All contractors are not made equal
While it is relatively easy to find what looks like a professional air conditioning contractor, there is so much more you can do, to double check that the company will meet your needs.
The most basic requirement and the very first thing to do is; check out whether the company is F-Gas certified. F-Gas is the mandatory industry certification required by anyone carrying out work with air conditioning equipment. This is easy to do on the REFCOM website. You can search on ‘Company Name’ if you have a contractor in mind. Or you can search via ‘Local Company Search’ if you want to find local companies in your area. Visit the REFCOM Register at https://www.refcom.org.uk/
It’s useful for the contractor to have additional qualifications within their team such as electrical skills and building experience. It often avoids the need to employ additional subcontractors and possible extra costs during installs and upgrades.
Find out how long a contractor has been in business. Usually, a long track record signifies returning customers and a high level of experience.
Why is finding the right company important?
If you are committed to ensuring that your air conditioning system retains its efficiency and want the benefits of reduced costs and fewer breakdowns, then it follows that you want an air conditioning contractor who is genuinely going to take the care to maintain your equipment to the highest standard. Look for a company which is open and transparent about the work they undertake at maintenance visits. As well as maintaining operating efficiency, a regime of planned preventative maintenance is the only way to achieve an extended warranty on your equipment, so it needs to be done correctly.
All businesses operating air conditioning and refrigeration equipment must fulfil their legal obligations when it comes to the F-Gas regulations (the EU legislation designed to reduce the emission of F-Gases) and the right contractor will absolutely ensure that this is done for you.
Full service supplied
Another tell-tile sign of a great air conditioning company is that they offer a full range of services. A contracting company that only installs ac systems and who does not offer maintenance has no vested interest in installing the right system to meet your needs. Always think twice about having an installation from a contractor like this.
If you have suffered a breakdown and are looking for emergency repairs to your air conditioning system, then always choose a contractor who can offer preventative maintenance once the repair is complete. Taking out a maintenance contract will help ensure that you aren’t in this situation again.
Choosing between the good and the great
Taking the time to do a little more research will pay dividends in finding a great company. Ring your prospective company and ask for references. A great contractor will have no reservations about supplying recent references from other businesses with similar needs to your own.
At the same time ask about their availability. You will have to wait a short while to get an appointment with a great company. A full appointment system is most likely a sign of loyal and satisfied customers.
Ask about 24-hour emergency call outs, a great contractor will offer such a service and will often prioritise maintenance customers.
Click here for more Information about the air conditioning services we offer
For a free survey click here contact us or call us on 01283 523 849 to speak to one of our technical team.
