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Survey Reveals Best Ways to Hire for Air Conditioning Repair

Homeowners who need air conditioning or furnace repair would be wise to consider what those in the industry have to say on the topic. The Manpower Group conducted a 2014 survey on talent shortage within all industries, and found that skilled trades were the most difficult to fill. HVAC repair and installation falls into that category, which is not good news for homeowners looking for a skilled, local professional to take care of their heating and cooling needs. In order to find out exactly what the best practices are, or should be, for hiring HVAC contractors, a Michigan news organization undertook a survey of professionals to learn ways to find the cream of the crop.

At the top of the list came word-of-mouth referrals, networking and internal job boards. With the help of Lee Hecht Harrison, a worldwide talent development company, online interviews were conducted with over 200 human resources managers and recruiters. The goal was to pinpoint the most effective hiring practices. However, even with job boards still taking up space, the trend is to use social media to find candidates.

A Return to the Good Old Days

Word-of-mouth referrals are nothing new, and for decades have persisted as the best means of finding top talent. However, in today’s digital world, it’s often done via email and networking sites. These referrals usually come from established contractors who may know another candidate from trade school, previous jobs and the like. They know what their employers want and have an in when they find it.

Looking directly at local and national trade schools is another way to lure in top talent. These candidates are equipped with the latest knowledge, are hungry for a good job and are dedicated in a way only new professionals can be. The great find in this survey was that the vast majority of HVAC companies require comprehensive background checks, screens and interviews. They want to make sure their skill sets, background and personality are the right fit for the company as well as the clients. Written and oral exams as well as team interviews are common.

What’s in Demand

Beyond technical skills, the No. 1, in-demand trait is being a team player with great communication skills. The major qualities that would lead to immediate disqualification include unprofessional attitudes, lack of ability to explain circumstances in laymen’s terms, the inability to say “I don’t know” and dishonesty. As part of the interview, some require final candidates to put in a day on the job to see how they really perform.

HVAC companies and managers are looking for good people, and they understand that they get what they pay for. This solid approach benefits everyone, including the customer. Find out what superior repair technicians can do today by calling your local Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning team.

5 Things To Look For in an Air Conditioning Contractor

Choosing an air conditioning contractor is not like selecting dessert. You may not be happy with what you end up with, and the reality is that you deserve a positive experience with your HVAC system. Even “simple” window box units can be a pain to install (and, worse, they can be a big liability if they are not installed securely). Most homeowners do a solid amount of research when figuring out the best air conditioner for them, then drop the ball when it comes to contractors.

The best approach is to start by selecting a contractor who can help match you with the best A/C system for your home. One of the biggest mistakes is getting the wrong size unit for your home — too small and you cannot properly cool; too big and you are wasting resources and money. Consider this your cheat sheet to finding the best air conditioning contractor for you.

1. Go local.

A local, family owned business that features neighborhood contractors is your best bet. They know the region, understand just how hot summers can get and they have a lot more riding on each installation, compared to big-box national chains. A local contractor will also be likelier to offer more personalized service.

2. Get copies of their documents.

Different states may require certain licenses, insurance or certifications for air conditioning contractors. Check these requirements in your state, then make sure your potential contractor has what is needed. It is not enough to simply ask about their credentials — actually get copies of everything so you protect yourself in case of a problem.

3. Get 24/7 support.

This does not mean you necessarily want your A/C installed at 3 a.m. on a Saturday, but what if your system goes out in the middle of a heat wave? The option for emergency, around-the-clock services should be available. At the very least, make sure your contractor does his or her best to work around your schedule. This is a sign that they put the customer first (and not profits).

4. Check third-party review sites.

Perusing testimonials on the contractor’s website does not mean much. After all, they won’t put any bad reviews up there. You can get a more diverse opinion by taking a look at third-party review sites like Angie’s List or Yelp. You do not necessarily need 100 percent glowing reviews, but look at how the company responds to complaints and the overall theme of the reviews.

5. Take a look at their social media.

Social media profiles are where you get a feel for a contractor’s/businesses’ professional personality. You may find you have a strong preference once you check out a few different profiles.

Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning today and get a head start on finding the perfect contractor for your cooling needs.

5 Common Reasons for Furnace Repair

You may need furnace repair for a number of reasons, but just like any other appliance with issues, many homeowners wait until the last possible moment to call for help. A better approach is scheduling annual or biannual maintenance checks to catch problems early. Similar to the human body, the furnace’s system is easier and more affordable to repair the earlier an issue is caught. However, emergency situations can still pop up, and it is common for a furnace to need a little TLC over the years.

Consider some of the most common reasons for furnace repair, and ask yourself if your furnace needs attention. The good news is that most of these issues are routine and relatively easy to fix. However, the longer they are put off, the more likely they are to cause serious damage.

1. What maintenance?

If homeowners think maintenance checks are an unnecessary expense, they are wrong — one of the most common causes of required furnace repairs is lack of maintenance. Some furnaces can cost as much as cars, and you wouldn’t skip oil changes, would you? Your furnace is an investment, and neglect will lead to breakdowns, poor performance and high utility bills.

2. Filthy filters

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a monthly filter swap is the ideal schedule. It is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to care for a furnace. A dirty filter will block air flow, release allergens into the air and ultimately make your furnace work overtime for no good reason. Many homeowners opt to change filters themselves.

3. Basic wear and tear

As a machine, your furnace is going to suffer some mechanically induced wear and tear. This can result in performance issues if a bearing, belt or other part becomes worn out. It also leads to a lack of heating control and issues with air flow. Lots of important parts are found in this system, and repairing or replacing them as they wear out is one of the best ways to keep your furnace in good shape.

4. Ignition/pilot woes

If you notice an issue with the furnace’s ignition, a good technician will check the ignition/pilot light first. Sometimes this part just goes on strike (but not the kind you need), and can be replaced with ease.

5. Thermostat problems

The part in charge of controlling heat definitely needs some pampering. From no heat to no fan to sporadic heating, a thermostat malfunction needs immediate attention.

Only a trained contractor should attempt a diagnostics check and repair on your furnace, save for filter changing if homeowners are up to the task. Give Utah’s Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning a call and schedule that furnace inspection or repair today to avoid a heating disaster tomorrow.