You wouldn’t hire a babysitter without checking references. You wouldn’t buy a car without kicking the tires. So why on earth would you trust just anyone with the systems that keep your home comfortable, safe, and—let’s be honest—livable in Central Florida’s swampy summers? 

The truth is, not all air conditioning and plumbing companies are created equal. Some are rock-solid and reliable. Others… not so much. Before you sign a contract or hand over your hard-earned cash, here are six questions every Orlando homeowner should ask—and why ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing has all the right answers. 

1. Are You Licensed in Florida? 

In Florida, it’s illegal to perform HVAC or plumbing work without a proper license. Licensing isn’t just red tape—it’s proof the company passed state exams, met continuing education requirements, and follows Florida Building Code. 

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) maintains searchable records of licensed contractors. One quick check online can save you from shady operators who might take your money and leave you with a half-finished project. 

Want to know why this really matters for your home? We break it down in detail in our blog, Licensed & Insured in Florida: What That Actually Means. 

ServiceOne’s answer: Yes, we are fully licensed, and proud of it. 

2. Do You Carry Insurance? 

Imagine this: a tech accidentally floods your living room or falls off a ladder on your property. Without general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, you could be the one footing the bill. Yikes. 

A reputable company will gladly show you their insurance certificates. If they dodge the question or give excuses, that’s your sign to run faster than your AC kicks on in August. 

ServiceOne’s answer: Yes. Our insurance coverage is active, verifiable, and designed to keep homeowners protected. 

3. What Do Your Customers Say About You? 

We live in the age of Google Reviews, Angie’s List, Yelp, and Nextdoor chatter. Use it to your advantage! Look for patterns in reviews—not just one glowing write-up from someone named “Uncle Bob.” Are customers consistently happy with punctuality, cleanliness, and follow-through? Or do you see complaints about surprise fees and unreturned calls? 

ServiceOne’s answer: Orlando homeowners consistently give us high marks for punctuality, professionalism, and follow-through. From Winter Park to Sanford, Lake Mary to Kissimmee, we’re the team your neighbors recommend. 

4. How Long Have You Been in Business? 

Florida has more pop-up service companies than gators in the Everglades. Some stick around, but many vanish after storm season or economic hiccups. A business that’s been serving Central Florida for 15+ years has weathered hurricanes, housing booms, and even pandemics. That kind of staying power matters. 

ServiceOne’s answer: We’ve been proudly serving the Orlando community for more than 20 years—since 2003. Longevity means we’ll be here for your next service call, warranty repair, or emergency leak. 

5. What’s Your BBB Rating? 

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) might feel old-school, but it’s still a valuable resource. A high BBB rating means the company responds to complaints, resolves issues, and doesn’t leave customers hanging. It’s like an extra layer of reassurance, especially when paired with modern online reviews. 

ServiceOne’s answer: We maintain a strong BBB presence and respond promptly to customer concerns—because doing right by homeowners isn’t optional, it’s who we are. 

6. Do You Offer Emergency Service? 

Florida storms don’t wait for business hours, and neither should your AC and plumbing company. A burst pipe at midnight or a broken AC during a July heatwave isn’t something you can pencil into your calendar. 

ServiceOne’s answer: Yes—we’re on call 365 days a year for AC and plumbing emergencies across Central Florida. 

Bonus: Other Smart Questions to Ask 

While those six questions cover the essentials, savvy homeowners also ask about: 

• Transparency: Does the company provide clear, written estimates with no hidden fees? 

• Local Knowledge: Do they understand Orlando’s unique issues—like high humidity, hard water, and algae-friendly drain lines? 

• Legal Baggage: A quick check of public records can reveal if a contractor has been repeatedly sued by customers. 

On all of these counts, ServiceOne stands tall. 

The Bottom Line 

Your air conditioning and plumbing systems aren’t luxuries in Central Florida—they’re lifelines. Choosing the wrong company can cost you comfort, money, and peace of mind. 

At ServiceOne Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve been proudly serving Orlando-area homeowners since 2003. We’re licensed, insured, BBB-recognized, and backed by a reputation that spans two decades of service. Whether you need emergency help in the middle of the night, a new system installation, or routine maintenance, we’re here to keep your home cool, dry, and stress-free. 

Call ServiceOne today and let’s make sure your home is in the hands of professionals you can trust.