When it comes to our home comfort systems, complicated equipment can be expensive and the skilled work it requires to maintain, repair and replace it can seem pricey at times.
Because HVAC work is so highly skilled, it’s not uncommon for a homeowner to try to cut the associated costs by hiring an unlicensed contractor that might charge less.
Nonetheless, the level of work a lot of these contractors provide comes with a price tag of its own in the hidden costs that come with inferior craftsmanship.
Combine this with the risks of liability issues, safety hazards and voided warranties, and it becomes clear why everyone says you shouldn’t do business with an HVAC contractor that isn’t state certified.
To illustrate the Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed HVAC Contractor, our licensed experts at Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling put together the following list of risks:
Inferior Craftsmanship
Our technicians at Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling undergo extensive training, testing and hands-on skill assessments that go above and beyond the NATE-certification we require. We have these requirements in place to assure our customers that our technicians are using the “Best Practices” out there.
Whenever you hire an unlicensed contractor, on the other hand, the best assurance you get is their word. Moreover, an unlicensed technician’s lower prices are usually lower because they aren’t as experienced or their level of work isn’t the greatest. This usually ends up costing customers more down the road with bigger problems or outright equipment failure. Hiring a reputable company that’s licensed is the best way to avoid these risks.
Voided Warranties
In addition to the issues caused by an unlicensed contractor’s lack of skill and experience, homeowners run another risk that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Because almost all the manufacturers of HVAC equipment require their customers to have a NATE-certified professional perform maintenance, repairs and installations, hiring one that’s not certified makes any and all warranties on the system null and void. If something goes wrong, this means the customer is no longer covered by warranty when they need to make a claim.
Liabilities
If an HVAC contractor hasn’t taken the time to obtain their licensure, which equates to taking a test, there’s a high probability they aren’t carrying insurance either. Licensed contractors typically carry liability insurance in addition to worker’s compensation insurance. At Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling, we insure all our technicians with maximum coverage. Overall, across the board, we cross all our “T’s” and dot all our “I’s.” If a contractor doesn’t have insurance, on the other hand, accidents, injuries and damages done during the job or after are the customer’s liability. Afterall, it happened on their property, right?
Safety Hazards
Last but not least, shoddy workmanship won’t merely affect your family’s budget and comfort. It can also put you and your loved one’s in the way of harm. If electrical work is done in the process and the wiring isn’t done right, it can cause an electrical fire. If you have a gas furnace and substandard work is performed, a gas leak could cause a fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning which could be fatal.
Don’t risk it! Pay to have it done right!
If you need help with any sort of HVAC work in your home and you’re looking for a reputable company that’s licensed, insured and affordable, call the NATE-certified HVAC technicians at Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at 513-540-1716, or click here to schedule an appointment now!
We guarantee customer satisfaction on all our jobs, and stand by our work 100 percent!
