The Value of Getting A Second Plumbing or HVAC Opinion

For quick fixes and emergency service, getting a second opinion isn’t necessarily needed. For major repairs and expensive jobs, however, getting a second opinion can help you make sure you’re paying the right price for the right materials. Here are the top reasons why you should consider getting a second opinion for your plumbing or HVAC before proceeding with a major job.

You need to make sure your technician is honest and reputable

Unfortunately, not all plumbing and HVAC professionals have your best interests at heart. Scams and schemes can happen to anyone, even if a company seems reputable at first glance. Common HVAC and plumbing scams include:

• Overcharging for cheap materials
• Marking up prices depending on what neighborhood you live in
• Not leaving a paper trial
• Making an estimate that’s too good to be true

By getting a second opinion, you can avoid getting scammed or falling victim to dishonest pricing.

You might need a different service

When it comes to major plumbing and HVAC jobs, you don’t want to proceed with a service without being sure it’s 100% necessary. For example, one company may tell you it makes sense to repair your air conditioner instead of replacing it. But, a second opinion could help you do the math on whether a replacement is more cost effective instead. Getting more than one quote ensures that you have the full picture of exactly what needs to be done, and how much it’ll cost.

The price might not be right

Remember, the best value isn’t always the lowest-priced option. Things like good customer service, strong company reputation, and years of experience are more valuable than you might think. In fact, you should be skeptical of prices that seem too good to be true—the company in question may be using lower-quality materials or cutting corners that will end up costing you in the long run. Or, the plumber may intentionally be offering low prices to reel in customers, before up-charging them as the work goes on.

Your HVAC system needs to be sized correctly

One of the most common HVAC myths has to do with how large your system should be. The fact is, when it comes to HVAC systems, bigger is most definitely not better. A system that’s too large will cost more money to operate and have a shorter lifespan overall because it will work too hard to heat or cool your home. This places a large amount of stress on the crucial components of the system.

Most homes have air conditioners that are too large, or too small, without homeowners even realizing it. Some HVAC professionals report that as many as 80% of the homes they service have oversized air conditioning units. Some HVAC contractors may upsell you on a larger system and try and convince you that it’s a better choice. That’s why it’s important to get a second opinion about what size system you need, to make sure you don’t end up with an oversized system—and oversized energy bills.

A reputable HVAC technician will use what’s called a Manual J calculation to determine how many tons, or BTUs, of cooling is necessary for your system. This calculation includes the following factors.

• The age of your home
• Existing ductwork
• Natural shade and sunlight
• Your local climate
• The direction your home faces
• The age of your windows and doors
• The number of people that live in your home

As you can see, a lot goes in to sizing an HVAC system, which is why you should make sure the company you choose to work with is well-versed in the field.

The right questions to ask

Once you’ve decided to get a second opinion, it’s important to ask the right questions in order to make sure you get the most out of the appointment. Here are the top four questions you should ask an HVAC technician or plumber before agreeing to use their services.

Are you licensed and bonded, and can you provide proof of insurance?

All plumbers and HVAC technicians employed in the state of Arizona, including independent sub-contractors, must earn a license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. The license requirements include four years of relevant industry experience and a passing score on two comprehensive exams. Before hiring a plumber or HVAC technican, you should check to ensure that they’re licensed, and that their license is current.

Who will be in my home doing the work?

It’s important to know the plumber or technician completing the job and their qualifications. It’s also important to know if there will be one professional on the job, or a team involved. Of course, this may change depending on scheduling and the needs of the job, but you should at least be able to get a general idea of who you’ll be greeting at the door when they arrive.

When is payment due?

It’s important to establish up front when the plumber or HVAC technician expects to be paid, and how much of the cost needs to be paid up front. Some companies may require a percentage of the entire payment to be paid before the job begins, with the rest being due upon completion of the job.

If you’re concerned about being able to afford your repair or installation job, many plumbing and HVAC companies offer convenient financing options. For example, Chas Roberts’ financing program allows you to make easy monthly payments until your job is paid off in full.

Do you offer ongoing maintenance for my new AC system?

Getting regular maintenance on your AC system is just as important as getting a quality installation. You should ensure that the company you’re working with has a thorough maintenance plan in order to keep your warranty in good standing. Plus, maintenance is the best way to make sure your system continues to work its best for years to come.

At Chas Roberts, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans. Our maintenance plans provide biannual check-ups to help ensure maximum efficiency, identify any possible problems that may occur in the near future, and keep your air conditioning system running at its peak efficiency all year. Unlike other companies that may only perform a simple check for loose bolts or dirty filters, our 26-point maintenance plan thoroughly checks your entire system from top to bottom.

Honest service, upfront pricing: Chas Roberts

When it comes to major repairs, equipment replacement and more, it’s important to work with the best. At Chas Roberts, our 75 years of experience speaks for itself. From the first consultation to the final installation, we truly go the extra mile when it comes to customer service. Contact us to get started.