AC Service

Air Conditioning Repairs Near Me

Ignoring a problem with your air conditioner may cause more serious issues later on. So, when an issue appears, it is best to call an air conditioning repair service near you as soon as possible. Here are some of the problems that require immediate servicing:

  1. No or Low Airflow

When your AC unit fails to blow air as well as it normally does, there are likely bigger problems than just your feeling of discomfort. Such an issue indicates that a vital part may not be working as it should. Most likely, the blower is not working properly or you have dirty filters.

If you have a central AC system, it is also possible that your ductwork might be leaking. Failing to resolve the problem right away may cause the whole system to overheat. Eventually, other parts might get damaged as well.

  1. Warm Air

Many factors can prevent your AC unit from cooling down the room properly. This can happen due to leaking refrigerant, a faulty compressor, or damaged ductwork.

Not only will improper cooling cause discomfort for your family, but it also could result in your system overheating. Let your technicians conduct a total inspection to find the culprit and resolve the problem once and for all.

  1. Strange Sounds

Some AC units might be noisy, but most often they just make a soft humming sound that is barely noticeable. If you hear an unusual noise, then there may be something wrong. A clunking sound might be a sign of loose parts.

A clicking sound may indicate an obstacle on the fan or an electrical issue. There are many other odd sounds that your AC may make due to system issues. A professional can help you find out what it is and address the issue right away.

  1. Foul Smell

The air from your AC unit should be odorless, unless you set up room fragrance. But if you notice a foul smell every time you turn your AC on, then there might be mold growing inside. Try turning off the system and see if the smell fades. Call an air conditioner repair service near you. Let them fix the problem before you turn your AC unit back on.

  1. Spiking Energy Bill

Air conditioners consume a lot of energy, hence the high electrical bill at the end of the month. But if you notice that your bill is unreasonably high, then there might be an efficiency issue with your HVAC system, even if it seems like it is working normally.

Poor efficiency commonly happens with AC units that are old or that don’t get regular maintenance. Solutions to this problem may vary. Sometimes, changing your air filters will get the job done. But there is also a chance that you will need to replace the whole unit.

Air conditioning repairs are not cheap. Therefore, take good care of your system to reduce the risk of problems. Proper regular maintenance is very helpful to keep your AC performing as well as possible. It is also essential to understand how to properly use your system to avoid harming it. During the repair service, you can also ask for some suggestions from the technician you hire.

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Choosing an Air Conditioning Service

If you are experiencing one of the problems listed above, then it’s time to find a reliable AC service. Finding an air conditioning service near you is easy.

You might even find tons of them without much effort. What is not easy, though, is choosing one of them to trust with your HVAC system, especially for crucial works such as installations and repairs. To prevent investing your money in the wrong services, here are some useful tips to remember:

  1. Search Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until you need emergency service to decide which HVAC company you will hire. By that time, it’ll be too late. Consequently, you will end up hiring any random air conditioning service near you. Ideally, you want to start your search prior to having your system installed.

You will need their services again later for routine tune-ups, repairs, and replacements. Having a technician ready on-call will keep you from panicking when you have problems with your AC later.

  1. Browse Thoroughly

When doing your research, try finding out as much information as you can about each company. Their websites are a great place to start, but you shouldn’t stop there.

It is also important to get reviews from actual clients, either by looking them up online, or asking your neighbors. Sometimes, companies with convincing websites turn out to be unreliable. On the contrary, some reputable companies simply don’t make enough effort in polishing their websites.

  1. Prioritize Qualifications and Credibility

Low prices might be tempting, but they shouldn’t be the initial determining factor.  Quality should always be on top of your priority list. The air-conditioning service that you hire should have licenses and expertise in the specific area that you need them to fix. Reputation also matters because it is the proof of their work quality.

  1. Expect an Inspection and Quote

No professional HVAC company will start performing a service based only on informal conversation. After hearing your explanation about the problem, they will send technicians to inspect the actual situation so they can determine what kind of approach to take to fix the issue. Then, they will follow up with a quote where they explain in detail the services they offer.

  1. Check Their Work

Although you have no idea what it will look like to solve the problem yourself, a simple internet browse will give you some insight. You may not be eligible to do the work yourself, but you can observe your technician to see if they are doing the right thing.

After finishing their task, make sure you check the AC and try it out. If you are not happy with the result, you might need to consider hiring another air-conditioning service near you that is better suited for the job.

The performance of your AC depends a lot on how it is installed, maintained, and repaired. Terrible work may cause more harm than good, especially when it comes to the longevity of the unit. Therefore, taking the time and effort to choose the best air conditioning service near you is inarguably necessary.

