Have you been looking into getting your heating or cooling system repaired or replaced? If you have, chances are you’ve noticed the monetary difference between licensed HVAC contractors and unlicensed contractors. When your budget is tight, it can be tempting to lean towards hiring a cheaper unlicensed contractor, but the dangers are not worth it. We at Delaware Heating & Air are most concerned about your safety and satisfaction, so we put together a list of dangers that you should be aware of when it comes to unlicensed HVAC contractors.
The Big Four
There are four major issues with hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor, and every single one of them can end up costing you more money, time, and effort. Any money that you might save by hiring an unlicensed contractor, might be spent on fixing the many problems that you could run into as a result.
Liability
“Liability” can be defined as “The state of being responsible for something, especially by law.” (Oxford Dictionary) If you hire an unlicensed technician, then you should be prepared to accept the responsibility if that technician is injured on your property. Medical bills add up fast, and this could end up digging you into a deep monetary hole. Additionally, it is required by law in Ohio that contractors carry liability insurance. If a contractor that you hired isn’t following the law, you have a good chance of receiving the lawful consequences as well.
Multiple Safety Hazards
If a contractor is cutting corners on insurance, it’s likely that they are cutting corners on training and safety measures as well. Bad workmanship can result in gas leaks, additional damage to your HVAC system, or even fires. Your family could be put in danger from carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas leak, or a bad wiring job that could result in a fire. You’ll be better off safe than sorry by avoiding unlicensed contractors and the safety hazards that come with them.
Bad HVAC Systems Equal Infinite Problems
With anything, you always get what you pay for. In the long run, it’s better to invest in a good HVAC system and professional installation. If you save money now by buying a bad quality HVAC system, you’ll end up paying more when you are met with the expenses of indefinite repairs and an assortment of problems throughout your home. Cheap rates often indicate poor quality workmanship and can result in dissatisfied customers.. Once again, stay away from the temptation of suspiciously cheap rates, and stay cautious when hiring a technician.
Bonds VS Insurance
Few people know the difference between bonding and insurance, but it’s an important and often overlooked aspect of hiring a contractor. A bond acts as a guarantee that a contractor will complete his job as he is supposed to. This guarantee is in the form of secured money that is transferred to the homeowner if the contractor fails to perform as he is expected. This can include failure to fully repair the problem which resulted in damage to the home, or even personal items that were stolen from your home by a technician. Bonding can cover it all, so it’s important to see whether or not a contractor is bonded before deciding to hire them.
How To Avoid the Big Four
The best way to avoid hiring an unlicensed contractor is to require proof of insurance, bonding, and licensing before seriously considering an hvac contractor. You can do this by asking specific questions and requiring material proof to back up their answers. A good company will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with proof of their credibility, so asking questions is a good test of whether they will do the job right.
Looking For A Licensed Contractor?
If you don’t know where to look, or have additional questions on how to find a trustworthy licensed contractor, then you can call Delaware Heating & Air today at 740-227-8302. We are always happy to answer your questions or provide you with information on our qualified, licensed professionals. You can also schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
