What are your top 5 things you look for before calling and hiring an hvac contractor?

MEP HVAC
1

I’m going to list some things and would like responses with a top 5 in order from 1st to 5th. 1st being most important, and 5th being important but not the most important factor. If I leave something out please feel free to add your own, or it could be a top ten if you feel like it! Thanks.

Before you call:
Nicest website, or shows up on first page of search engine
Nicest, cleanest, prettiest trucks in town
Referral from a friend or relative
You heard them on the radio or saw them on television
Reviews on the Internet or websites

During call:
Friendly or professional on the phone
Can be there immediately, fast service
Cheapest, least expensive, or free service call

Hiring the contractor:
Best warranty
Best price (cheapest or least expensive)
Most years in business, or been doing it a long time
Most knowledgeable, professional (knows more about your ac than most)
Clean cut, wears booties inside your home, clean clothes, friendly

2

1-Referal
2-Years in business
3-Reliable answers when you call day or night
4-Knowledgeable
5-Attitude, I myself get a lot of jobs based on the fact that I am likeable regardless of my price.

3
  1. Not necessarily how long they have been in business, but How much experience do they have as a team. I know from experience that you can get a pretty good deal if you find a good guy that just started up his business and has 15 years experience in the trade. He wants to do a good job and willing to be cheaper to get the job.
  2. Organized. If they show up in a van that stuff falls out when they open the door, that is not the best sign. It could also mean that they were up all night taking care of the customer. But getting an idea of how organized they are is a good idea.
  3. Time response for Demand call. I feel that a company that cares about you is important. If you call at 9pm with no heat or you AC is broken, that they are willing to come out and help, regardless of price. At least be willing to try to make something work for you. If its a flat out “no” then they don’t care.
  4. Cheapest isn’t always best. I believe they need to be competitive but not the cheapest. It’s like anything else. You get what you pay for. Nobody wants to pay more than they have to, but you may end up paying more than you have to if you are trying to find the cheapest guy on the block so to speak.
  5. Reviews. I believe that if there is a contractor who is doing things wrong, people will talk. Review websites are important. If you find a contractor with 4 to 5 stars I think you are headed the right direction. That being said, us contractors can’t please everyone. Some people just aren’t satisfied no matter what you do. So don’t worry about the 1 or 2 negative reviews they have, as long as they have a list of positives to drown them out.