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d:Tcc2,<p class="text-gray-700 mb-4">Not all HVAC contractors are created equal. Choosing the wrong one can cost you thousands in poor repairs or unnecessary replacements. Here's how to find a contractor you can trust.</p><h2 class="text-2xl font-black text-brutal-black mt-8 mb-4">Red Flags to Watch For</h2><ul class="list-disc pl-6 my-4 text-gray-700"><li class="mb-2">- **No license or won't show it** - Always verify licensing</li><li class="mb-2"><strong>Demands cash only</strong> - Legitimate businesses accept multiple payment methods</li><li class="mb-2"><strong>Extremely low bids</strong> - If it's too good to be true, it probably is</li><li class="mb-2"><strong>High-pressure sales tactics</strong> - Good contractors give you time to decide</li><li class="mb-2"><strong>No written estimate</strong> - Everything should be documented</li><li class="mb-2"><strong>Won't provide references</strong> - Established contractors have satisfied customers</li></ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-black text-brutal-black mt-8 mb-4">What to Look For</h2><h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-brutal-black mt-6 mb-3">Proper Licensing and Insurance
Verify the contractor is licensed in California and carries liability insurance. This protects you from liability if someone is injured on your property.</h3><h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-brutal-black mt-6 mb-3">Experience and Reputation
Look for established businesses with a track record. Check online reviews but also ask for references from recent customers.</h3><h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-brutal-black mt-6 mb-3">Clear Communication
A good contractor explains what's wrong, what needs to be done, and why. They answer your questions without talking down to you.</h3><h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-brutal-black mt-6 mb-3">Written Estimates
Get everything in writing: the work to be performed, parts and labor costs, timeline, and warranty information.</h3><h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-brutal-black mt-6 mb-3">Warranty Coverage
Understand what's covered and for how long. Quality contractors stand behind their work.</h3><h2 class="text-2xl font-black text-brutal-black mt-8 mb-4">Questions to Ask</h2><p class="text-gray-700 mb-4">1. How long have you been in business?
2. Are you licensed and insured?
3. Can you provide references?
4. What does your warranty cover?
5. Do you offer emergency services?
6. What brands do you work with?
7. Is your pricing hourly or flat-rate?</p><h2 class="text-2xl font-black text-brutal-black mt-8 mb-4">Getting Multiple Quotes</h2><p class="text-gray-700 mb-4">For major repairs or installations, get 2-3 quotes. This helps you understand fair pricing and gives you options.</p><ul class="list-disc pl-6 my-4 text-gray-700"><li class="mb-2">But don't automatically choose the cheapest. Consider:</li><li class="mb-2">Quality of equipment proposed</li><li class="mb-2">Warranty terms</li><li class="mb-2">Company reputation</li><li class="mb-2">Your comfort with the contractor</li></ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-black text-brutal-black mt-8 mb-4">Trust Your Instincts</h2><p class="text-gray-700 mb-4">If something feels off, listen to that feeling. A trustworthy contractor respects your time, answers your questions, and doesn't pressure you into immediate decisions.</p>6:["$","section",null,{"className":"bg-brutal-white py-12 md:py-16","children":["$","div",null,{"className":"max-w-4xl mx-auto px-4","children":[["$","div",null,{"className":"bg-gray-50 brutal-border p-8 md:p-12","children":["$","div",null,{"className":"prose max-w-none","dangerouslySetInnerHTML":{"__html":"$d"}}]}],"$Le"]}]}]
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