1.      Call several local service companies and ask them how soon they can visit you.  If the heat index is not over 100 degrees, and your situation is not deemed an emergency, many companies will not make you a priority.  At Air-Heat America, we understand that if your situation were not considered a priority, at least to you, you wouldn't need a service technician.  At Air-Heat America, we consider each customer's need a real priority.

2.      Ask to receive a firm bid on the services needed.  If a company is going to give you a "ballpark" figure, then ask yourself "When have you ever paid less than estimated when you were given a 'ballpark' estimate?"  If the answers are not up to your standards, or if the contractor cannot answer your questions, we strongly recommend you use someone else to service your air conditioning and heating needs.

3.      Ask for referrals.  Any company that has been in business for more than a few years should have several references at their fingertips that they should be able to give you.  Alternatively, if the references that they give you are more than a year old, then how can you trust their real track record?  All company references should be current.  Here are ours.

4.      Ask to verify their length of time in business. Research their license.  If a company is relatively new in business then how can you be sure that they will be around when any warranty work may need to be done on your unit?  If the job isn't done right the first time, how do you know that they will be around to fix it the right way?  Any company that requires repeated visits to repair or service your unit should raise a red flag in your mind, and we suggest you contact your local Better Business Bureau.

5.      Ask your contractor to thoroughly examine your ductwork.  Many companies simply do not offer this service, and the majority of older buildings and homes require it.  The majority of customer complaints deal with the fact that their new unit doesn't cool any better or worse than their old one. Many times you do not need a new unit; simply a repair to the ductwork and a routine unit servicing will remedy the problem.

6.      Your overall comfort relies heavily on the fact that the unit(s), ductwork, electrical and mechanical components work in harmony together with minimal effort.  Ask your technician for a checklist of the parts, units and components that were checked during their visit to your building or home.  If you doubt the truth to some of their answers, go with your first judgment. If the contractor did not enter your structure, climb on a ladder and inspect the ductwork, it shouldn't be checked off should it?

7.      Ask about their company's individual warranty, pricing and inspection policies.  If they cannot give you a straight answer, you should politely thank them for their time, and close the door behind you.

8.      If a company, service technician, or representative is reluctant to give you their state license information or will not give you a list of their accreditations, keep looking.

9.      Ask them how long it will take to complete the job.  If you are not satisfied with their answer, demand an explanation, but don't expect them to take you any more or less seriously.  Remember, to many companies your definition of an emergency just doesn't matter to them.

10. Finally, ask yourself?  Were you impressed by their timeliness, knowledge, and professionalism?  If not, call Air-Heat America. Our professional and courteous technicians are trained to meet your needs first. If you are still not impressed.... I want to know personally!