It’s time to get your shorts out of storage, the weather is absolutely heating up here in Southern California. Your AC will need to be ready for a workout this season. If you haven’t already, it’s a smart idea to have an AC repair professional chosen and thoroughly vetted before your AC has any issues surviving an incoming heatwave.

It would be ideal if you could just pick the first number out of the phone book and be assured that they’ll do an acceptable job, but there are companies out there that are looking to take advantage of your unfortunate predicament. We don’t want to leave you sweating a shady repairman or the heat so the team at Econo Air has some red flags to look out for that let you know you may be dealing with an untrustworthy company.

1) Requesting Full Payment Prior to Starting Work

A trustworthy company will provide you with an estimate in advance of beginning any work. Any company requesting payment prior to starting work is a big red flag. Another demand of a shady company is asking for payment in cash. This could lead to problems down the road having your problem fixed correctly or completely.

2) Quotes a Cost Prior to Inspection

A technician may have an inkling of what is going wrong with your air conditioner simply by speaking with you, but they won’t know for sure until they have actually inspected your system. Find a company that will provide you with an estimate only following an inspection.

3) Refuses to Put it in Writing

If you’ve watched even 5 minutes of a court show on TV, you know it’s an absolute must to get it in writing. This is non-negotiable. If a company isn’t willing to put the work and charges into writing, don’t have confidence in them to finish the work. By getting a signed contract prior to work beginning you’re ensuring that you and your contractor are on the same page and you’ll have no unexpected costs after work has been completed.

4) They aren’t licensed

Not every state requires that contractors are licensed, but the majority do. You can look up online and see if licenses are required in your area. If you reside in a state that requires licensing, by choosing a licensed company, you’re shielding yourself from a company that uses untrained workers. And any problems or issues with the company you choose can be reported. If you come across a company that is operating without a license, there’s most likely a reason for that and you’ll want to keep clear.

These warning signs will hopefully help guide you along as you’re looking for a trusted AC repair technician in the Southern California area. The pros at Econo Air are ready to get the job done right and earn your trust. Give us a call at 714-710-1070 or set up an appointment with us anytime using our contact form.