How to find a good installer

By far the best method is word of mouth recommendation, and although you or your family may not have employed an air conditioning contractor before, your Builder, Electrician and Plumber will most certainly have worked with many local firms. Ask them who think is fair and most appropriate for the type and size of your project.

Most of us will use the Yellow Pages, and these can be useful to find out who is in the area, and their adverts might give us a guide to who is offering residential or commercial services. But the ads tell very little about the company and the quality of the service.

ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS WHEN YOU RING THEM HELPS BOTH PARTIES.

If you are looking for an installation at home you will be surprised how many installers only provide commercial service - at best they will advise you of this and you can move on - at worst they will prepare a quotation with a high price, hoping that this will put you off - and if it does not, then the high profit margin is a bonus to them.

Before you ring it is a good idea to have your questions and a brief description of what you need, written down in front of you.

Just a brief description such as:

"I have a sales office about 6M x 6M with four computer operators and a photocopier. One wall is mainly glass and gets the sun on it most of the day.

I already have heating so I just want cooling, but the system must be quiet as most of our work is on the phone'.

This information will allow the designer to get an idea of the type of systems, which may be suitable for you, and he will also be able to give you a flavour the prices, before visiting your premises.

Include these questions on your own list when phoning a contractor - it will help you both.

Is the survey and design free of charge?
If anyone suggests that you pay for this stage of the work it is good indication that he or she is not the best person to do business with.

How long have they been in business?

Have they a local showroom you can visit?

Can you visit an installation - similar to what you are looking for?

Do they pass on the manufacturers extended warranty?

Can they offer a choice from more than one manufacturer?