As of 2022, there are over 118,000 heating and air conditioning businesses in the United States. With this number continuing to rise, it can be difficult to find a professional and reputable company to service your home.

Before you search ‘AC repair near me,’ you should know what to look for. Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing an AC repair company that will best take care of your needs.

When Should You Call an AC Repair Company?

The first step to hiring an AC repair company is knowing when to call one. These are the most common issues that warrant a call to a heating and cooling maintenance service. For even more information, check out our recent blog post on the subject.

No Air

The most common sign of a problem is that your AC isn’t working at all. If you are getting no air out of your unit, then a repair is likely needed. It could be anything from a small electrical issue to a larger problem with your entire unit.

Funny Noises or Smells

All air conditioners make noise, but if the noises are incredibly loud or unpleasant, there may be a problem. Banging, grinding, or clanking noises could indicate a malfunctioning unit.

Another issue you should never ignore is strange smells coming from your unit. A burning smell could indicate an electrical issue, while a musty smell could represent mold.

Blowing Hot Air

If your AC is blowing warm air, it can quickly become an uncomfortable problem in the Santa Rosa heat. This could be a sign of a refrigerant problem that should quickly be addressed.

Mistakes to Avoid

Once you have identified a problem with your AC unit, then it’s time to call a specialist. Here are a few things to avoid when searching for a company to service your home.

Not Doing Any Research

Because of the large number of AC companies around today, it is incredibly important to do your research. Don’t just choose the first service you come across. Take your time to ask friends and family for recommendations and then do your own additional research on those companies.

If your friends and family do not have any recommendations, then the internet is your best friend. Take your time to find reliable services in your area. Compare and contrast different companies to find the best one for you.

Ignoring Online Reviews

One of the best ways to learn about an AC repair company is to check their online reviews. Customers will not hold back when it comes to reviewing the services provided to them. A quick look through the reviews can help you get an idea of how reliable and personable the company is.

Reviews are easy to find from a quick Google search. If a company is registered on Google Business, you can easily find detailed reviews from real customers. If they are not on Google, you can sometimes find reviews on the company’s website or other websites such as Yelp.

Not Checking License and Insurance

It is essential to make sure that your HVAC company is qualified for the job at hand. Do your best to ensure that your AC service has all of the proper qualifications that they need to work on your unit.

Each state has different requirements for becoming a licensed HVAC technician. In California, HVAC contractors need to be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board.

Failing to Check Experience

Even the simplest AC and heating tune-up should not be done by a technician without experience. Many people make the mistake of not checking how much experience a particular company has. This can hurt your unit and cause more issues down the line.

Take note of how long the AC company has been in service. If they have been in business for more than a few years, then they likely have a fair amount of experience and expertise. This, combined with positive reviews, is a great indicator of a reliable company.

Not Looking for a Warranty

Many reputable AC companies will offer a warranty on their services. This means that if your AC unit fails after repair, the company will come back out to fix it at no additional cost. A warranty shows that a business is confident in the services they offer.

Make sure you ask about the conditions of the warranty. How long does the warranty last? Which services does it cover? Do I have to sign anything to activate the warranty?

Going With the Lowest Prices

Cost should be a consideration, but don’t base your decision on price alone. Low prices may be intriguing, but cheaper companies may not perform as well. There’s nothing wrong with searching for a good deal, but make sure the company also has good reviews and adequate experience.

Compare the prices of different services near you and choose a company that is in the average range of prices. If you find a company that is hundreds of dollars cheaper, then they may not offer high-quality services. Alternatively, if a company’s prices are hundreds of dollars higher, they could be ripping you off.

Search for ‘AC Repair Near Me’ Today

Now that you know how to find the best services, you are ready to search for ‘AC repair near me.’ Take your time to do your research and compare different companies in your area.

Here at Milano Mechanical, we are more than happy to take care of any and all of your heating and cooling needs in the Santa Rosa area. Give us a call or send us a text today to learn more about our HVAC services.

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