Article : What to look for in an Air Conditioning Installer.

Your air conditioning system is an essential part of the comfort of your home, especially during those long summer months when the heat and humidity combine to make things sticky and miserable.

Finding a reliable air conditioning repair contractor is essential for a number of reasons. First, you want to know that the repairs made will be safe for you and your family - faulty installation can be dangerous as well as costly. You also want to find an air conditioning contractor who will give you an honest, fair quote for an air conditioning system that will be powerful enough to cool your home properly when you're ready for a new unit. There are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for an air conditioning contractor that will ensure that you find the right company or individual for the job.

Interview potential contractors. You can do this by phone or in person; the important thing is to ask the right questions. You should ask them:

•    Are you and your employees bonded and insured? Even if the contractor is an individual air conditioning repair specialist, he should be properly bonded and insured to protect both of you.

•    Do you have referrals from recent clients? Ask for names and phone numbers of recent customers - then call them and ask what they thought of the service they received.

•    Can you provide a quote free of charge? A good air conditioning contractor will be happy to provide you with a quote for the job. The quote should be itemized, with each part clearly described and priced separately.

•    Take note of the questions they ask you when discussing the work you need done. The more detailed their questions, the more accurate their quote is likely to be. At the least, they should ask about your home's size and dimensions, the amount of insulation you have, number and placement of windows, etc.

•    Ask if the contractor is a licensed distributor for the air conditioning unit or units they recommend. Those who are licensed distributors can often offer a better warranty directly from the manufacturer.

•    Be sure to discuss the timeline needed to complete the work.

And remember, a good air conditioning repair or replacement contractor will always be willing to put their agreement with you in writing!