Pittsburgh’s sweltering summers and freezing winters make HVAC systems a must-have for homeowners in the Steel City.
However, HVAC systems aren’t perfect, and sometimes your HVAC system may need repairs.
If you don’t have the knowledge or experience needed to make the repairs, it can be a difficult undertaking and can sometimes even be dangerous. Luckily, you’ve got HVAC repair companies on your side! They specialize in fixing HVAC systems of all kinds so you don’t have to.
But there are a lot of companies out there that specialize in fixing HVAC systems, and they all have something different to offer. So let’s explore how you can find the ideal HVAC repair services in Pittsburgh.
Understand Your Needs
Before you start looking into HVAC repair companies, you need to understand your needs. For example, what kind of problem are you having with your HVAC system? Is the furnace not turning on? Are the filters clogged? Or is the HVAC system not performing as well as it used to?
Answering these questions should help you narrow down your search and help you find the ideal repair company for your HVAC-related problems.
Get Some Good Recommendations
Friends, family, and neighbors can be excellent sources of information when you’re on the lookout for a good repair company. Ask them about any repair companies that they had previously hired and gather some useful information, like how efficient the repairmen were, the quality of their services, and their pricing structure.
Positive word of mouth can give you a lot of genuine opinions about how good a repair company is.
Use Online Resources
As always, the internet is a great place to find information on almost anything. Here’s how you use the internet to find the ideal repair company to work on your HVAC:
1. Check Out Review Sites
Popular review sites like Yelp, HomeAdvisor, and Google Reviews are great places to read about customer experiences. Make sure to look for both positive and negative reviews about a particular repair company to get a good understanding of what you’ll be getting if you hire them.
2. Drop By the Company Website
Many repair companies have websites, and these websites will give you information on their services, qualifications, and also customer testimonials. Also, take note of the quality of their website—a well-made website can also be a reflection of the level of professionalism and quality of work that you can expect from the repair company.
Take a Look at Their Credentials
Any repair service can tell you they’re the best in the business, but only a few can actually prove it. So when you’re on the hunt for a good repair company, here are a few things you might want to look into:
1. State License
Every HVAC technician in Pittsburgh must have a license that was issued to them by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. Always check with HVAC technicians to see if they have this license.
2. EPA Certifications
HVAC technicians will need to handle harmful substances like refrigerants when they do repairs. Due to this, they will need to have an EPA certificate that assures they have the skills and knowledge needed to safely handle these substances.
3. Certifications From Manufacturers
If you have a high-end HVAC system made by a specific manufacturer, ask the repair company if they have technicians who are certified to work on HVAC systems that are made specifically by that manufacturer.
Get a Few Quotes
Once you’ve identified and shortlisted a few repair companies, you’ll want to get some quotes from them. Speak with at least three repair companies and ask them about their prices but remember—a low price doesn’t always mean high-quality service. The more well-known repair companies may charge higher prices, but they make up for this with high-quality service.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with repair companies. Some companies may be willing to lower their prices and still offer the same high level of service.
Ask the Right Questions
A good HVAC repair company will always have time to answer all your questions. Here are a few important questions you need to ask:
- Do you offer 24/7 services and how quickly can you come over when there’s an emergency?
- Do you charge extra for traveling to clients who are outside your immediate service area?
- What kinds of guarantees and warranties do you offer?
- Will you offer me financial plans for major HVAC repairs?
- Do you charge a fee for diagnosing the problem?
Consider Other Factors
Apart from qualifications and pricing, there are a few other things that you need to consider:
1. Experience
The ideal HVAC repair company should have technicians with years of experience under their belt. A company with a long track record has a strong commitment to quality.
2. Insurance
A good HVAC repair company should have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. This will protect you from having to take the brunt when an accident happens during repairs.
3. Communication
Communication is key, so a good repair company should communicate effectively with its clients. Check how quickly the company responds to your queries and make note of their tone of voice when they speak with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions and answers about finding HVAC repair companies in Pittsburgh:
1. What are the telltale signs that my HVAC needs repairs?
Here are a few common signs that your HVAC might need repairs;
- Your electricity bills are higher than normal
- Cooling and heating throughout your home is uneven
- The HVAC system is making strange noises
2. Sometimes my basement gets flooded. Will this affect my HVAC system?
If components of your HVAC system are located in the basement, your HVAC system may likely get damaged. In this case, make sure to call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.
3. Should I schedule maintenance checkups for my HVAC system?
Yes, you should. At least once every 6 months, you should schedule maintenance checkups to ensure that your HVAC continues to run smoothly.
Start hunting for the ideal HVAC repair companies today
Like every appliance in your home, your HVAC system needs some TLC too. By finding the ideal HVAC repair companies in Pittsburgh, you can make sure your HVAC system gets the maintenance it needs and keep it working for a long time.
So start looking for reliable HVAC repair services today!
