What Should I Expect When Looking For A HVAC Company?

If your air conditioning or heating system is not working properly, you should contact an HVAC technician and have it looked at. Obviously, living the Northern California, more specifically living Sacramento area during summer time you’ll contact a technician the instant your A/C system fails you. Letting a problem go unchecked can raise your utility bills and cause extreme undue stress on your HVAC unit.

How Much Will The Call Be?

The cost of a service call depends on several factors. Most HVAC companies will charge a flat rate just to come to your home and diagnosis your HVAC system. Additionally, a more experienced technician with a good reputation and availability will charge more than a less experienced one and more desperate for the work. Furthermore, a weekend, holiday or evening visit will be more expensive than a weekday or regular working hours.  Depending on these variables, the price of a service call can cost anywhere from $90 to $250. Be aware that in some cases the HVAC company may not have experienced techs that can repair your unit and you will have to call another HVAC company, However the HVAC technician will almost always expect payment for his time and diagnosis at the time services are rendered.

In addition to the service fee, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of labor and parts. Some repairs, such as fixing a refrigerant leak, will cost anywhere between $350 and $1,500. Smaller problems like fuses and circuit breakers will run between $200 and $400. Depending on the HVAC model you have, a new thermostat can cost between $250 and $400.

Additionally, you can also contact an HVAC technician for routine maintenance checkups and filter replacements. Your HVAC technician may offer a regular routine preventive maintenance program.  This is especially important in the event a warranty with the manufacturer needs to be processed they will have all the service records.

What should I look For When Hiring A company?

Most homeowners do not know too much about their HVAC system. Even the most enthusiastic DIYers often find central air and heating systems a bit beyond their reach. Hiring the cheapest HVAC company isn’t in the homeowners’ best interest.  HVAC companies have costs associated with staying in business.  Experience, licensed/certified techs, insurance and liability, bonds, fully stocked trucks and expensive overhead are just a few of the expenses. When HVAC companies are quoting cheap rates to come out on a service call, remember they will have to make up the money somewhere, to stay in business.  Often companies that don’t charge their “real” costs coming out to the call, means they will have to make up for it once they get to the call. Furthermore, tampering with an HVAC system when you have no experience can lead to further damage and void warranties and/or home warranties. Therefore, it’s best to leave these types of problems up to the pros. In addition to having the knowledge and tools to repair your HVAC system, a professional will usually be familiar with the newest products and techniques, and know ways to save you money. It’s important to understand that a well-maintained HVAC system will require less servicing and last longer than a neglected one.

Performance Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc has 30 years of experience and service/install technicians with no less than 10 years’ experience.  Our great reputation, along with a knowledgeable and friendly staff is one of the reasons we have been so successful.  Charging a fair and honest price is the other.  Call us today for all your HVAC needs.  (916) 933-2683