AC Service Near Me: Things to Consider

Determining which AC companies near you are the best and most reliable can be overwhelming due to the wide array of options. If you are going through this, worry no more, for here are three things to consider when choosing an air conditioning company.

License and Experience

A trustworthy company should always have the legal documents required to run a business. It not only builds trust but will also prevent any legal complications in the future.

Purchasing an air conditioner for your home is a serious task because not only are you spending a huge sum of money on the unit and installation but you also have to think about your family’s safety. Thus, a good AC company invests in its workers’ certifications and training. In short, their employees should have undergone the appropriate training for the job.

Customer Reviews

A company’s ability to offer quality service is best measured by client feedback. You need to choose a company that is known for delivering praiseworthy air conditioning products and services. Doing business with companies that have an excellent reputation and high ratings will enhance your chances of getting quality goods and services.

There is no better teacher than experience, so read reviews and feedback from previous customers. Never ignore the power of good customer feedback.

Service Center Locations

Maintenance is a big part of keeping your AC unit running well for a long time. To keep it running at its optimum level, it should be regularly checked and cleaned by licensed technicians. Hence, the last thing to consider is the proximity of your house to the AC company’s service centers.

If finding a company near you is hard, you can always go online and look up “AC companies near me” as a reference.

If you are skeptical about why service center location is an important thing to consider, then here are two reasons why:

  1. Accessibility

If your air conditioner suddenly broke down in the middle of summer because of a damaged part, you would not want to wait a couple of hours for technicians to arrive and diagnose your unit, would you?

The best way to avoid that problem is by typing “AC companies near me” in a search engine. Having the company’s service centers located near you will make it quicker for your unit to get the repairs it needs. Plus, the sooner you get the repairs, the sooner the comfort will be restored in your home.

  • Less Costly

Have you ever tried getting your unit checked or fixed and found out that one of its parts needed replacement? Then you call the unit’s official service center to purchase it but find out that the part still needs to be shipped? If you have, then you know it is going to cost more.

When a part still needs to be ordered and shipped from another place, you not only have to wait a few weeks, depending on the location, but you also have to pay for shipping and delivery costs. While this may vary from one company to another, it is still an important factor to consider.

If you know your company’s service centers are located nearby, you can be sure that when you need something, you won’t have to wait. Considering the location will make maintaining your unit easier, more convenient, and less costly.

It is important to know that not all air conditioners are the same. They vary from one brand to another. With each company offering a variety of air conditioning products, choosing the right one can be a little bit tricky, especially if you are not an expert in the field. Hence, remember the tips mentioned above and make a wise choice.

How to Choose HVAC Contractors

Choosing from so many nearby HVAC contractors might take a little effort. However, it is necessary to avoid being scammed or experiencing additional problems due to poor service. So how exactly do you choose an HVAC contractor you can trust?

  1. Browse Based on Reputation

The easiest way to see if a company is trustworthy or not is by checking reviews from actual clients. These are easy to find online. You can also ask neighbors about their experience with their home HVAC services.

Although this can’t be your sole criteria when choosing an HVAC contractor to hire, researching contractors based on reputation can be an effective way to create an initial list of a few candidates. Next, you have to dig deeper and compare them with each other.

  1. Check for Legal Requirements

HVAC contractors require licenses and certification. It is also important to make sure the unit and parts they supply you with are original and from the brand. These things are essential to make sure the technicians you hire knows how to do their job properly. Illegal companies may allow you to save money at first, but the problems they may cause later will cost you a lot more than you save. It is not worth taking the risk.

  1. Ask About the Warranty Policy

Professional companies are willing to provide a warranty to prove the quality of their work and their sense of responsibility. The coverage usually includes common errors such as noisy machines and poor performance that happens shortly after the services.

Warranties are most often necessary for complex services such as installation and major repairs.

  1. Expect a Home Inspection

Whether it is an installation or repair, every HVAC case is unique. A contractor should inspect the existing condition first to understand the situation and suggest solutions based on that.

If a company tries to get you to contact them before they perform an inspection, you better reject the offer. It is most likely an unprofessional service, or worse, a scam.

  1. Wait for a Quote

Soon after the inspection, your potential technicians will give you a formal quote. Listed in this will be descriptions of different jobs that need to be performed, itemized bills, schedules, and payment procedures.

You will also notice other policies such as insurance and warranty. The more detailed the quote, the better. Don’t hesitate to ask for a quote revision if you find the quote isn’t clear enough.

  1. Compare

Now that you have sufficient information and even quotes from the HVAC contractors you shortlisted, you can compare each one of them. Although you need to stick to your budget, you should not turn a blind eye to other important deciding factors, such as experience, reputation, and warranty policy.

