We all want someone we can trust, right? Every day, we depend on the honesty, integrity, and knowledge of the people around us. From the person who rings you up at the grocery store to the doctor who has had his practice in Point Pleasant for the last fifty years, we want to feel comfortable. We all want to feel like our best interests are in good hands.
The same goes for your home.
HERE’S THE SITUATION:
The HVAC system at your home along the Jersey Shore has gone out. You call a local, family-owned HVAC company to come out and evaluate. They provide you with an estimate for a repair, but it just doesn’t sound right. For some reason, that little voice inside your head is telling you take a moment.
You dismiss the technician, telling them you just need some time to mull it over. Is it time to call another company to get a second opinion?
It’s all going to depend on the reason you’re taking pause with the choice in front of you. Check out some of these common reasons people don’t move forward with repairs right away, and whether or not we believe they’re instant no-fly zones.
PASSABLE VERSUS RED FLAGS
#7: Unclear Communication
Between a homeowner and a technician, clarity is everything. When a technician is unable to explain their findings in a way that is easily understood, it might give you pause. They may even give off the idea that they aren’t really sure of their findings. Dismissive answers are usually a no-go.
Even if it’s a situation where the repair could be the ultimate fix or the first step to continue diagnosing properly, it’s important that you feel comfortable understanding that process.
VERDICT: Red Flag
#6: Unwilling to Quote Repairs
The technician finishes up his diagnosis at your Jersey Shore home and let’s you know that there’s a major component that has failed. While he recommends replacement of the entire system, it’s alright to inquire about the cost of repairs. Most companies will be able to quote you a repair regardless of whether or not they recommend replacement.
There will be times that the parts required will be unavailable entirely, which makes it impossible for even the most reputable of companies to provide an estimate. For that reason, it’s difficult to mark this one as a blatant red flag. In those situations, an easily verifiable piece of information is the age of your
system. There shouldn’t be any issue getting parts for units that are not past their life expectancy.
VERDICT: It depends (Red flag at half-mast)
#5: Too Good to Be True
In a world where nothing is free, a deal that sounds too good to pass on usually is. Your home at the Jersey Shore deserves the best. If the technician at your home describes an intricate issue followed by a solution that doesn’t seem to match, you may want to get a second opinion.
This scenario is more common when you’re already getting a second opinion, and the new company is pitching a much easier, cheaper solution. If that’s the case, the first company either misdiagnosed or the second company is willing to offer a different solution to gain your business. Beware, as it usually comes with a cost. From safety to quality, the corners cut during a repair aren’t free.
In these moments, it’s important to evaluate which company will be there if further issues arise.
VERDICT: Red Flag
#4: Technician Was Too Young
Does age really equate to experience? It’s a debate that we really won’t get into, but Rostron Premium Home Services doesn’t believe so. A technician in his twenties can have more experience than one in their sixties, especially when it comes to knowledge of newer technology.
If the argument is solely based on their age, not any issues with communication, we don’t believe it’s enough to get a second opinion.
VERDICT: Passable
#3: Flat Rate Versus Hourly Rate
Assurances make us feel secure, right? Companies like Rostron Premium Home Services have opted to use flat rate pricing to protect Jersey Shore homeowners from uncertainties. When quoting repairs, we give a single number that represents the cost including anything from labor to material, to fuel and beyond. It won’t matter if the technician didn’t get a good night’s sleep or if the manufacturer shipped the wrong part. It’s still the same price for the repair.
Hourly rates aren’t necessarily a red flag by themselves. Combined with clear expectations, it can be just as good as a flat rate cost. Although, it can indicate the lack of a certain stability you’ll want from a company completing those intricate repairs.
VERDICT: It depends (Red flag at half-mast)
Your system’s already not working, and now the technician is putting ideas in your head about the safety of your family. It may seem far-fetched or make your heart skip a beat, but there is one thing that’s true.
There are a number of ways your HVAC system can take a dangerous turn. From carbon monoxide leaks to fire hazards, a warning from an HVAC professional is not something to be taken lightly.
If you’re not confident in the diagnosis for another reason, like poor communication, it may be time to call for another opinion. However, it’s best to take the first tech’s recommendations seriously.
VERDICT: Passable
#1: Technician Had to Contact Tech Support
If the technician knows what they are doing, why in the world would they need to contact tech support? To be frank, it’s more for you than it is for themselves. Most newer units will offer an error code when there’s an issue, but it isn’t always that simple. At the Jersey Shore, there are dozens of brands and models offered with thousands of different components that make them work.
Reaching out to tech support to get the proper steps to take when presented with an error code is the best way to ensure the diagnosis. Some manufacturers will actually require the technician to call from the field and attempt a series of fixes before approving warranties on parts.
VERDICT: Passable
WHO CAN I TRUST?
There aren’t many certainties in this world, but you should always select a company that you can trust to do the right thing. We pride ourselves on taking the right path, regardless of how difficult it is. Rostron Premium Home Services offers heating, cooling, plumbing, and electric services to Monmouth
and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. Give us a call at 732-223-8221 or fill out a form right here on our website
