4 Tips for Hiring a Good AC Technician

Posted: 2019-08-22

If you ever come to a point where you’ll need the assistance of an air conditioning technician to make repairs to your cooling system, it’s important to know how to spot a good one. Out of the hundreds and hundreds of air conditioning professionals out there, you would want to work with someone who knows what they’re doing. The question is, how do you know if you’re talking to the right guy?

Choosing the right AC technician can be quite challenging. However, its importance cannot be disregarded. The performance and efficiency of your air conditioner do not only depend on the brand and model, but also on the skills and knowledge of the technician. If the installation was faulty, your AC will not have the level of comfort and energy savings you expected when you bought the system.

To help you hire the best man for the job, Four Seasons Air Specialists, your trusted HVAC company in White Bear Lake MN, gives you four things you need to look for in a good technician.

Referrals

Your family or friends have probably had past experiences with AC professionals. They can help you narrow down your search.  Ask them for the most reputable air conditioning services in your area and they can probably mention a name or two. Having said that, you should not limit your referrals, instead, get as many as you can. Check out their websites or Facebook pages and read their customer reviews. Those comments will give you an idea of the quality of service they are offering.

Experience

We don’t mean that you should always ask for the most senior technician, but we encourage you to ask for someone who has a wealth of experience in the HVAC industry. Most senior AC technicians gain experience by serving as helpers or similar programs working alongside a seasoned technician.

Some of the factors you should consider include their tenure, experience in the particular system you’re inquiring about, their expertise, and ongoing training. Even the most seasoned technicians need to train, especially to keep up with new technologies.

Look for technicians that have multiple years of experience, who are able to accurately diagnose the problem and apply appropriate solutions.

License and Certification

Nobody wants to deal with a fly-by-night AC technician, so be sure to look for someone who is duly licensed by authorities. HVAC contractors need a license to perform their jobs. Ask them for their license number and verify if they are current.

Licensed HVAC professionals offer safe, long-term solutions rather than provisional fixes. They undergo training and examinations that test their knowledge, skill, and compliance with specific industry laws and regulations. They will always display a proper inspection of your air conditioner before making any repairs and use the same tools and materials.

Working with an unlicensed technician is risky because in an event of an emergency while working within your premises, you will be held accountable. On the other hand, licensed contractors are required to have insurance, which gives you peace of mind and confidence.

One specific certification you would want your technician to have is the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) accreditation. NATE-certified technicians undergo multiple competency tests and must pass all of them in order for them to receive their approval. By hiring a technician certified by NATE, you can be sure that your AC professional has a sound knowledge of all HVAC systems.

Brand Knowledge

If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, be sure to ask the technician with the specific brands or manufacturers they carry. Authorized distributors receive training directly from manufacturers, especially on installation, maintenance, and repair. Therefore, if you’re eyeing a particular brand or model, be sure your contractor is an authorized dealer of that manufacturer. In terms of repairs, ascertain they have replacement parts available for your unit.

Also, AC technicians may also receive manufacturer-approved customer service, giving them the skills to properly communicate with customers.

Make the Right Choice

Whether it’s a new installation, repair, or maintenance, it is important that you choose the right AC technician. Four Seasons Air Specialists has teams of licensed, experienced, and NATE-certified air conditioning experts. Our guys will certainly meet or even exceed your expectations. We are your reliable Dellwood AC installation company.