The HVAC contractor you hire will be responsible for more than just supplying you with an HVAC unit. You likely will also need their services for the installation, maintenance, repair, and even removal. You will also need them to take care of warranty services. Hence, you can’t simply choose any HVAC contractor near you without first checking if they are professional.

Checklist for finding the best AC repair

It doesn’t matter whether your air conditioning system is new or old, every AC unit is bound to get broken over time. With that in mind, it is wise to do your research ahead of time so you can easily find the best AC repairs when you need them most.

Is a routine AC checkup necessary?

The best time for an AC checkup is before the AC system will be used heavily over a long stretch of time. Therefore, spring is the best time for an AC tune-up, and summer is the best time for an HVAC checkup.

Routine maintenance checks prevent potential AC problems from getting worse. Preventive measures are also put in place to help extend the AC lifespan.

Scheduling routine AC checkups saves you money. You can avoid potential costly repairs when an AC technician spots a small problem that requires small repairs. AC checkups also ensure that your system is in optimal working condition and burns as little energy as possible to keep your home cool.

What happens in an AC tune-up?

Regular AC maintenance is a small investment with huge returns. You can minimize the incidence of AC issues and breakdowns. When you have an AC checkup, expect the following process:

  • The condenser coils will be thoroughly cleaned so there won’t be any wasted energy. Further, this reduces wear and tear.
  • Next, the coolant level will be checked to see if it is in the normal operating performance level
  • All moving parts are lubricated to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear.
  • For proper operation, the technicians will calibrate your thermostat.
  • Your AC ductwork will be checked for holes or tears that may cause energy loss.
  • Filters will be inspected for blockages and cleaned to remove dirt buildup.
  • All electrical connections will be inspected.
  • Any loose parts will be tightened.
  • Fan blades will be cleaned.
  • The condition of the blower will be evaluated.

How to find the best AC repair

Now that you know why AC checkups are important and what goes on during a routine AC checkup, let us proceed to the tips on finding an AC repair professional:

  1. Ask for references. This should be the first thing you do when you need an AC repair contractor. Family and trusted friends can help you find a local AC contractor service they have used before. However, if the AC repair company is not near you, there are other ways to find the best AC repair nearby.
  2. Find a reputable accredited AC contractor. The members of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America as well as the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor’s National Association are some of the best AC repair contractors available in a lot of locations. Find a reputable contractor on those lists.
  3. Ask for a home check before a phone quote. Don’t get wooed by a low-price offer for an AC repair service. There may be additional charges once the AC repair contractor inspects the problem. Further, require a written estimate rather than a verbal agreement. Experienced AC contractors always survey the AC problem you have at home, then calculate an estimate.

Things to Consider When Choosing an HVAC Company

Finding HVAC companies near you is an easy task. However, your actual challenge is to find the right one to hire. HVAC systems can be complex, and the quality of job delivered can have significant long-term effects. There are lots of other things you need to consider as well. After all, it is a long-term investment in your house.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting an HVAC company. Make sure to have a few candidates, so you can compare each one based on each of these aspects and pick the best one to hire.

  1. Review and Reputation

Ask for references and referrals. Ask your friends, neighbors, or co-workers if they know a trustworthy HVAC company around. Check reviews online. There are plenty of reliable websites for that sort of thing.

Try to find out whether the company can finish their tasks on time and within the budget. Ask if the company performed clean installations and respected the homeowner’s property. Did the company test the system after installation to ensure maximum efficiency? You can also learn a few names to avoid based on their experience and online research.

  1. Eligibility

Visit prospective companies’ websites or offices and see if they are professional. See if their team is adequately licensed and appropriately certified as your local government regulates. Bonus points if the company is regularly updating their staff’s skills through training and more certifications. Experience is also something that you can’t ignore, as it proves how reliable their services can be.

  1. Availability

See how the prospective company responds to your phone calls and emails. It is highly advisable to avoid companies that are not responsive or are habitually late. You also need to make sure they will remain available during the warranty period because some irresponsible companies will cut off contact with you after finishing a lousy job. Furthermore, not every HVAC company is available for immediate response. You need to choose one you can rely on, especially when you need emergency repairs.

  1. Inspection

HVAC tasks can vary widely. No one solution can fix all kinds of problems. Whether it is for a new installation or repair, a meticulous building evaluation is necessary to determine the best heating and cooling service to perform. A reputable HVAC company will always perform home inspections first. If possible, pay attention to how they perform the inspection. Ask what kind of conditions they find on-site and what suggestions they have in mind.

  1. Quote

Following the home inspection, professional HVAC companies will give a formal proposal containing every detail of the contract. You can expect to see the itemized tasks and prices, payment procedure, scheduled timeline, as well as warranty policies. Use these quotes to compare the candidates you have shortlisted earlier.

