The service company should perform proactive, planned, routine preventive maintenance (pm) services. These services should be custom tailored to equipment design specifications, manufacture recommendations considering installed unit location conditions. The pm plan implementation utilizes a program to find and correct problems before they can become very costly to the owner. They should also provide the owner with written documentation of services performed including equipment repair recommendations. These records can track and monitor the continually changing condition of the equipment covered, under the pm plan.

The service company should be relentless in the pursuit of information, training, knowledge, experience and education of its owners, officers and technicians. All seminars, training classes, etc. need to be attended to stay up to date on the most current methods and technology being utilized by equipment manufactures. Many manufacturer's design the heat transfer process differently. They use all types of methods and parts to meet their specific design criteria. In order for a technician to be successful (in today's world) he or she must:

1. Know the manufactures design specifications.

2. Have the ability to assess the current equipment conditions.

3. Know the sequence of operation of the equipment.

4. Be aware of any manufacturer service bulletins (this pertains to upgrades and retrofits because all manufacturers reserve the right to continually improve their products).

5. Continually follow successful "Practice and Approach Techniques".

All service companies should always use factory OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts unless they are no longer available. Many manufacturers specifically design their own parts for specific reasons that can effect the equipments overall performance. In many cases the use of non OEM parts costs the owner much more money in the long run than originally buying the OEM parts.
A good service company will stand behind the parts or equipment they install. Look for a labor warranty to match the parts or equipment manufacturers warranty. (If they are unwilling to match the manufacturers warranty with labor, obviously they do not believe in what they are selling and installing, and this is a sign they are not looking out for your best interests.)

A good company has a quality assurance program in place. The business owner (customer) should be provided routinely with written documentation pertaining to jobsite housekeeping, equipment condition, and overall customer satisfaction. The service company should continually review, monitor, and adjust its performance to the customer as his or her business and needs constantly change. Also, a good service company will perform a courtesy follow-up inspection after a service call has been completed.

The service company should be ready, willing, and able to perform a consultation at any given time on any issue for the business owner. A good company does not and should not have any problem with continuously educating its customers so they have the advantage to make intelligent and informed decisions to achieve prosperous growth and success for their business.

The diagnostic service equipment HVACR service companies use today is constantly changing. A good company will invest in the most modern, up to date, state of the art equipment available. However, the most important "tools" to troubleshoot, diagnose, and successfully repair heat transfer systems are listed a follows:

1. Technician - legs, brain, flashlight, and 4 in 1 screwdriver.

2. Manuals and literature on equipment.

3. Meters and test instruments.

4. Hand tools and necessary equipment for repair.

5. OEM parts.

6. Successful results and performance follow-up.