"My buddy knows a guy who can do it cheaper."
Every once in a while, one of our techs will encounter a client who says these words. It's always the same story; they've got a friend-of-a-friend that knows "a guy" who promises to get the job done for half the price. At The Air Company, we have a nickname for these guys, we call them "The Reckless".
"The Reckless" are those sketchy contractors who purport themselves to be legitimate but typically are not.
The allure of "The Reckless" is strong. They promise the moon at rock bottom prices and are typically found through personal recommendation (since they have no legitimate business presence). "The Reckless" claim to be trustworthy and experienced, but their shoddy work can wreak havoc on expensive equipment, void warranties, and even create severe safety hazards in a home or business.
Here Are 6 Important Questions to Ask Your Contractor and Avoid "The Reckless":
1. "Are you a real company?"
Well....maybe don't ask that, but you should still verify it for yourself. The easiest way to vet a company is to research them online. If their website looks unprofessional and hastily thrown together - or they have no website at all, this can be a strong red flag that the company is not legitimate.
2. "Can I see a copy of your contractor's license?"
Any contractor who preforms HVAC or refrigeration work in Georgia is required to be licensed. Licensing is not only important from a legal perspective, it also provides important proof that your contractor is competent. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can lead to costly mistakes, and even void your warranty.
Pro Tip: Just because a contractor has a license, that does not mean they're licensed for all equipment. The AIR Company has a fully unrestricted license, meaning we're qualified to work on everything from home AC to medical-grade refrigeration.
3. "Are you insured with Liability and Workers Comp?" (and if so, how much?)
Uninsured contractors are also usually not qualified, so when that "cheap" contractor makes mistakes that lead to property damage, breakdowns, - or worse - injury, that low price can turn into a very expensive bill. At The AIR Co, we carry premium insurance, giving our clients and technicians peace of mind.
4. "Do you provide a warranty for your work?" (if yes, how long?)
"The Reckless" rarely provide a warranty for their work, so when their shoddy work leads to a breakdown, they're nowhere to be found. The AIR Co. provides a Best In Class Warranty to guarantee your complete satisfaction. Should any problems arise, we're here for you any time day or night with 24/7 emergency service.
5. "What brands do you carry?"
Legitimate contractors will carry a wide array of brands to ensure the right fit for your space or system. The Reckless? Not so much. Using unapproved parts to repair your system can lead to breakdowns, safety hazards, and - you guessed it - will void your warranty. That's why The AIR Co. carries all brands of equipment and strictly adheres to Consumer Report Guidelines for selecting the perfect match for your system.
6. "Are you a member of any Technical Organizations?"
One final way to ensure you're not dealing with "The Reckless" is to see if they're certified by any professional organizations such as North American Technical Excellence, or NATE. At The AIR Co, we are fully certified members of NATE, ASHRAE, and ACCA.
These 6 questions will help you avoid "The Reckless" and save time, stress, and money with a reputable contractor. As always, The AIR Company of Georgia is here for all your heating, air, and commercial refrigeration needs. Contact us today for a free and transparent quote for all services!