There you have it: five essential things to consider when choosing an HVAC company near you. By hiring the right company, you will lower your chances of wasting your money on poor services. It may take some time to research. But considering the effects can be long-lasting, all these efforts will pay for themselves in time.

Picking the Best Air Conditioning Service Near Me

To reduce the risk of early degeneration, you need to get your air conditioner serviced. An air conditioning unit is just like a human. When a human needs to be revitalized, a trip to the spa can help. Servicing is like a spa for your air conditioner. It can help your air conditioning unit maintain its performance. Also, it prevents your air conditioner from breaking down as quickly, so you don’t have to spend a huge chunk of money on a replacement.

Now that you understand the importance of air conditioning service, there’s one more question you probably are asking: “How do I pick the best air conditioner service near me?”

Determining the best air conditioner service is like a multiple-choice test question where all the answers are closely related. However, only one answer is right. Here are some things you need to consider when looking for the best air conditioning service in your area.

  1. Location

Golden rule: The closer, the better. Location is an important consideration when ascertaining the best air conditioner service for you. The farther away it is, the more expensive it will be. Also, if you choose a company that is closer to your home, you won’t have to wait as long to get your unit up and running.

  • Credibility and Knowledge

Two things that can convince a customer to rely on a company’s services are credibility and knowledge. Credibility comes from the experience that a company has. This includes experience solving problems quickly without sacrificing the unit. Knowledge, meanwhile, involves keeping the customer informed about what is happening to the unit. A knowledgeable company is able to help the customer understand everything from repairs to after care.

  • Rapport

Rapport comes from punctuality. Since customers want to enjoy their air conditioner, being late is not an option for service providers. Establishing a good rapport with their customers can help service providers acquire more customers from recommendations and good reviews.

  • Cost

Obviously, the cost is most likely unavoidable. Service always comes with a price tag. Some AC servicing companies are expensive but provide great results. Others are less expensive but provide lower-quality service. If there is one company that offers great service at a slightly cheaper rate, choose that one.

  • Emergency repairs

Emergency repairs are a significant consideration for a customer. You may have serious issues that require urgent attention. If a company offers emergency repair services, that company is worth the call.

One final note: Just because a company has been in business for a long time does not necessarily mean that they are good. Considering these criteria can help you pick the best air conditioning service in your area. Only the best air conditioning service company in your area can give your unit the pampering it deserves.

How to avoid a Scam

As mentioned above, it is important to find a trustworthy air conditioner service. But what are some ways to determine if a service near you is a scam? Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Forcing you to install a new air conditioning system

While it is good to get advice from an air conditioner service technician about the latest in air conditioning systems, no true technician will force any new system on you. A con artist may use fancy technical terms or tell you that a leak or loud noise means you need a new air conditioner because your current one can’t be fixed.

More AC than you need

An air conditioner service scammer will find a way to overcharge customers by installing an oversized air conditioning unit. An oversized unit will be more expensive, and you will surely need repeat air conditioner services, which can be costly.

Failing to fix or misdiagnosing the issue

One trick an air conditioner service scammer will use is to say a replacement part will “take some time to get up and running.” It is a red flag if the part does not function right away. If this is the case, the issue has either not been fixed, or it has been misdiagnosed. This is a common scam. The air conditioner should start functioning properly again immediately after the repair is done.

Pretending to inspect the unit

If you receive an unexpected phone call from an air conditioner service nearby asking to inspect your air conditioning system, this is likely a scam. It is normal for a service to conduct an inspection after you have called them, but if they are the ones who call you, that is suspicious. They could be burglars who are pretending to be technicians. Check your facts and ask for their IDs, names, company phone number, and web address.

Pretending to be with a well-known air conditioner service in the area

Some con artists will approach homeowners pretending to be representatives of well-known HVAC companies. They may try to schedule a tune-up or service call.

Replacing parts with used parts

You know an air conditioner service company is a scam if they give you used parts instead of fully functional new parts. Don’t accept used parts as they could come from a damaged unit.

Asking for upfront payment

When agreeing to an HVAC air conditioner service, don’t pay cash up front. Even if they say they will give you a discount for paying up front or that it is the company policy, don’t fall for it. A reputable air conditioner service will first assess the AC problems, offer a written estimate, and then fix the issues completely before accepting payment.

Avoiding air conditioner service scams

The most important consideration is to do your research. Be sure that you check the Google listings and get recommendations from family and friends. When they arrive at your home, check their uniforms and vehicle as well.

  ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.  

East Coast Mechanical - ECM Air Conditioning

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