Many people requested the help of a Chicago air condition repair company during this long hot summer.  As summer turns to fall and then winter, more people will inevitably turn to Chicago furnace repair companies as well. Before you attempt to hire a company to make repairs you should take the time to check the companies out carefully.

Impulsively hiring an HVAC company can turn disastrous and end up costing you more money and time in the long run. The Better Business Bureau had several thousand complaints related to heating and air conditioning companies alone last year. Some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when searching for an HVAC company are hiring the first company they find online or in the Yellow Pages, not doing proper research and not getting all of the repair work detail in writing.

The Better Business Bureau recommends the following for customers needing their air conditioner or furnace serviced:

• Research the Company – Get as much information as possible on the background of the company and its licensing. Visit the BBB website, www.bbb.org, for their Business Review to learn more about the company’s reputation and complaint history. Ask about licenses and visit the company’s own website if they have one, as most companies will.
• Shop Around – Get at least 3 estimates for any repair or replacement work. Make sure to get a written big which provides an exact description of the work being performed and the parts used. NEVER accept a verbal estimate.
• Check the Warranty – Read the company’s warranties and be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the contract. Ask questions if you have any.
• Check the Energy Consumption – Many new air conditioning and furnace units are manufactured to be significantly more energy efficient than others. Homeowners of new, energy efficient units may still be eligible for tax credits. Make sure to get the paperwork needed to declare those savings.

In most cases, a homeowner will respond to an ad for a free or cheap inspection. During the visit, the technician will attempt to scare the homeowner into needless costly repairs or pressure them into purchasing a new unit. Other technicians may disable the unit in order to push a sale further.

Viking Heating and Cooling may be new on the scene but we take our reputation very seriously. If it wasn’t for homeowners, we wouldn’t have a job to do. We are working from the ground up, basically on word of mouth and social media marketing. The owner, Brett, personally meets with every homeowner he can prior to taking the job and always gives written estimates. You can also view our Testimonial page, Google Places or Yelp page for helpful reviews.