad rap for being incompetent and unreliable. Home repairs are stressful enough without the added frustration of impolite and condescending workers, unreliable quotes, and damaged property.
Finding a Contractor
There are a couple of ways you can go about finding a King of Prussia Heating contractor. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is a great place to start. They are a non-profit organization that helps customers find reputable contractors. Angie’s List is another option. Services and companies are graded on a scale from A to F on this consumer review and rating website. Reviews give even more details. Another option is to ask neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations. These people will usually be honest about their referrals.
Tips
Once you have a list of potential contractors, take the time to interview at least three before making a decision. Do some research beforehand, so you have an idea of what the job should cost. Have a list of questions to ask during the interviews. Don’t be shy. Make sure to get a written bid from each one. When you are comparing bids, make sure they are for the same thing. They should include the same materials and tasks. If not, take that into consideration.
Here are some other tips for making sure you are hiring a good contractor.
- Check licenses: Make sure the contractor you choose is licensed. Visit the Better Business Bureau website for any past complaints against the company or any litigation history.
- Check references: Ask for at least three referrals from former customers. Contact these referrals and ask any questions you have. Lay all your concerns to rest.
- Sign a contract: The contract should spell out exactly what will be done. It should include details about the dates when will work be performed, a detailed breakdown of labor and equipment costs, payment due dates, and a deadline for project completion. It should list materials that will be used down to the model number. You want specifics. It should also explain in detail any warranties. If something is not clear, have the contractor explain it to you and revise the contract if necessary. It should also include the price of any permits necessary.
- Get permits: Most jobs require permits. Ask your contractor what is necessary. Many times, they will suggest working without them to save costs. You could be subject to fines if you’re caught. Permits also require that a city or county inspector checks to make sure work is done up to code. This is in your best interest.
The days are growing colder. It is time to start turning up the heat. Make sure your HVAC system is working properly before it starts getting too cold. If you do need work done, take the time to find a trustworthy contractor. It will save you a lot of headache in the long run.