Do You Need a Second Opinion On Your HVAC Problem?
Dealing with air conditioning, heating and plumbing repair problems can be frustrating at times, and many homeowners tend to approach the whole process with a “just get it over with” mentality. This leads to many of them simply going with the first solution they hear about from their local experts. In many cases, this works well, getting your home’s systems back to normal in no time flat. However, sometimes it’s important to realize that you’re not limited to the recommendations of one expert alone.
Some unscrupulous companies default to advising their clients to replace their equipment regardless of the problem. This can be a huge, unnecessary cash drain. In these situations, it’s best to seek out a second opinion on your HVAC problems. Let our professionals at R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating walk you through how to find the best solutions to your heating and cooling woes.
Two Heads Are Better Than One
Second opinions are helpful, but they’re not always necessary. Knowing when to look for a second opinion is just as important as getting the opinion itself. For simple HVAC issues such as regular maintenance, tune-ups and routine inspections, a second opinion isn’t worth it. Other problems like strange rumblings from your heating system or clogged vents and registers might sound serious enough to warrant a second professional inspection, but most of the time your first contractor is likely to correctly pinpoint the root cause of a plumbing repair issue and suggest an appropriate solution.
Major heating and cooling problems, on the other hand, are a different ball game altogether. If a unit you’ve had for years with zero operational issues starts acting up and a technician tells you you only need to replace one small component, this could be a red flag. It can be hard to differentiate between a contractor who’s genuinely helpful and one who’s just trying to get an up-sell, but this is a skill that can help you navigate the world of HVAC repairs.
Do You Need a Second Opinion?
This isn’t to say that the local HVAC contractor you enlisted for a new heating system installation is out to get your money. The truth is, almost all HVAC companies aim to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and exemplary service at all times. However, it can’t be denied that having a second set of eyes to examine your problem can be useful. HVAC professionals, even the highest-rated and most well-meaning ones, aren’t perfect, and at times may miss crucial details about your issue.
One good litmus test to determine whether or not a second opinion is necessary is the cost of the project you’re about to undertake. When a repair or replacement job reaches a certain price point, you’re already shelling out so much for the project it won’t take much more to have another professional give their opinion about your heating or cooling problem. There are times when HVAC troubles that seem major can be resolved with a simple solution, and it’s better to cover all your bases before jumping the gun on an expensive HVAC replacement or service.
Which One Should You Go With?
If both professionals who inspected your HVAC system agree on a diagnosis, there’s a very high chance that their findings are accurate. However, when their recommendations don’t line up with each other at all, the question becomes which opinion you should go with.
There are no hard and fast rules for determining which solution will be the best. It all comes down to how experienced the contractors are and how much you trust them. If your contractor has helped you out on numerous occasions in the past and their suggested solution seems reasonable and practical enough to be accurate, there’s no reason not to trust them. A second opinion, therefore, simply serves as a viable Plan B for resolving whatever HVAC issue you’re faced with.
Regardless, there are a few traits you can keep an eye out for that can tell you which contractors are more trustworthy.
- Warranty Coverage – Ask your contractors if they’ll provide you with warranty coverage for the parts and labor that your new air conditioning unit requires. Warranties usually come at an extra cost, however. If they offer it at an extra charge, this says volumes about how confident they are about their diagnosis. Of course, free warranties aren’t the norm, and you should never expect them to be so.
- Post-Installation Support
– A good HVAC company will always provide their customers with support after the work is done. Ask your contractor about how long their post-installation customer support will last and how much help you can expect if their suggested solution turns out to be a dud. Discuss options about what can be done in this case (this is, of course, hypothetical) if the work they’ve provided doesn’t provide the expected results.
- Your Overall Opinion – Ultimately, the decision about which company to choose falls on you as the homeowner. While this criteria is far from objective, it should also be taken into consideration. After all, it’s your heating and cooling system. How comfortable are you with choosing one company over the other? Would you be happy about using their solution to resolve your issue?
Finding Reliable HVAC Contractors
If you’re in search of technicians to provide you with a second opinion, you should always use the same due diligence as you would if you were searching for a contractor for new heating system installation. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the most out of your HVAC service.
1. Check their website for more information about the company. This includes how long they’ve been in service, where their office is located, how many customers they’ve handled and what services and specializations they offer.
2. Check with the Better Business Bureau about their history of handling customer complaints so you can get a clearer picture of what their customer service is like. Their BBB rating and history can also be an indicator of whether or not you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
3. Check their licenses and certifications to ensure that your new air conditioning or heating installation or repair is done by an authorized professional. Most states require HVAC companies to meet strict certification standards before they can operate. This is meant to improve the overall work quality and protect consumers from unscrupulous individuals.
Prioritize Your Comfort
It’s not a good idea to cut corners when it comes to your heating and air conditioning systems. These devices are primarily responsible for ensuring that your home stays safe and comfortable. Neglecting their maintenance and repair can lead to various problems around your house. This means having to deal with uncontrolled levels of moisture which can damage your home’s structure, poor indoor air quality which can put the health of you and your family at risk and uneven cooling and heating which can cause your energy efficiency to drop and your utility bills to rise.
At R.A. Biel Plumbing & Heating, we can provide a second opinion on all your heating and cooling repair and replacement needs. Give us a call at (505) 327-7755 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and request a free estimate on new HVAC installations today.
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