We have to confess something: That is a blog post title we could have never anticipated. But COVID-19 has certainly turned the world upside down, hasn’t it?
We realize this is temporary: the stay-home orders, the daily press conferences, the teleconferencing and social distancing. Eventually, the virus will be under control and we won’t have to second-guess if we really need to run to the store. But the financial and social effects will linger for… well… for who knows how long. If you’re like us, it’s the uncertainty that’s most troubling. How much longer will this “new normal” last?
Still, one of the weirdest parts of all of this is how much actually hasn’t changed. Our family still expects breakfast. Our neighbors’ dogs are still annoying. And we still have some of the day-to-day “stuff” of homeownership to deal with—like our HVAC system.
Given that we’re supposed to be avoiding any unnecessary social contact for the next several weeks, we want you to be prepared if your HVAC system starts misbehaving and you need someone to help right away.
Questions to Consider When Hiring a Riverside, Corona & Temecula HVAC Contractor During the Coronavirus Pandemic
If you find yourself needing a Riverside, Corona & Temecula HVAC contractor during COVID-19, ask these four questions before you decide whom to hire.
#1 What specific ways are they preventing the spread of COVID-19?
Every HVAC contractor should be able to give you specifics about how they’ve stepped up their sanitation efforts. When you call around, don’t be shy about asking for all the nitty gritty details, including questions like:
- Are your technicians healthy? How do you know?
- In the past two weeks, has anyone on your team tested positive for COVID-19 or been in close contact with anyone who has?
- What measures are you taking to keep your equipment and supplies clean?
- Are your technicians expected to wear gloves, eye protection, and/or masks?
- When your technician arrives at my home, what exactly will they do to keep my family safe?
- Is it OK for me to ask the technician to wash their hands before and after touching anything in my home?
- Can I pay you without having to use your technician’s mobile device?
#2 Is the HVAC shop licensed?
Many homeowners have reduced income as a result of COVID-19, which means they’re looking for ways to save money. If that’s you, please don’t try to cut costs by hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor.
The truth is, unlicensed home services companies rarely do a job right the first time. If you hire one and they botch it, you’ll have to bring them back out or you’ll have to hire someone else to fix their work. Either way, you’ll be wasting time and/or money—and you’re increasing your risk of being exposed to coronavirus.
#3 Are they reputable?
The best way to determine if an HVAC contractor does good, honest work is to check their reviews on Facebook and Google. If they had poor reviews (or no reviews) before COVID-19, it’s not likely that they’ll take care of you in the middle of a global pandemic. If, on the other hand, you see evidence that they’ve treated customers well in the past, it’s reasonable to assume they’ll continue to do so now.
#4 Are they good neighbors?
If you can find an HVAC company that’s given back to our community—whether it’s us or someone else—please “reward” them by hiring them. Like you, many home services companies have been hard-hit by this pandemic, but we’re nevertheless still committed to serving our company the best we can.
We’ll treat you like a family member.
We’re all crossing our fingers that your major home systems behave until the coronavirus threat passes. But if you need a Riverside, Corona & Temecula HVAC contractor in the meantime—please know we’re ready to serve you. Our team is healthy, we’re staying on top of the CDC recommendations, and we’ll get the job done right the first time.
We’re wishing you and your family well in this tough season!