Air conditioning service and repair should be considered a regular part of air conditioner ownership, but many people struggle with their options. Choosing a local AC repair company can be more difficult than it seems, especially when there are multiple providers in your area all competing for your attention. Still, it is almost always best to choose a single company and build a relationship with them over time. Doing so gives your technician firsthand experience with your air conditioner, which translates into greater comfort and skill as they work on it over time. When you have regular work done on your unit by the same technician during a significant period, you will watch their work become more efficient with each passing visit.
Of course, you still have to choose the local AC repair company with which you want to work. To make matters easier for you, we’ve put together a list of tips for people in the Healdsburg area that can help them make well-informed decisions. Learn exactly what to look for in a local AC company near you, and what to avoid if you want to make sure your technician will be skilled and professional. Then use that information to secure reliable air conditioning service so that you and your household can experience indoor comfort throughout the year.
Unique Factors in Healdsburg that Contribute to Choosing a Local AC Repair Company
The climate and location of Healdsburg mean that residents who want air conditioning repair have to be aware of several things. Firstly, it is vital that Healdsburg AC owners understand the laws in California and how they pertain to air conditioner service.
California state law requires all AC contractors and technicians to be licensed for any jobs costing more than $500. To earn a license, prospective contractors must go through a detailed process. They must file an application and have it approved by the California State Licensing Board, pass two exams, and file a $10,000 bond with the Registrar to ensure that they have the necessary capital to run their business competently. They are also required to have at least $2500 of liquid working capital, and at least four years of industry experience at or above a journeyman level.
Even for smaller jobs, it is usually better to enlist the services of a licensed contractor. The license guarantees that the person doing the work comes with specific skills and relevant knowledge and that they can be held liable for failure to perform their work properly. Any time you hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your air conditioner, you are taking a leap of faith—which is inadvisable, given the value of your system and the importance of your continued comfort.
It is also critical to understand how the climate in Healdsburg can affect your repairs. Healdsburg’s summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 80 degrees—making them uncomfortable periods in which to work. Summer is also generally considered peak season for air conditioning companies, so between these two factors, you can expect your costs to be relatively steep. However, Healdsburg’s winters are typically cool and wet, making it much more comfortable for contractors to work in spaces such as attics or basements. Calling for repairs in the winter is likely to net you a better deal than waiting until July to have a problem with your air conditioner resolved.
How to Select Your Service Technicians
Licenses are an essential part of finding an HVAC contractor, but they aren’t the only things that matter. After all, there are many licensed repair options for AC owners throughout the Sonoma region, but they will not all provide you with the same level of service. Here are a few tips you can use to select a first-rate repair technician near Healdsburg:
- Look for testimonials
Successful and consistent AC companies want you to know about their track records, so they’ll make it easy to learn about experiences others have had with them. Look on their websites for reviews, or check services such as Yelp to see what others are saying about them.
- See if they have experience with your brand of air conditioner
Certain AC companies will have greater familiarity with specific brands (for instance, we at Valley Comfort Heating and Air are particularly knowledgeable about nearly every brand of heating and cooling products). If you can find a contractor who knows your brand of air conditioner inside out, you can expect a higher level of service from them.
- Contact them for a quote
Reputable contractors should be willing to give you an estimate before you hire them. It is never possible to receive an exact quote when you are hiring an AC contractor—however, you can undoubtedly familiarize yourself with the average costs for specific tasks, and then compare your contractor’s estimate to those numbers. Transparent options will typically be willing to explain any discrepancies.
Knowing what to look for is key to hiring the right local AC repair company in Healdsburg. Refer to our guide whenever you’re in doubt, and make sure you select the proper business for the job.
Check with us here at Valley Comfort Heating and Air, our customers love our attention to detail and our friendly, affordable service. (707) 539-4533