Whenever you run into issues with your central heating and air system, you need help in a hurry. And that time crunch can be a problem—when you need a quick solution, it’s easy to hire the wrong HVAC contractors in Atlanta just because they’re available.

Luckily, needing help in a hurry doesn’t have to mean getting subpar service. Most HVAC companies offer quick or emergency service that is stellar. You just need to do your homework and make sure you are working with the best HVAC contractors in your area.

Not sure how to get started? Here are some simple tips for choosing an HVAC contractor that will deliver quality results.

1. Look at What Others Are Saying

Your search for HVAC contractors in Atlanta will likely start with a Google search. This is great because it gives you a chance to see what other people are saying about the contractor.

However, reviews aren’t always as straightforward as looking at the overall star rating. Make sure the company has more than just a couple reviews and that there is a good balance between positive reviews and those that mention some aspects they were unhappy with. Also, look at what the reviews are saying. Chances are high that you will have multiple quality HVAC service contractors to choose from, and reviews can help you see who is a good fit.

2. Ask Around

Do you have a neighborhood group chat or Facebook group? Once you have narrowed down your options, ask neighbors if they have any experience with the contractors you are considering.

This is better than just asking for recommendations since there will always be someone recommending their cousin Tim who took a couple courses at a trade school but doesn’t actually know what he’s doing. It also makes it more likely that you will get honest feedback since you are asking a more direct question.

3. Explore Their Website

You can learn a lot about a company based on their website. From the services they offer to the guarantees they back them with, and even their overall personality and branding, what you discover as you browse can help you decide which option is right for you.

4. Ask for References

Once you are down to just two or three potential Atlanta HVAC contractors, you should ask them for references. You can speak with past clients to get a feel for how the company performed and their long-term satisfaction with the service.

5. Get Bids in Writing

Unfortunately, sometimes a contractor will tell you one price, then switch things up once service is rendered, leaving you in an uncomfortable position. If you get your bids in writing, you have more recourse. And should a contractor refuse, move on.

Ultimately, how to find a good HVAC technician isn’t too hard, and if you are in a rush, you might skip a few steps. Still, if you research them well, your contractor should deliver good results.