Whether the refrigerator in your kitchen is not as cool as it should be, your office air conditioner is on the fritz, or your mobile reefer has broken down halfway through your route, finding the right refrigeration contractor can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to ensure your refrigeration contractor is the right one for your unique needs.
By following the advice below, you can feel confident that your refrigerator, air conditioner, or mobile reefer will be back up and running as quickly as possible – and without any unreasonable charges.
Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Refrigeration Contractor
Before reaching out to the first reefer repair or refrigeration contractor that pops up in your search, keep the following six considerations in mind.
Training
Training is one of the most important aspects associated with hiring a qualified refrigeration contractor for any service or repair-related request. Though refrigeration is considered a trade, all fifty states require refrigeration technicians to receive (and pass) training from an accredited institution. Furthermore, because the laws surrounding the safe handling of refrigerants change from time to time, these technicians are also required to receive continuing education. Don’t hesitate to ask a company where its technicians were trained.
Experience
Experience is another important consideration when hiring a reefer repair technician or refrigeration contractor. Of course, apprentices need to gain experience to grow and succeed, but they should always be accompanied by more experienced technicians. Always opt for a company who will send a technician who is highly experienced in the issue you are experiencing.
Licensure and Certification
Most states require refrigeration technicians to be licensed before they can work on refrigeration systems. Before choosing a contractor, ask whether the technicians who will carry out your service are properly licensed. Better still, ask for proof of that licensure. This way, you can rest comfortably in the knowledge that the technicians who will perform your service or repair have the required knowledge and skills to do so.
Insurance
While refrigeration technicians must be licensed or certified individually, the contractor you hire must be insured at the organizational level. This insurance is designed to protect you in the event of accidental damage or injury to your property or person. Though these events are rare, they are not unheard of. Never hire a contractor who cannot provide proof of current insurance.
References and Reviews
After verifying that the technicians who will carry out your refrigeration service are well-trained, experienced, licensed, and insured, it is important to take some time to learn about others’ experiences with the company. Ask the contractor or reefer repair company for references, then reach out to these individuals or companies to ask questions about their experiences. These references should match up with the service or repair you need. For example, if you need your office air conditioner repaired, you should ask for references from other commercial air conditioning clients.
Warranty
Finally, depending on the nature of the service or repair, it is important to ask about the contractor’s warranty policy. While the manufacturer of the part or equipment you purchase may offer a warranty related to those parts or equipment, the contractor should offer a warranty on their workmanship. This way, if problems arise after the repairs, installation, or service have been completed, you are covered.
The Process of Finding a Refrigeration Contractor
To find the best refrigeration contractor for your unique needs, use this simple five-step process.
1. Search the Internet
Google places a great deal of emphasis on local search results, so when a problem arises, it’s safe to turn to the web. Be sure to include your city name and the type of service needed in your query to ensure that you are shown contractors who can perform that specific type of work. For example, “refrigeration contractor in Indianapolis” may not turn up the same results as “mobile reefer repair in Indianapolis.” Be specific but succinct.
If you need an emergency or after-hours repair, include that information in your query. Not all refrigeration contractors offer these services.
2. Read Reviews
Before taking the time to contact one of the companies listed in the search results, read some reviews of that company on third-party websites like Trustpilot. This can help you narrow down your search and save you time overall.
3. Make Some Calls
If the service or repair you need is not emergent, feel free to fill out the Contact form found on most refrigeration contractors’ websites. Otherwise, if you need immediate repair, call each contractor directly. Ask them about their experience, training, licensure, insurance, and warranty offerings to further narrow down your options. For the best possible results, call at least three local contractors.
4. Get Quotes
After narrowing down your search to two or three viable candidates, it’s time to ask for quotes. In some situations, the refrigeration contractor may be able to provide a quote over the phone, but some scenarios will require an on-site estimate. Bear in mind that the cheapest price isn’t always the best option, so be sure to take things like warranty offerings, experience, and reputation into consideration, too.
5. Schedule Your Service
Finally, once you have decided on the refrigeration contractor that is right for your needs and your budget, schedule your service or repair – or your on-site estimate, if required.
Questions to Ask Potential Refrigeration Contractors
When calling refrigeration contractors, there are several questions you should ask to ensure that you have everything you need to make an informed decision. These may include any or all of the following:
- How long has your company been in business?
- How many of this type of repair do you do in a year?
- How many technicians should I expect, and where did those technicians receive their training?
- Are the technicians licensed?
- Is the company insured? Can you show me proof of that insurance?
- Can you share three references in the same general field as this service or repair request?
- What kind of warranty do you offer?
- Is the full payment due upfront or immediately after the service is rendered?
- Do you offer financing?
This is not an exhaustive list of questions that you might want to ask a potential refrigeration contractor, so be sure to keep your specific needs and situation in mind and ask additional questions as needed.
What to Expect from a Professional Refrigeration Contractor
Now that you have chosen the right refrigeration contractor for the job and scheduled your appointment, you might be curious about what to expect. Below are some of the basics.
- Professionalism. Whether a contractor meets you at your office, your home, or on the side of the highway, they should always treat you with professionalism and courtesy.
- Cleanliness. Refrigeration contractors should leave your home, office, or vehicle exactly as they found it. This may include laying down tarps to protect flooring or asking for permission to move things when necessary.
- Respect. Professional refrigeration contractors treat their clients with the utmost respect. They will answer any questions you might have about the repairs or service, discuss billing with you, and address you appropriately if they have questions for you.
- Punctuality. A professional contractor will show up on the date and time promised and carry out your repairs in a timely manner.
- Transparency. The best contractors are transparent about their fees and charges, including the costs associated with materials, labor, and after-hours or emergency costs. There are never any hidden fees, and if technicians believe that the service will cost more than the agreed-upon quote or estimate, they will discuss this with you in advance.
- Trustworthiness. Finally, professional refrigeration contractors are trustworthy. They will not sell you products you do not need, attempt to upsell you beyond your stated budget, or bend the truth to increase the bill.
Choosing a refrigeration contractor does not have to be a long, drawn-out process. In fact, when you know which questions to ask and what to look for, choosing the right company for your needs is quite simple. Shop around, read reviews, and trust your instincts, and you are sure to find a contractor who can help you with all your refrigeration needs.
If you are searching for an experienced and professional reefer refrigeration contractor with the appropriate credentials and licensing, Crosspoint Power and Refrigeration would love to hear from you. We offer mobile reefer repair and service in the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Indiana areas. We have stayed true to our customer-first philosophy since 1992 and we look forward to assisting you.
Author: Shawn Aitken, Crosspoint Power & Refrigeration
Shawn Aitken is responsible for overseeing the Carrier Transicold business as Vice President & General Manager – Carrier Transicold.