Quick story: I was getting my car repaired the other day and was on a tight schedule. Unfortunately, the new tire I needed came in late, and – once they got it installed – I was super pressed for time, and, of course, their checkout computer was running slow. So, did I miss my next appointment? No, because the perceptive and caring staff at the shop took note of my situation and let me go without paying – calling me the moment their computer issue cleared up so that I could pay over the phone.
It was a win-win result: I was pleased, and they earned my loyalty.
And while that particular story may have nothing to do with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) it has EVERYTHING to do with why you should choose a local HVAC provider.
How so? Because my story is about personal care and service and how those made a difference when I really needed them. And, when you choose a local HVAC provider, you are much more likely to receive the same type of experience than when choosing a large, national provider.
That does not mean that all national providers offer bad parts, labor, and customer service – just that your local HVAC providers are much more likely to see you as a valued customer and not a number or name on a balance sheet.
Local HVAC providers rely on each and every customer to grow and maintain their business and thus are more likely to take time to care for your needs – whether it’s for installation, maintenance, or repair of all your air conditioning and heating needs. And that’s something you should note as soon as you contact any HVAC contractor – and if you don’t, that should act as a giant red flag.
Immediacy, understanding of your needs, and how the regional weather affects your home comfort are exactly what should set apart most local HVAC services. And that is why you should pursue a company familiar with Buford heating and air if you live in and around Buford, for instance.
That is because they will not only be quick to respond should your system break down. They will also know when it is been under stress from a particularly hot, cold, or wet season and have a good idea of what might be plaguing your unit before they even come out to diagnose it (though, of course, they will do a thorough examination as well). So, if you are in need of HVAC repair in Buford, it is a great idea to already have a contract with a local company – or reach out to an HVAC provider that is familiar with the area.
The good news is that there are countless options just such as this for HVAC in Atlanta – and throughout north Georgia, in fact.
But how do you tell the difference between them all? Here are some tips to help you get started:
- What kind of emphasis do they put on customer service?
It’s a fair question to ask, and there are several ways to determine how important it is to them. For example, how much emphasis do they put on safety training? A commitment to this policy shows how serious a company is about their reputation. The same goes for how they treat you on the phone and when they come out to look at your HVAC system.
- Are their technicians NATE-certified and fully insured?
You want your air conditioning repair company to stand behind its work, and by employing nationally accredited and insured technicians, it shows a commitment to quality and service.
- What type of air conditioning units and parts do they themselves sell and supply?
Certainly, there are some universal technologies in HVAC repair and servicing. But it’s always a good idea to check and see if the company you intend to hire sells or is familiar with the type of air conditioner you have in your home already.
- Will they give me a quote in person and in writing?
No HVAC company worth its salt will offer to give you a quote over the phone. They need to come out and see the issue firsthand and get to know your home. Every system is unique because of the home that they are cooling and heating, so while they may be able to come up with the likely issue via phone call, they will not want to make an estimate of the work without knowing the specifics of what the unit must accomplish. Also, you need a repair/service contract in writing so that you have permanent documentation.
Answer these questions and you will give yourself a head start on finding the best local HVAC provider for your needs – one that will stay with you for years and keep you comfortable no matter your situation.
If you find yourself in need of HVAC service of any kind in north Georgia or metro Atlanta, please consider giving Zone a call. We treat our customers like family, meaning that we will always try to give you the best price and service available – no matter the time of year. And we would love to be able to come to you and provide a quote that is sure to get your attention.
Simply call us today at 770-904-5432 and let us help you determine exactly what you need to keep your home as comfortable as possible.