How do you know if your contractor has what it takes to repair install and maintain your HVAC, refrigeration, cooking and warewashing equipment? Look for the following signs of awesomeness, a commitment to customer service:

1. Ask those who know and check reviews

Who do you see around your neighborhood, who do your colleagues use? It is a very good sign when you see a company’s trucks around. What that means is that your fellow restaurateurs are calling them back for more work. It means they are likely doing a good job.

Ask for references any good company has lots of good relationships which they should be happy to provide. Call those folks, how is the service, what did they do for you, how was the pricing. Get the low down on installations, repair, maintenance etc… If you don’t have peeps to check in with how does the online community feel about the contractor?

2. Refrigeration & kitchen expertise

Find one provider than can handle both restaurant HVAC as well as refrigeration and cooking equipment. That trusted person or company has your back, understands your needs for quick service, low cost, or preventative care your priorities. That point of contact can also help you keep an eye on the big picture. For example is the cause of the overheated kitchen the air condition or the hood bringing in unconditioned air? Your walk-in coolers, low boys, blast chillers and freezers put out a lot of heat that can wreak havoc on the operation of your HVAC system. And the reverse is also true: if your restaurant HVAC isn’t working as it should, it can affect the temperatures inside your refrigeration equipment. And that can be a recipe for disaster: it can endanger your health inspection status. One provider means less paperwork with combined work orders and billing.

3. Keep their promises

How quick can they get there? Many restaurant service companies are several days out. Then they have to come make the diagnosis and depending on how well stocked with parts they are order a part, wait until it comes in and then schedule a return visit. I can easily be a week with some companies. Or it can be fixed that afternoon. Do they keep their promises, if someone is supposed to come between 2-4 when you are slow does someone arrive then?

4. Can get parts quickly

A quick response time is not always an indicator of how fast you’ll be back up and running. What if it takes 3 days to get the parts to complete a repair? Look for a service provider that has a large inventory of parts, as well as relationships with numerous parts suppliers in your area.

5. Good communication

Just like a good marriage communication is critical. It is critical that the good service provider communicates their findings and makes high quality recommendations that allow you to make the best choices for your organization.

6. Technicians are certified and well trained

Make sure the company has the required licensing, that means an HVAC 1,2, 3 license as well as a refrigeration license. Don’t let folks work on your equipment without it. Find out what kind of training the company provides for its employees. When an HVAC company invests in regular training, it shows a level of commitment to quality and customer service.

7. They guarantee their work

Here’s another sign of a commitment to quality. A restaurant HVAC company should guarantee their installations, repairs and maintenance work

8. They maintain the equipment they sell and install

Be wary of companies that will sell you equipment, install it and then walk away. For example companies from out of town. A good company will take responsibility and guarantee their work.