HVAC service is an inevitability for home and business owners. Sooner or later, you will require installation, maintenance or replacement. When that day comes, you’ll be reminded that a service call is a two-way street. Your participation can be integral to the success of the service visit. You can prepare ahead of time and take certain actions during the visit itself to improve your overall experience. Here are some ways to get the most out of your next visit from a HVAC technician:

Know The Basics

You called a HVAC company for a reason. They are the experts and you’re not. But understanding a few basics of the trade can give you a head start. You can take action to prevent serious damage while you wait for his arrival. Ahead of your next service visit, familiarize yourself with the following: 

• Location Of Your Electrical Panel

• Location Of Your Thermostat(s)

• Location Of Your Indoor & Outdoor HVAC equipment

In addition to these essentials, it’s important to have other bits of information at the ready: 

• When was your HVAC system last serviced?

• What’s a rough estimate of the age of your HVAC system?

• Have you had any major HVAC repairs in recent years at this property?

Ask The Right Questions

Now that you’re caught up on the basics, let’s move on to the HVAC service visit itself. Once he arrives, the technician will ask you lots of questions to determine what the problem is. You are encouraged to return the favor. Try to get an idea of what the best- and worst-case scenarios are, and the costs associated with them. Asking the right questions of the technician will help manage expectations. Also keep in mind that you have a walking, talking HVAC dictionary right in front of you to take advantage of. If you’re unclear about any of the basics listed above, ask away! The internet can be a great resource, but nothing beats hearing special insights straight from a technician with years of experience.

Let Them Do Their Job

After discussing your HVAC issues with the technician and once you are clear on what the game plan is, it’s important to let him get on with it. Resist the urge to hover. No one is able to do their best work when their every move is being scrutinized. Technicians are friendly, chatty folks — if they need help or any more information, they’ll call you over! Remember that you hired this person to diagnose and fix your problem. All you need to do now is trust in their ability to get the job done. Making the right choice when comparing HVAC companies can also give you peace of mind. Seek out a reputable home service provider with stellar customer reviews and a proven track record of dedicated customer service.

It’s OK To Be Honest

Letting a stranger in your home to inspect your HVAC system can be a daunting prospect. Many feel uneasy letting someone poke around their attic and crawlspaces. But HVAC technicians really need all the information they can get straight from the source — you. This is especially true when it comes to timeframes. If you started noticing signs of HVAC problems a year ago, you will need to disclose that. Knowing when exactly symptoms first occurred can be a crucial piece of information needed to crack the code and diagnose your HVAC problem. Another example of where full disclosure will be of benefit to you is the case of the DIY’er. Have you been trying to diagnose and work on your own system?  Let them know! It’s important to remember that the HVAC technician is on your side. He’s trying to quickly diagnose your problem with maximum accuracy and then offer solutions, not pass judgement. Letting them know your hands were in the equipment tinkering could save you time and money. Think of your service call as a doctor’s appointment. There’s no such thing as oversharing. Every bit of information you can provide gives the technician more to work with.