Key Qualities to Look For in an HVAC Technician

Hiring an HVAC technician is a task that must be done with care. After all, you are trusting this person to complete repairs, service and/or installations that can affect the safety and comfort of your home and family. So what should you look for as you make that choice? A company that employs HVAC technicians with the following key qualities:

Strong technical and mechanical knowledge and skills

A great HVAC technician will have extensive understanding of and experience with HVAC systems and controls, testing equipment, technical data and troubleshooting procedures, as well as the mechanical skills to repair, install, assemble, disassemble and program these systems as necessary for safe, efficient operations. Look for HVAC technicians that hold licenses and certifications in their field to ensure this level of knowledge and skill.

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Good HVAC technicians must be able to interact smoothly with homeowners and building managers in order to do their jobs effectively. That means having strong listening skills as well as the ability to explain technical/mechanical information in plain language. Additionally, they must be patient in answering clients' questions and concerns, and respectful of those clients and their homes.

Strong knowledge of and compliance with safety standards

HVAC technicians work with a variety of elements that can be dangerous if not handled appropriately, including natural gas, electricity and coolants, among others, so a great HVAC technician will be well trained in and observant of safety standards in all workplace situations.

Motivated to pursue continued training on new systems, technologies and standards

Equipment, technology and standards are always changing, becoming more advanced, efficient and complex every year. A great HVAC technician knows that keeping up-to-date through continued education is essential to maintaining top performance in his or her field.

If you still have questions about what to look for in a good HVAC technician, please feel free to contact Air Assurance, we're always happy to help. Our extensively-trained, highly-skilled and NATE-certified HVAC professionals have been serving homeowners throughout the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC technicians and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “OpenClipart-Vectors/Pixabay”

Here's How to Know You're Working With a Quality HVAC Company

When your furnace is on the fritz, a dozen doubts and questions may run through your mind. "What's wrong now? How do I get it to work? Who do I call? How much will it cost?" and more. Suddenly, the quality and integrity of the company you invite into your home to assess and solve the HVAC problem becomes a principal factor. Use the following tips to narrow your field of companies and ensure you receive the quality customer service you deserve.

Testimonials and Reviews

You can find out a lot of information about companies these days with a few simple searches on the Internet. Many companies with websites may have a "Testimonials" page to browse. There are other Internet resources to research, such as Google reviews and Angie's List, that offer customer reviews. Your local Better Business Bureau provides reviews from actual customers, in addition to their popular rating system.

Years of Service

Quality matters, but so does quantity in terms of years in business. Why go with a rookie company when there are many veteran companies to choose from?If pricing is a factor when considering hiring a newer company, bear in mind that your HVAC system is only going to work as well as the quality of skills and customer service your HVAC company and technician bring to the table. Invest your time and resources in an HVAC company with a proven track record.

Business Best Practices

There are a few red flags to watch for. If a company asks you to pull permits, buyer beware! The individual may not be licensed. If an HVAC company doesn't provide you contact information to confirm that their insurance policies are up to date, move on to the next prospect.

The Fine Print

From the free estimate to the work order contract, get everything in writing! It's for your own protection and clarification of work to be performed, replacement parts, workmanship guarantees and manufacturer warranty.

For the best results, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've provided superior customer service for our Broken Arrow customers for more than 30 years!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about quality HVAC companies and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “tumisu/Pixabay”

What is Great HVAC Customer Service?

Savvy consumers have little patience these days with poor customer service. The HVAC business community realizes this, but we also know that not all HVAC customers are sure what good service in our industry looks like. If you're in the market for HVAC repairs or an installation, here are some things we suggest looking for when it comes to great HVAC customer service.

Prompt First Response

Many HVAC customers are in panic mode when they call or email an HVAC company for service. They need assurance from the moment they place the call or send an email that someone will respond quickly to their emergency. Phone attendants should be patient and courteous, taking down all the information, relaying it to the right person and following up as needed. If the company uses email for service requests, someone should be regularly checking the messages and passing them on. If the company advertises 24/7 service, the customer shouldn't have to wait very long for a response.

Good Communication Skills

A contractor or technician who can't explain why a repair is needed in clear layman's terms — or summarize the scope of an installation in as much detail as the homeowner can handle — won't inspire confidence. Customers deserve a coherent explanation of what's going on with their equipment, along with estimated costs and how long repairs will take. Those purchasing new equipment need to know how conditions in the home impact the efficiency of their systems so they can plan improvements prior to installation.

Skillful Time Management

Technicians should arrive on time, as scheduled, or if there's a delay, should notify the homeowner as soon as possible. If for some reason the job has to be interrupted, the technician should explain why and exactly when the job will be completed.

Good Inventory Control

HVAC companies should maintain proper inventory in their trucks or warehouse so that parts are quickly accessible and delays minimal.

To learn more about what constitutes great HVAC customer service, contact Air Assurance. We've provided award-winning service in the Broken Arrow area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Lukiyanova Natalia frenta/Shutterstock”