Red flags to avoid. Questions to ask. What separates great contractors from ones you'll regret hiring.
Get it right and you've got years of reliable AC and real warranty coverage. That's the difference.
If a contractor won't give you a license number or can't verify it exists, that's a dealbreaker. Walk away. Unlicensed work voids your warranty and can even void your home insurance.
"This price is only good if you sign today!" is a classic pressure tactic. A good contractor will give you time to think. Rush = they know their pricing won't hold up to comparison.
If someone says "Don't worry, I guarantee the work" but won't write it down—that means nothing when something goes wrong. Get it in writing. Always.
Real contractors come to your house, look at your system, and ask questions. A phone quote is basically a guess. How can they know what you need without seeing it?
Professional contractors use contracts and give receipts. If someone wants cash-only with no paper trail, something's off. You need documentation for warranty claims and insurance purposes.
If someone quotes you $2,000 less than three other contractors, they're cutting corners somewhere. Cheap parts? Rushed labor? Shortcuts? You'll pay for it later.
They'll give you a license number without hesitation. You can verify it yourself on azroc.gov. Takes 2 minutes and gives you peace of mind.
A good contractor doesn't guess. They look at your ductwork, check insulation, assess your current system. Takes 30-60 minutes. That's how they give you an accurate quote.
They present 2-3 choices with honest pros and cons. Basic vs. premium. Cash vs. financing. Extended warranty options. They let you decide what's right for your budget.
You get a document that spells out exactly what's covered: parts (how many years), labor (how many years), what's excluded. No surprises later.
Google, BBB, Yelp—real customers talking about real work. Look for 4.5+ stars. Read the reviews to see what people actually experienced.
Get 3 quotes. The cheapest one is probably a red flag. The most expensive might be unnecessary. Pick the middle option with solid reviews.
You call, a person answers. They arrive when they say they will. Crew looks professional. They respect your home and your time.
Write it down. Go to azroc.gov and verify it's active. Takes 2 minutes.
Aim for 5+ years. New contractors make mistakes on installs.
Specifically: Parts warranty (years), labor warranty (years), what's excluded? Ask for it in writing.
If your AC dies on a Saturday at 110°F, can they come out? Emergency service = they're committed.
Good answer: "Your home's square footage + insulation needs a 14 SEER minimum." Bad answer: "Trust me."
Many contractors offer 0% for 12-24 months. Ask about options.
Call 2-3 recent customers. Ask about quality, timeliness, professionalism.
APS/SRP rebates = $1,000-$1,500. Good contractors handle the paperwork.
| Criteria | Must Have? | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| License & Insurance | YES | Verify on azroc.gov |
| In-Home Inspection | YES | They look at your system before quoting |
| Written Warranty | YES | 2+ years labor, 5+ years parts minimum |
| Customer Reviews | STRONG | 4.5+ stars with real reviews |
| Price Competition | COMPARE | Get 3 quotes, pick middle option |
| Rebate Handling | BONUS | They help you get $1,000+ back |
Licensed & Insured
Full bonding, verifiable license #ROC248892
8+ Years Serving Surprise/Peoria
500+ happy customers. Real reviews on Google.
In-Home Assessment Always
We inspect your system, explain findings, offer 2-3 options.
10-Year Warranty (Standard)
10 years parts + 10 years labor on premium systems. Industry-leading.
Rebate Experts
We handle APS/SRP paperwork. You get $1,000-1,500 back.
24/7 Emergency Service
AC dies Saturday at 110°F? We answer. We come.
Get a free, zero-pressure quote from Sorensen HVAC. We'll inspect your system and show you all your options.
📞 (623) 322-0747Serving Surprise, Peoria, Phoenix & West Valley
□ License verified on azroc.gov
□ Insurance certificate shown
□ In-home inspection completed
□ Multiple options offered
□ Written warranty provided
□ Customer references given
□ Price is competitive (not lowest)
□ Professional, courteous team
Score: 8/8 = Hire them
Score: 6-7/8 = Good option
Score: 5 or less = Keep looking