Don’t get burned by an AC repair company
BBB tips for finding a trustworthy air conditioning repairman
AUSTIN, Texas – June 26, 2012 — There’s no worse time for your air conditioner to go on the fritz than when temperatures are in the 100s. Before hiring a contractor to make repairs, Better Business Bureau advises you to carefully research contractors for a cool experience.
BBB has received more than 300 complaints against air conditioning companies within the past 12 months. Most complaints allege contractors were not on time and would not respond to messages. Other consumers claim problems still persisted even after the repair, or that some companies would not honor their warranty.
“BBB Business Reviews are a great place to start when looking to hire a contractor,” said Carrie A. Hurt, president and CEO of BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin. “Taking the time to properly research a company can often save consumers the grief of dealing with an untrustworthy contractor.”
If you find yourself in need of AC repair, BBB recommends the following:
· Research company background and licensing. Visit bbb.org for the Business Review of any AC service company you plan to hire to learn more about its reputation and history of complaints. Confirm the company is licensed and insured.
· Compare prices and service packages. Get at least three estimates for any air conditioning repair or maintenance work. Utilize BBB’s Request-a-Quote service to instantly connect with BBB Accredited Businesses. All bids should be in writing and should provide a full description of the services to be provided and the materials to be used.
· Review warranty coverage. Find out if the company offers any type of warranty or guarantee. Make certain you understand the terms and conditions of the coverage. Also, be sure to check the warranty on your current air conditioning unit to determine whether any repairs or replacements may be covered.
· Ask about energy efficiency. Many new air conditioning units are manufactured to be more energy efficient than others, which often qualifies them as tax deductions. Make sure you get the necessary paperwork to cash in on those savings.
To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.
About Better Business Bureau:
BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior.
Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB is the preeminent resource to turn to for objective, unbiased information on businesses and charities.
Contact BBB serving Central, Coastal, Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin at (512) 445-4748.
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