With enticingly low prices, unlicensed HVAC contractors can seem like a huge money saver. But hiring an unlicensed contractor is risky and often leads to more customer investment, safety hazards, and overall dissatisfaction! It may seem like a good deal, but the dangers are not worth the risk! We at Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling know how important it is to avoid unlicensed HVAC contractors so we put together a list of the dangers and the best ways for you to avoid them!
Warning! Danger!
There are three major dangers when it comes to putting your trust (and HVAC system) in the hands of an unlicensed contractor. All three dangers can leave you dissatisfied and unsafe in your home, with your pockets considerably lighter.
Who Is Liable?
Liability can seem like a fancy term, but it simply refers to who is responsible if problems arise. If you are considering hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor, then you run the risk of that contractor not having insurance. If they don’t, then any injuries, mistakes, or problems that arise have a good chance of being paid out of your pocket. Medical bills can add up fast, much faster than HVAC prices, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and hire a licensed professional.
Poor Quality
In the end, you get what you pay for. If prices are suspiciously low, then chances are you’ll receive poor quality work and poor quality product. Remember, a technician’s work ethic often depends on how much they are being paid and how well they were trained. If you aren’t paying the contractor very much, then they aren’t paying their technicians very much. This can result in bad workmanship. Additionally, if the contractor isn’t licensed, then the state has no way of approving the company. So you’re taking a huge bet when it comes to unlicensed contractors.
Dangerous Safety Hazards
The most dangerous of the three problems when hiring an unlicensed professional are the safety hazards that often occur during and after installation and repairs. HVAC service requires professional training, and if a contractor is shirking licensing, then they are probably undertraining their staff as well. An untrained technician can be a danger to you and your family. For example, a technician might replace a pipe and not fully secure it resulting in a carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) leak. Or they may not properly repair wires resulting in live wires catching fire or burning a family member. Dangerous work requires trained professionals, and you won’t be guaranteed this by hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor.
Be On the Lookout
When investing in something as significant as your HVAC system, it’s important to remain cautious when searching for a contractor. If you don’t know whether a contractor is licensed or not, you can easily find out by asking lots of questions.
Can You Assure Me That You’re Insured?
The first question you should ask an HVAC contractor is whether or not they are insured. Companies that are insured are most likely licensed as well because they would be a liability to insurance companies if they aren’t licensed. If they do not give a clear answer, or are unwilling to provide evidence of insurance, then it’s a good idea to move on to other options.
The Name’s Bond, HVAC Bond
Bonding, unlike insurance, is a monetary assurance that the contractor will do their job as they were expected to. It’s not a requirement, but it can give you peace of mind when allowing people into your home. For instance a bond would cover any items stolen from your home by a troublesome technician, or any damage done if a mistake is made. This assurance can be a real lifesaver if you run into any unforeseen problems with an HVAC contractor, so be sure to ask companies whether they are bonded!
Rest Easy!
In the end, it’s much easier and safer to hire a licensed, professional HVAC contractor to take care of your heating and cooling needs. This decision will save you from stressing and will ultimately save you money. That’s why we at Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling and our trained professionals are here to help! You can call us today with any questions at 740-212-5849, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
