7 Questions to Ask Before You Approve an AC Repair, Answered by Colton's Owner

Reviewed by Colton Air Conditioning, NV license 0092120 Surprise totals are one of the most common complaints people in the valley share about HVAC repairs. The fix is simple: ask the right questions before anyone picks up a tool. We put these questions to Colton's owner and asked how he wants homeowners in Spring Valley and across Las Vegas to use them. Related reading: how to choose an AC repair company.

The interview

Q1. What should a homeowner hear from you before you start any repair?

Before approving an air conditioning repair, I think every homeowner should feel comfortable asking a few basic questions. A good technician shouldn't be offended by these questions. In fact, I encourage homeowners to ask them.

Q2. Which question do you wish more homeowners asked you?

First, what exactly failed? Second, how did the technician determine that the component failed? Third, will the recommended repair actually resolve the problem, or is additional work potentially necessary? Fourth, are there any other concerns with the system that I should know about? And finally, what warranty comes with the repair?

Q3. How can someone tell the difference between a needed repair and an add-on?

If someone tells you your compressor is bad, there should be diagnostic evidence supporting that conclusion. If someone says your refrigerant is low, they should be able to explain how they determined that and whether there's reason to suspect a leak. And if someone recommends replacing your entire air conditioning system, they should be able to explain why repairing it isn't a reasonable option. I don't believe in creating urgency where it doesn't exist. Here in Spring Valley, losing air conditioning during a Las Vegas summer can certainly become urgent. But urgency shouldn't eliminate transparency. You should never feel pressured into spending serious money on something you don't understand.

Local context

Check the license yourself

The Nevada State Contractors Board licenses contractors and sets license conditions such as scope limits and bonds. Its site lets homeowners look up a license before work starts. Colton's Nevada license number is 0092120.

Refrigerant work needs certification

EPA requires technicians who service refrigerant equipment to pass an approved test for Section 608 certification, which does not expire. More for nearby homeowners: Spring Valley and what Colton customers say.

FAQ

How do I check an HVAC contractor's license in Nevada? Use the Nevada State Contractors Board website to look up the license number. What should I ask before approving an AC repair? Ask what failed, how it was tested, what the repair replaces and what happens if more is found. Colton's owner says: “First, what exactly failed? Second, how did the technician determine that the component failed?”

Schedule

Book online or call (702) 738-6976 to schedule.