Have you ever heard a service provider say trust me, and you felt like you really could? If so, that’s great news. According to this article in Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration the News, studies show that 73 percent of homeowners are using the same HVAC company they have used in the past. It goes on to say that number is up 44 percent! What this tells us is that customers trust their HVAC person now more than ever. Along with that trust comes loyalty. That loyalty makes you, the homeowner, feel that there’s no reason to get a second opinion or more quotes on big items like new furnaces or air conditioners. You’ve already decided you’ll use the same company you’ve always used.
But even the best HVAC company should encourage you to get at least two more quotes when you’re considering a new HVAC system. That’s what we do at Lorenz Plumbing Heating and Air. We know you’ve worked hard for the things you own, and you owe it to yourself to double check that you’re getting a fair deal. Unfortunately, we have found that some homeowners get taken advantage of with an outrageous bid or are quoted for a much larger and more efficient HVAC system than their home or business needs. Remember, your friends at Lorenz are here to help and will give you what they feel you really need. In fact, we’ve even had homeowners tell us we’re terrible salesmen, which we’re proud of. We’re not in this to sell you something you don’t need. We’re here to help your equipment run well and be there when you need us. Getting insight from multiple HVAC professionals on what they would do with multiple bids informs you to make the best decision.
Five Questions to Help You Decide
While price is an important factor, it’s not the only one to consider when getting a second opinion or quote. You can learn a lot from the company you are considering working with during this process. Here are five questions to ask yourself when meeting a new company for the first time and requesting a bid on a job or new HVAC system:
- How well does the company communicate? Does the HVAC company give you a window of time you can expect them and text or call to let you know when they are on the way? Or did the company ghost you? How well does the HVAC technician listen to your concerns and address the actual problem? Some HVAC companies will see your house as an immediate upsell, giving you an estimate on a system that is more than what you really need.
- Do you feel comfortable with the company? Feeling pressured to make a decision can lead to you making the wrong decision, which can lead to regret and frustration later on. You can feel the difference between a company who is paying their technicians commission and companies who are not. If you ask for a quote and get pressure, or if a salesperson says, This quote is only good for forty-eight hours, it’s an indication that the company is looking at its own bottom line and does not have your best interest in mind. Your friends at Lorenz aren’t on commission, so there’s never any pressure.
- How quickly can the company come out? While it is your responsibility to tell the HVAC dispatcher how urgent your situation is, only you will know if the company is responding in a time frame that makes you feel comfortable. Sometimes the HVAC can get backed up with customer jobs, but if it’s an emergency, your friends at Lorenz will do our best to get to you quickly while trying not to upset our current non-emergency customers.
- Are the technicians respectful of your home? Professionalism is another sign of respect. We wouldn’t invite family members over who would trash our homes and not pick up after themselves. Nor would we tolerate disrespectful language or behavior. How an HVAC technician acts in your home can be a big red flag. Employees who are treated poorly sometimes pass down that behavior to customers, which is unprofessional. Another thing to check is if they wear protective covering or booties over their work shoes to avoid tracking in mud or ick on your floors. These are basic things that your friends at Lorenz are mindful of.
- Do you trust that the HVAC technician who has come to fix your furnace, air conditioner, plumbing, or any other system has the ability to do the job well? Competency is important when it comes to giving an HVAC company your business. An HVAC technician should be able to talk about what is wrong with your heating, cooling, or plumbing issues in technical terms, but what’s more important is if they put the issues in words you understand and confidently give you a plan on how to fix it. When that plan is presented, it’s up to you to decide if you believe the technician has your best interests in mind or their own.
Prioritize Yourself and Get Another Bid
Getting multiple bids on a project is critical. It allows you to get opinions from several professionals, compare pricing, learn more about the company, and reduce your risk. The team at Lorenz Plumbing, Heating and Air are your friends and will tell you the truth. When we say we’re your friends at Lorenz, we really mean it. Locally owned and operated, Lorenz knows this area well and is equipped to give you an honest quote to fix your plumbing or HVAC issue. Call your friends at Lorenz for a bid and an honest assessment.
Reference:
The News Air Conditioning | Heating | Refrigeration.Hannah Belloli. August 20, 2024. “Survey Shows How Homeowners Choose Their HVACContractor.” Archrnews.com