Although unlicensed HVAC contractors seem to work cheaper than licensed, bonded, and insured air conditioning companies, the long-term risks may not match the promise. The problems are simple but complex. When homeowners contract out HVAC service work from questionable contractors, the typical end experience can end like this:

• Inferior workmanship resulting in poor equipment performance
• Incomplete or downright misleading troubleshooting reports
• Unreliable air conditioning services, including installation of substandard air conditioning
• Unexpected cost increases or poor long-term reliability of HVAC equipment
• And more.

TIP! Before contracting for A/C installation or A/C services in your home, ask the contractor for proof of insurance. Even licensed HVAC professionals can make a mistake. But consider the damage an uninsured electrical error can do to your home.

Dealing with untrained backdoor heating and cooling service technicians may seem like a nifty way to save money up front, but in the blink of an eye, those preconceived pocket savings can explode into a massive financial nightmare. So-called A/C technicians who work outside the law also tend to disregard accepted HVAC industry installation and service standards. According to ACCA Senior Vice President of Government Relations Charlie McCrudden, such individuals “…take advantage of lax enforcement of permit rules, licensing requirements, and the Clean Air Act.” Furthermore, Mr McCrudden says the government is currently unable to track or control the problem. Too many people, says McCrudden, “…impersonate professional HVAC technicians.”

TIP! Get several offers before deciding which HVAC company will install or repair your heating and cooling equipment. Most homeowners know better than to jump on the highest offer, but you also have to watch out for the very low parts.

Choose Reputation Over Low Price Unlicensed HVAC Contractors

In the air conditioning industry, a good reputation is paramount to word of mouth advertising, and word of mouth advertising is at the core of established customer trust. Modern air conditioning associations, along with reputable air conditioning installers, have had enough of the damage that unlicensed HVAC contractors are causing to the reputation of the industry. Proper licensing is an essential component of quality HVAC services.

According to “Hiring Licensed vs. Unlicensed Contractors” by the Yavapai County Contractors Association of Arizona (YCCA) of Prescott, homeowners are free to choose who they will hire: licensed or unlicensed. However, the YCCA’s prologue is simple: “Watch out!” In fact, YCCA executive director Sandy Griffis says that licensing contractors does not guarantee technical ability, competence, or even a measure of competence. “However,” Griffis continues, “… hiring an unlicensed contractor is certainly dangerous.” Here are three main points to remember:

• No license may mean low bids, but the financial and legal consequences may be more than you originally bargained to face.
• Hiring a licensed air conditioning contractor provides better protection than any post-event legal recourse.
• Most licensed air conditioning contractors are competent, dedicated, financially responsible, and well-trained.
• Through the practice of licensing and a well-designed regulatory system, the country’s law promotes individual safety and reliable construction practices.

For the legitimate Arizona air conditioning installation and service center that follows the rules, the battle against low unlicensed bidders means lost business opportunities and higher cost margins. For you, the homeowner caught up in the aftermath, choosing an unlicensed air conditioning company can be a risky venture for the sake of potential money savings. However, in recent years, the number of complaints filed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors has steadily increased. The cost of fraud affects legitimate contractors, society as a whole, and you.

Arizona residents can report unlicensed HVAC contractors through forms on the Arizona HVAC Contractor Registry website.

Unlicensed HVAC Contractors Miss the Mark

The YCCA says that most homeowners could avoid construction problems simply by knowing their existing home improvement rights and then taking personal responsibility for the project. Informed consumers make better purchasing decisions. Working with reputable HVAC contractors helps ensure that you don’t become a victim of unscrupulous or unlicensed HVAC contractors.

TIP! If you’re installing a new HVAC unit in your home, don’t forget to check the condition of your existing ductwork. Even the best of the best energy efficient air conditioners will waste energy in a home where the ductwork needs serious repair.

Protect yourself. Avoid working with unlicensed artisans, the so-called. Don’t get scammed, get cool. Licensed HVAC contractors follow sound business practices, including:

• tax payment
• Buy and maintain annual insurance
• Running background checks on potential new hires
• Establish a bonded practice
• And more.

To obtain a state HVAC license, the contractor must demonstrate experience and ability. The test is designed to eliminate shade tree heating and cooling service technicians. A building license may not be the ultimate solution to scams, but it can help you find a reliable and principled air conditioning contractor. Additionally, the heating and cooling industry is evolving, moving beyond heating and cooling and into the realm of indoor air quality (IAQ). Expect the demand for expert HVAC technicians to increase.