Did you know that, according to Weather Atlas, Maryland has peak temperatures that are over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in July? Additionally, because of added humidity, it feels even hotter than this already hot temperature.
If you’ve been struggling with the heat in Baltimore, Maryland recently, it makes it difficult to enjoy your summer. You’re sweating constantly, not sleeping well, and feeling generally frustrated.
Fortunately, by finding the right HVAC Baltimore company, you can cool off in no time.
Whether you need an air conditioning unit installed or repaired, this type of company can help you. But how do you choose which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll review what to look for when choosing the right HVAC Baltimore, MD company.
Finally, you can enjoy your summer in the cool air of your air conditioner. Read on to learn more.
Get Word-of-Mouth Referrals
The first thing you should do, when researching HVAC companies in Baltimore, is get word-of-mouth referrals. Ask your friends and family if they recommend any services. They have your best interest at heart, so they’ll be honest with you.
When asking for recommendations, ask questions such as:
- “What did you think of the service overall?”
- “Was the HVAC service in Baltimore affordable?”
- “Were they professional?”
- “Was there anything you weren’t happy with?”
By asking these questions, you’ll get a good idea about whether the HVAC contractors in Baltimore are right for the job you need to be done. However, if you don’t have any friends or family to help you, you might feel stuck.
Fortunately, you can reach out to others you know. For example, the realtor who sold you your home might know of a local HVAC company. If you rent, you could ask your landlord.
Finally, you can ask your work colleagues if they know of any companies. If you still can’t get any answers, take this next step.
Look At Reviews
Whether you’re looking for HVAC repair in Baltimore or for a company that specializes in installing HVAC units, you’ll benefit from looking at online reviews of the company. They should have reviews on their website you can check out.
Additionally, look on other sites, such as Angie’s List, a website where you can find reviews of local home improvement businesses.
Other websites to check out are Google Maps and Yelp. Here, you’ll be able to find out both the star rating of the company and what past customers have to say about repairs, costs, professionalism, and more.
Get References From Companies
HVAC companies will also be happy to provide you with references from past customers. They might even be able to put you in touch with a customer who’s used them before. In this case, ask the same questions as in the word-of-mouth section.
Know the Maryland Licensing Requirements
In the state of Maryland, there are specific licensing requirements that HVAC companies have to follow. There are four different types of licenses the company you’re working with might have: master, master restricted, limited, and journeyman.
To learn about the requirements for each licensing requirement, take a look at them here. This way, you can decide which level you want to work with.
When interviewing potential companies about working with them, ask what level of licensing they have. Make sure it matches up with the level you prefer.
If you want to be sure, ask them for a copy of their accreditation. Any legitimate company will meet these licensing requirements. If they don’t, you shouldn’t work with them, as they could do a shoddy job.
Additional Certifications
In addition to meeting the requirements laid out by the state of Maryland, it’s best to hire an HVAC company that has additional certifications that demonstrate that they’re not only legitimate but the best in the Baltimore area.
The first place to look is the Better Business Bureau. They should have a good rating here if you want to work with them.
Additionally, you should find out if the company is NATE-certified, and whether they have a certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Other popular certifications for HVAC companies include the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Whether you’re looking for a company that’s reliable, trustworthy, or safe, one that has all of these certifications will have all of these features.
The Right Tools and Equipment
An HVAC company providing you with the best service will have the right tools and equipment for the job. When you’re having a problem with your AC, do some research online to find out what’s required to do the repair.
Then, when you’re considering different companies, ask them about what tools and equipment they’ll be using. If they don’t mention any of the ones you’ve come across in your research, they might not be as innovative as you need.
If you’re installing a whole new AC unit, do your research to find out what types are out there and which ones are best.
Again, if the company you reach out to doesn’t have these types of units available, you’re better off choosing a different company.
Experience
The more experience a company has, the more they’ll know about how to repair your AC unit or what type of AC unit to get installed is best for you. For this reason, you should look for an AC repair and installation company that has significant experience.
Safety Procedures
You should also ask companies what safety procedures they use when installing a new HVAC unit or repairing one. After all, installing an air conditioner includes primes, glues, gasses, high voltage electricity, condensate lines, and open flames for brazing.
To keep your home and your family safe, you need to choose a company that has a strict safety procedure in place.
Choose a company that explicitly states every step they take to ensure that safety.
Insurance
Speaking of safety, one of the most important elements related to safety is insurance. When an HVAC company has insurance, this protects both you and them. For example, say they accidentally damage part of your home during an AC repair.
If they have insurance, the insurance will cover the cost of the additional repair. You won’t lose any money as a result. If a worker is hurt on your property, you’ll also be legally protected.
Insurance also protects the company from any litigation on their end, in case there’s any damage to your home.
In addition to being a smart idea, having insurance is a sign that a company is professional and legitimate. For this reason, any companies that don’t have insurance should be taken off your list.
Employees
Even though an HVAC company might have met the in-state requirements for providing services, as well as insurance, they might hire employees who don’t. It’s best to hire a company where the employees meet all the requirements necessary.
When speaking with companies, ask them about the specific certifications their employees have, and whether or not they have insurance.
The Estimate
Money is always something to consider when getting a repair done. If your budget is tight, it’s especially important to get different estimates from different companies so you can compare them. To do this, you should first write down what issue you’re experiencing.
If you already know whether you need a repair or an installation, this can help you get closer to an estimate.
Depending on what companies you’re speaking to, some might come by and take a look at the area in your home that requires cooling before providing you with an estimate.
Once you have your estimates, ask if you can have them in writing. Then you can compare them and decide which cost is best for you.
Keep in mind that if the estimate is incredibly low, you might end up getting a worse service. While you probably won’t want to choose the most expensive company, it might be worth it if they’re the best in your area.
Think about all this when choosing which company will be best for you.
HVAC Baltimore Services
Now that you know how to choose the best HVAC Baltimore company for you, you might be ready to choose one. In this case, you should look no further than Rowbel Services. We’re experts when it comes to HVAC repair and installation.
We offer many solutions, including HVAC mechanical repairs, installations, and preventative maintenance.
To find out more about our solutions, contact us now about our pricing and services.