Whether you’ve scheduled us for a routine clean and check, you’re having us install brand new equipment, or you’ve called us for an HVAC emergency, we try to make our visits as low-maintenance and stress-free for you as possible. That being said, there are a few things you can do before we arrive that will help the appointment go as smoothly as possible for everyone involved. Here are just a few things to keep in mind for your next HVAC visit:
Make Sure You’ll Be Home
You’d be surprised how often we show up for a maintenance appointment and the customer is unavailable. They forgot we were coming, or they planned on buzzing us in remotely, or they had to leave early. And that’s okay! Life happens. But to get the most out of your appointment, try to make sure that you’ll be home for the entire visit. You might have questions or need to approve next steps. We also need to know where everything is located, and we definitely don’t like poking around when you’re not home. Your presence helps ensure everything goes smoothly.
Gain Access to Relevant Areas
Your HVAC system has a lot of moving parts. Make sure you have access to all of them. If you live in a condo or duplex, for example, you might have components on the roof or in a secured area outside. Be sure to ask your building manager or landlord to give us access before we arrive.
Avoid Double-Booking
We understand life is busy, and it’s always tempting to multitask. But try to avoid double-booking with other services or technicians, if you can. Sometimes, people need to schedule a carpet cleaner, or a housekeeper, or the guy who’s replacing their floors. We try to work around those situations whenever possible, but sometimes it can get a bit tricky. So, give your HVAC technician the run of the place if you’re able.
Put Your Pets in a Safe, Secure Area
At Appel, we’re huge pet lovers, and we understand that we’re coming into their home as much as yours. But, for their safety and ours, please put your pets in a safe and secure area when you know we’re headed over. Depending on the nature of your appointment, we might be working with heavy equipment and sharp tools, and we may need to open the door a lot. We wouldn’t want your pets to escape, get hurt, or be scared.
Keep Your Maintenance Records
Certain HVAC components need to be replaced at certain times during the lifespan of your system. Do you know when the last time you replaced your condenser fan was? Or your capacitor? Or your evaporator coil? Your technician can always evaluate your system and make a professional judgment. But if you can show them your paperwork, that provides a deeper level of insight and improves communication.
Log Your Concerns
Your HVAC technician is in your home for a limited amount of time. You, on the other hand, are there all the time and, in some cases, know better than we do when something seems off. It can be helpful to keep a running list of questions and concerns to discuss when they show up for your appointment. Make a note of any strange sounds or smells, for example. Any info you give us can help tell us what we need to take a closer look at.
Ask For Advice
While you’re making a list of your concerns, be sure to jot down any general questions you might have for us, such as: How often you should change your filter? How can you save energy during the hottest months? Should you seal your windows? Is it time for zone control? When should you replace your system? There are certain questions we can only answer while we’re physically on site, so make the most of that time and ask for some recs. No question is a bad question, and we’re always happy to explain and give advice!
Vet Your HVAC Company
Many companies are willing to “fix” your HVAC system. But that doesn’t mean all of them should. Before you call an HVAC company you haven’t worked with, get online and do a little vetting. How long has this company been in business? Are their technicians licensed? Is their company local and/or family-owned, or are they owned by a private equity group? What is their rating on sites like Google, Nextdoor, and Angi? And how many people have rated them? HVAC parts and repairs can be a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re choosing a company that will give you honest recommendations, excellent service, and fair pricing.
We don’t expect you to be experts or have all the answers when we show up for your HVAC appointment…that’s our job! But a little bit of prep on your part can help us make sure we give you the best service and recommendations possible. Following the steps above is a great way to make the most of our visit. And if you think of any questions you want to ask before we show up, just give us a call! We’re always happy to chat.