The HVAC system in your home is complex and expensive and it represents a significant investment in your indoor comfort. Some people attempt a DIY repair to fix a problem or they hire a “handyman” to save money. But, this is a false economy. It’s easy to make a mistake, certain components are very sensitive and ultimately, it may cost more to fix after a bad repair. A professional HVAC technician will have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to maintain and repair your system. Here are twelve positive attributes that you can look for when you’re choosing a local professional HVAC technician.
1. Familiarity with HVAC Technology
The HVAC industry moves quickly, there are regular innovations to improve performance and energy efficiency. To stay up to date the HVAC technician needs to be technically literate and they should know how to interpret technical data. This should include topics, such as schematics, specifications, building blueprints, ladder logic, and licensing information.
2. HVAC System Knowledge
The best HVAC technicians have a working knowledge about HVAC systems and certain other topics, including hot water heating, water using appliances, and more. Many plumbing topics and appliance applications are directly or indirectly related to HVAC systems. This is especially true if the technician has specialized in a certain field, such as residential energy recovery.
3. Good Communication Skills
Let’s face it, HVAC is a complex subject and it can be difficult to explain without good communication skills. No professional HVAC specialist will start any work until the homeowner fully understands and has approved that the work can begin. So, a good HVAC specialist needs to be able to communicate with customers, fellow HVAC technicians, and supervisors in a consistent and easy to understand manner. This is a critical skill, it’s easy to make errors when people are not fully aware of the situation. Good communication skills are especially useful in certain situations, such as emergency visits, scheduling conflicts, and the renewal of maintenance agreements.
4. Equipment Testing Familiarity
A good HVAC technician needs to be familiar with equipment testing to make an accurate diagnosis of problems. Some important testing equipment, includes voltmeters, ohmmeters, humidity recorders, airflow meters, and more. If your prospective technician understands this testing equipment, you are in safer hands.
5. Excellent Time Management Skills
Time is a valuable resource, making the most of the time that we have and how we use it is critical in any endeavor. The HVAC technician that you choose should have excellent time management skills to deal with the multiple calls that receive every day. When they arrive at your home, they should be able to complete each task efficiently without making errors. This will save you time, you shouldn’t be waiting for a tardy technician and they should fix the problem and move on without taking up too much of your time.
6. Understanding Safety Standards
An important aspect of ongoing HVAC technical training is a refresher on safety standards. Safety should always be the primary concern for the technician, the homeowner, and other people that may come into contact with the system. After all, there are electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems that can cause physical harm. The danger of electrocution is significant and hiring an HVAC technician that is fully aware of current safety standards is important.
7. Attention to Detail
The HVAC system is complex and it’s easy for anyone to make a mistake if they are not detail oriented and methodical in their approach. A professional HVAC technician should approach the tasks using an assigned procedure without skipping steps. An accurate record should be kept of each visit and the work that was carried out. This should include any inspections made and any equipment that was used to complete the task.
8. The Ability to Work Under Trying Conditions
Some HVAC equipment is installed outdoors and it can be hard to reach without special skills and equipment. As an example: If you live in a three story building and the outdoor AC unit is not working, the technician will have a challenge trying to reach it. Under certain weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow, it may be too dangerous to attempt a repair or any maintenance. Another common scenario is fixing equipment in a tight attic or basement space when the space may be hot or cold. Throughout this process, a professional HVAC technician will maintain a positive attitude.
9. General Appearance
It would be unreasonable to expect the HVAC technician to attend your home in a suit and tie. But, you should expect them to be dressed in a company uniform or at least a shirt that identifies their business name. They should be clean and presentable and they should have a clearly displayed nametag.
10. Wearing Boot Covers
Another aspect of business dress should include boot covers to protect your floor coverings. During the visit, the HVAC technician may need to go inside and outside the home multiple times and you don’t want dirt tracked into your home. If the technician doesn’t wear boot covers, you should expect them to put down vinyl runners to protect your flooring.
11. They Cleanup After They Finish
When the HVAC technician has completed their work they should endeavor to return your home to its original condition before they begin. This should include the disposal of garbage that was generated during the maintenance, repair, or replacement. All tools should be removed and some companies will take away old appliances that have been replaced with newer units. In short, there should be nothing left for you to handle after the technician has left to go to their next job.
12. Preparedness
When you’ve set aside time to be at home for the HVAC technician visit, the last thing that you want is someone that isn’t ready for the task at hand. If the technician is missing tools or they should have components for your system, but they forgot them, it’s a bad sign. Anyone can make a mistake, but parts need to be ordered in advance and a delayed repair can be a real inconvenience when the weather is hot or cold.
If you need some essential maintenance or a repair, contact your local HVAC specialist today.