With Boston’s frigid winters getting more unpredictable every year, you need a heating repair service provider you can trust to get the job done if your heating goes out. Here’s what you should look for when hiring a heating contractor, what questions to ask, and how The N.E.T.R., Inc. Difference can help you get reliable home comfort when you need it most.
Industry Certifications
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure the heating contractor you hire is certified or has extensive training in the installation, repair, and maintenance of different heating systems. To become certified, technicians must pass tests that confirm their HVAC knowledge and abilities, so you know you can trust the work they will do in your home or business.
Good Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are just as important as certifications, if not more so. These are what tell you how satisfied other people have been with the company’s services and equipment.
Just remember that every company has at least a few negative reviews – if there aren’t any, that’s a red flag that the contractor’s reviews may have been faked. What you want to look for instead are negative reviews that were promptly and thoroughly addressed by the provider to the customer’s satisfaction. But if you see recent bad feedback that hasn’t been commented on by the business, this is a good reason to be a little more suspicious.
Check reviews on multiple sites and make a mental note about whether the reviews have the same general vibe between sites or if one site is radically different from the others. In the latter case, this could mean that the provider is artificially influencing reviews on that specific platform.
Excellent Professional Standards
The heating repair company you choose should have excellent professional standards and ethical codes of conduct that all technicians are required to abide by. This means they take care of their clients’ homes, clean up when they’re done, and provide great customer service.
These may seem like small details that are less important than reviews or certifications, but a provider’s professional standards are a direct reflection of how they operate their entire business. You can be confident that a company that sets high professional standards and meets them consistently is well-equipped to handle even the most challenging heating needs.
Clear Upfront Pricing
When it comes to HVAC service, you get what you pay for. Rock-bottom pricing usually translates to low-quality work and shoddy equipment. That’s not what you’re looking for here.
Instead, make sure the provider you choose has upfront pricing. As in, regardless of what the cost is, there aren’t any hidden fees, taxes, or back-end expenses that jack up the price without your knowledge.
Warranties and Rebates
Be sure to ask heating contractors you’re interested in working with what kind of warranties or rebates they offer with their work or equipment. It’s important to hire a company that provides robust warranties for as long as possible after installation, so if something goes wrong, you can get it fixed with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
Work Permits
Some types of HVAC services require a permit to be obtained. Usually, this is just for new installations or system expansions. Most homeowners don’t know what kind of permit is needed for their service, nor do they know where to get one.
Hiring a contractor who already has this covered can be a big relief since having work done without a permit could be costly in terms of penalties and fines.
Insurance
Speaking of something going wrong, this is what insurance is for. Even the best contractors with the highest levels of training and certifications can’t prevent every possible problem that could occur during your service. Sometimes, accidents just happen.
Insurance will pay for the cost of home repairs, equipment replacement, and other expenses related to a covered incident. But if the contractor doesn’t have insurance, you’ll be the one footing the bill for any damage they caused.
Experience the N.E.T.R., Inc. Difference
Since 1989, N.E.T.R., Inc. has provided residents of Boston and surrounding areas with comprehensive heating installation, service, and repair. Our experienced HVAC technicians can quickly diagnose and fix heating problems, so you’re left with as little downtime as possible.
Contact us today to learn more about our service partner plan memberships or schedule your heating service by calling (781) 896-0668.
