When searching for an HVAC – Commercial Air Conditioning – company in Shrewsbury and Shropshire, it seems like they are all very similar. It is definitely something that is in higher demand as we experience warmer weather and more fluctuations in temperature and is now less a luxury and much more a necessity. That being said, as a business owner or property manager, where budgets need to be met and time spent without air conditioning is unacceptable, how do you find an honest, reputable and knowledgeable HVAC contractor that you can trust?
1- Not assessing your needs properly
Not properly assessing your commercial Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioing needs can be a costly mistake. Although you will be relying on your HVAC contactor to a certain degree, to provide you with an energy efficiency assessment , you should be prepared with your own game plan as to what exactly you are trying to accomplish – whether it is to increase your energy efficiency or have a full system installed, you should have a general idea as to what you would like seen installed in your building as well as the price range you are looking to spend for the upcoming year.
2- Beware of the upsell!
Having your unit down for even a couple of hours can be frustrating and you need to be sure your contractor will respond immediately. Many HVAC engineers on a service contractor will come in and automatically tell you that there is nothing that can be done and your air conditioning units need to be replaced. Although this may be true for some of the units, the reality of it is that it is rarely the case for all of the units. Unfortunately, we can chalk this up to a technician trying to sell a new unit for the commission or simply the fact that they do not have the expertise to repair your HVAC equipment, so they automatically state that it needs to be replaced. You can be sure that Cutts Refrigeration do not use these types of sales tactics.
3- Only getting one opinion
Like any diagnosis you receive, it is always wise to receive a few different opinions. This will help prevent a contractor from overcharging you if they perceive that your situation is urgent or if they feel that you are not familiar with your equipment and what it is that you are looking to install.
If are based in Shrewsbury, Telford, Wolverhampton, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Leominster, Welshpool, Oswestry, Whitchurch or Market Drayton and you are getting quotes for Air Conditioning, Commercial Refrigeration, Cool Rooms & Cellars or simple service contracts with Refrigerated Trailer cover – make sure you include Cutt’s Refrigeration in your list.
4- Assuming all HVAC contractors are the same
Although you may see certain HVAC companies more often than others, that does not mean that they have the correct experience you are looking to obtain for your HVAC equipment. The majority of Air Conditioning companies mainly handle residential equipment but Commercial Air Conditioning is a completely different animal, so do your research and ensure that whoever you choose has a good level of experience in all types of commercial refrigeration and commercial air conditioning equipment, like Cutts Refrigeration in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
5- Not checking reviews or googling the company
Who hasn’t googled something when doing research on a project or item. The same goes for companies. Try to find as many reviews as possible. Whether it’s through Google, Yell or Facebook, this should give you an additional resource, allowing you to make a more educated decision concerning the company you are looking to hire.
6- Assuming the labour warranty is implied
Once your new unit is installed, you may think that there is nothing to worry about . Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When making a decision on a contractor, check the fine print to see how long guarantee lasts and if it includes labour costs. Something as simple as a leak in the unit will add up in cost if it occurs numerous times at no fault of your own.
7- Doing research on the equipment being installed and the warranty offered.
Like any product, certain products have a better reputation than others. HVAC equipment is no different. However, warranty may be something to consider when making a final decision. Cutts Refrigeration always use high quality equipment with great reputations for performance and reliability. In the main we supply and install Mitsubishi Air conditioning Equipment, Fujitsu Air Conditioning Equipment and Daiken Air Conditioning Equipment. Well known brand names that you can trust, along with our service contracts, these will save you a significant amount of cost in the long run, with the peace of mind knowing that the unit is covered if anything were to occur down the road.
8- Thinking you do not need a preventative maintenance contract since the unit is new
Although you just finished spending a large amount of your budget on a new air conditioning system, you also need to protect yourself against any unforeseen problems. Make sure you have a service contract in pace should any problem arise. Cutts Refrigeration are a local trusted and reliable company to deal with.
9- Cheapest is not always the best
Once you have done your research and have narrowed it down to the final 2, it is always tempting to go with the cheapest price. First, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. A contractor may exclude certain items to come in lower than the competition in their hope that you are only looking at the bottom number instead of the overall process. Are each of the companies including comparable equipment and installation? Are they including permit fees, start-up cost and any additional miscellaneous costs that may be associated with the project? Are they making sure that whichever piece of equipment that is installed is compatible with your current controls system and ensuring start-up is done with your building automation system as well? The more detailed the proposal, the more informed and educated you can be when choosing the right contractor. A company may be a few ponds cheaper but what does their track record say about them and their technicians. This is where checking references becomes an essential component in the vetting process. Are you willing to save a few thousand pounds now which may cost you much more than that in the long one if the unit is not installed correctly or the wrong piece of equipment was installed in order to save a few pounds on the bottom line. Although everyone has a budget that needs to be maintained, making a smart educated decision, can potentially save you numerous expensive headaches in the future. Going with the more expensive company won’t guarantee that you will be headache free either, however, going with a company with a good track record will help ensure a smoother, hassle free process.
10- Choosing a company with a poor response time
Customer service and communication is essential with any type of construction/HVAC project. As a property manager or owner it is imperative that you are kept in the loop and involved throughout the whole process. Is the company sending out a different technician each time? Are they even familiar with your system? Do they have the qualifications to ensure that work is being done correctly? Are they checking in with you and giving you a full report on what is occurring in the building? As simple as it sounds, communication and good customer service is something that is often overlooked and undervalued in the field. Make sure that when choosing a company, that there is good communication and response time from the moment that you begin interaction.
If you have a commercial facility in Shropshire, South Staffordshire, West Midlands or Mid-Wales and are seeking a reputable contractor to install or service your HVAC equipment, please feel free to call Cutts Refrigeration, to assist you with all your commercial and industrial HVAC needs.