Verifying That an HVAC Company is Reputable

The search for the right HVAC company can be daunting if you don't know what qualifications to look for. Here are some recommendations to help you sort through the competitors and find a reputable company that can provide quality results.

Finding the Right HVAC Company

1. Ask friends and family for recommendations. This is where you start. Ask why your acquaintances are recommending the consultant that they use. Call several of these recommended companies and ask for references. Call the references and ask if jobs were completed in a reasonable time, and if the work was satisfactory.

2. Call the Better Business Bureau. Find out if the company you're interested in has had complaints filed against it, and if so, why. Also consider any good reviews issued by the BBB.

3. Read the online reviews with reservations. Many online sites offer a forum for reviewing a customer's experience with a company. But, bear in mind that some reviewers have an ax to grind, while other, more positive reviews might be posted by someone with an interest in promoting the company more than it deserves.

4. Check out certifications. HVAC industry certifications may be a sign of the company's professionalism. For instance, proclaiming that the company's technicians are NATE- (North American Technician's Excellence) certified signifies the technicians have been rigorously tested and qualified by the highest standards in the industry. Membership in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) means the company has a stake in maintaining top professional standards.

5. Ask about licensing, bonding, and insurance. Oklahoma HVAC contractors are required to be properly licensed. Often, the contractor must be bonded and insured to qualify for a license. You should be sure your HVAC professional has liability insurance to protect your home in case a worker is injured or damage occurs.

6. Avoid contractors who give estimates over the phone. For the best results, HVAC contractors should always come to your home to assess repairs or installations, and give you a written estimate.

Contact Air Assurance for more information on hiring a reputable HVAC company. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/pixabay”

Insist On NATE Certification -- Because The Job Needs To Be Done Right

When you hire an HVAC technician to work on your home equipment, you want the job done right -- the first time. Choosing a technician with NATE certification will help you to achieve that goal. Here’s why:

About NATE

There are three qualities you need to know about NATE, or North American Technician Excellence. It’s an organization that’s:

• Non-profit

• Third-party

• Independent

Why do these factors matter? Well, it’s the combination of these three attributes that makes NATE the go-to, coveted certification nationwide.

The NATE value

NATE is not motivated by a bottom line; it’s comprised of a panel of experts from across the HVAC industry, including manufacturers, contractors and utility companies; and its sole purpose is to test and certify only those individuals that prove themselves. Other certification programs are often motivated by profit: It’s to their advantage to certify when training individuals on their own equipment. But that’s not what NATE does.

The NATE testing process

In order to qualify for NATE certification, a technician must pass a series of tests. The testing process is rigorous, covering all aspects of the HVAC industry, real-life scenarios, and technological advancements. To maintain certification, technicians must retest every five years.

How NATE helps homeowners

So what does all this mean for you, the homeowner? When you hire a NATE-certified technician, you’ll reap several benefits. In fact, a survey of homeowners who have used a NATE technician reveals these benefits, as they were far more satisfied with their overall experience than homeowners who didn’t use a NATE technician. These homeowners:

• Would choose the same contractor again

• Experienced a higher general customer satisfaction

• Were highly satisfied with the system the technician worked on, in terms of efficiency, comfort, and noise levels

• Required fewer callbacks, because the job was done right the first time

The next time you need high-quality workmanship and want an experience that leaves you with a high sense of customer satisfaction, contact the experts at Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality, and ask about our NATE certification. We've proudly served homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!