How to Find the Best AC Company for You

When you need your current air conditioner inspected, repaired, or replaced, you probably want the best AC company for the job.  But just like car dealerships, heating, and cooling contractors’ service levels and the cheapest price may not always be the best fit for your family.

Below are suggestions on how to find the best air conditioning company for your needs.

Read AC Contractor Reviews

Finding reviews on local HVAC companies is easier than ever before. Websites and search results have become valuable resources for reviews and reading about customer experiences.

It's important to look at the total number of reviews that are posted for a particular AC company. If that number is high and those reviews are generally positive, you might want to add them to your shortlist of potential HVAC companies. These days, some businesses hire ‘reviewers’ to post bad reviews, and unfortunately search engines and websites have not found a way to provide oversight of this practice.

When there are many reviews, focus on whether they lean positive or negative. Be sure to read the comments and look for licensed contractors with a good reputation. Ideally, look for reviews related to:

• Overall value
• Expertise
• Customer service
• Labor warranties
• Conflict resolution

Do Research

If reviews do not provide clarity, it's time to do a bit more research.

• Ask neighbors for recommendations.
• Review the websites of your local AC companies.
• Look them up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Search websites like Nextdoor and Yelp.
• Check their social media accounts.

Referrals

Word-of-mouth referrals are the best compliment a company can get. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for AC contractor recommendations, or post the question on social media accounts like Nextdoor or in your local Facebook Groups asking for the AC companies in your area that provided the best overall HVAC service and value.

Your local network will be sure to provide you with the “good, the bad, and the ugly” experiences they have had with local contractors. Whether you are looking to install a new AC system, need routine maintenance, or emergency AC repairs, trusted friends, family, and neighbors are sure to be a great resource.

References

If you’ve found the indoor comfort company you want to work with, ask for references for recent work. According to energystar.gov, homeowners should reach out to references to inquire about a contractor's:

• Installation quality
• Service performance
• Financing process
• Estimated and job completion timeline
• Adherence to budget concerns

 When you check with the references, ask them not only about the job they did but if there were any issues and how they addressed them.

Check a Reputable AC Contractor Directory

Air conditioner manufacturers generally provide a heating and cooling HVAC contractor directory with contact information and key details for contractors near your location.