On average, our heating system makes up nearly 42 percent of our utility bills.
That’s a big chunk of our utility bills. However, did you know that you can save up to 30 percent on your energy bill with a combination of energy-efficient tips such as properly maintaining your equipment?
Are you in need of a heating and cooling services company? For such major systems in your home, you don’t want to just pick any company. You want to pick a trusted, experienced HVAC company.
Keep reading for tips to choose the best heating and cooling company in Austin.
1. Ask Friends and Family for Referrals
One way to find a heating and cooling maintenance company is to ask your friends and family for referrals. A trusted friend can give you an honest, thorough review of a maintenance company.
2. Check Out Websites and Read Reviews
When looking at different companies, do some research online. Look at their websites and check out what services they offer.
Read online reviews to get a better idea of each company. Take time to read the reviews and see if you spot any trends.
Do a lot of the reviews complain about the same issue? Does the company respond to negative reviews in a professional manner?
You can also look at the company’s social media pages and see if there are any positive or negative feedback posted by customers on their pages.
3. Look for Comprehensive Services
Another tip when choosing a service company is to look for comprehensive services.
Does the company offer different services for heating and cooling systems? Do they offer repair and maintenance? Can they install new heating or cooling systems?
It’s easier to have a company that can do comprehensive services for both your cooling and heating systems.
4. Look for Experience
Another question to ask a service company is about their experience. Ask the company how long have they been in business. Have they been around for a while in Austin?
You’ll probably want to establish a long-term connection with this service company. You don’t want to be scrambling around to find another service company when you’re having trouble with your HVAC system.
5. Availability
Another consideration for a heating and cooling maintenance company is availability. What are their business hours? Are they available for weekend appointments?
HVAC issues don’t follow a 9 to 5 schedule. You can have an issue with your heating or cooling on a Friday night or Sunday morning.
What about in case of an emergency? Does the company offer emergency 24/7 services if needed? Can you rely on this company for your HVAC services?
You want to find a company that is reliable and there for you.
6. Ask for a Quote
When deciding between more than one HVAC repair company, you can ask them for a written quote on your HVAC service.
You can look at the services on the quote and compare different companies. You’re not only comparing pricing, but you’re also comparing value.
Does one company offer a higher price, but they also include additional services? Take a look at the overall quote to make a decision.
7. Pricing
You want a maintenance company that offers fair pricing. You can do some research and ask more than one company for a written quote to see which will give you a good price on your HVAC service.
Another consideration is financing options. If you need an expensive service, and you don’t want to pay everything all at once, you can ask if the company offers financing options.
Needing an HVAC replacement is a huge expense, and it’s not something that you can put off. This is especially true in Austin during the cold winters and hot summers.
However, a financing plan can make it easier to afford such a large expense.
8. Customer Service
Another factor is the company’s customer service. Do you feel like they respect you as a customer? Are they rude to you when you speak to someone on the phone or when you ask questions about the service?
Even if the company offers great service and repair, you also want to consider how they treat you as a customer.
9. Ask Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions when looking for a heating and cooling service company. You want to make an informed decision when choosing a service company on such a major system in your home.
Do your research and ask questions. Ask the company if they have a satisfaction guarantee for their services.
Ask if the service company is licensed and fully insured. Heating and cooling systems are complex systems, so you don’t want just anyone working on them.
You can also ask about energy efficiency options. For example, did you know that replacing an old air conditioner with an energy-efficient air conditioner can save you 20 percent – 40 percent on your cooling bill?
Do You Need to Replace Your Heating and Cooling System?
Wondering if you need to replace your heating and cooling system or if you just need a repair? One consideration is the current lifespan of your HVAC system.
The average lifespan of a new furnace is about 16-20 years. The average lifespan of a central air conditioner is about 12-15 years.
If you’ve had your heating and cooling systems for longer than that, and you’re having frequent maintenance issues, then it might be time for a replacement.
With a trusted service company, you can have a qualified technician inspect your unit and help you decide if you need a new system or not.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Service Company
Heating and cooling are major systems in your home. You want to find a service company that is experienced and reliable.
At Schneider Mechanical, we can help you with your heating and cooling systems. We offer services such as HVAC maintenance, repair, and new installations.
Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
