What to Expect When You Hire Us

Hiring a contractor can bring up a lot of questions about cost, timing, and what happens before work begins. Below are answers to the questions homeowners ask most often, so you know what to expect when you schedule service with our team.

How quickly can you schedule service?

We schedule service in two-hour windows and offer same-day service when scheduling allows. We also stand behind this promise: service in 24 hours or the service call is free.

What factors most affect the cost of a repair or installation?

We usually need to see the system in person before we can give an accurate price. Cost can be affected by several things, including:

• Lack of maintenance
• Whether the system has been covered by a maintenance agreement
• The age of the unit
• Availability of parts
• The type of refrigerant the system uses

Older systems often cost more to repair. Systems over 15 years old can become pricey, and systems 20 years or older are typically more expensive to service because of age, parts, and equipment factors.

What should be included in a written estimate before work begins?

A written estimate should clearly explain the full scope of work, the total pricing, approval or signature requirements, and any warranty or guarantee details that apply to the job.

What does a typical service call or diagnostic visit include?

A service call is a scheduled visit that brings a licensed, professionally trained technician to your home. Our technician arrives prepared for service and equipped to begin looking at your system.

The service call covers safe travel, proper scheduling, and access to a qualified professional on-site. Any diagnostic work, assessment, or technical evaluation needed to identify system issues is provided separately.

How do you confirm the total cost before starting a job?

We evaluate the system, identify what is causing the issue, and look at the full system instead of only the failed part. Then we walk you through the options so you can decide what works best for your home.

When possible, we try to present three options or solutions based on the repair needed and the problem we find.

How do you prevent unexpected charges during a project?

We present pricing upfront and get approval before moving forward with the work. You’ll know the cost before we move forward. Dalton also follows a no overtime fees policy.

Some issues cannot be confirmed until the first repair is made and the system can run. For example, if a breaker must be replaced before the unit can turn on, we would explain that repair and get approval first. Once the unit is running, we can inspect the system and let you know if there are any other issues, such as low refrigerant. If additional work is needed, we explain it and get approval before moving forward.

What happens if something goes wrong after the job is completed?

If the same diagnosed problem comes back, or if the issue was caused by our work, we come back at no charge. If it is a different issue, we explain what we find and present the cost to the homeowner before moving forward.

What does your workmanship guarantee cover?

We focus on doing the work right the first time. That includes completing the job properly, cleaning up afterward, and installing equipment according to manufacturer specifications.

For system replacements, a quality control manager also evaluates the work to make sure the system is running according to manufacturer specifications. If a mistake or issue was caused by our work, there is no charge for us to come back and fix it.

How long does a typical appointment or installation take?

Service calls are typically scheduled in a two-hour block. Installations take longer. A furnace and air conditioning installation is usually a one-day job and often takes about 8 to 10 hours.

When should a homeowner request emergency or same-day service?

You should request emergency or same-day service when the situation feels urgent for your home. That may be during extreme weather, when a major system is not working, or when a plumbing issue affects how you use your home.

We offer service in 24 hours, or the service call is free.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards, including Visa, Discover, and American Express. Financing options are also available through providers such as Synchrony, Optimus, and Veridian Credit Union.

Do you offer financing for larger repairs or installations?

Yes. We offer financing options for service, plumbing, and replacement work. Available plans vary depending on the type of work and the season. Visit our financing page or contact our team to confirm current options, terms, and credit requirements.

How are your technicians trained and vetted before entering a home?

We complete background checks on our technicians. Technicians are enrolled in a four-year apprenticeship program through Hawkeye Community College, and we also provide two hours of in-house training every Tuesday at Dalton.

Our team also trains through ride-alongs with senior technicians, manager technicians, and training technicians. Manufacturer training is part of our ongoing process as well.

How can homeowners verify a contractor is licensed and insured?

Homeowners can use Iowa.gov to look up contractor licensing and insurance information. Our licensing information is also listed on our website and available through our office.

Some technicians carry their personal license with them, but proof of insurance is not always carried by each technician. In Iowa, a valid contractor’s license requires proof of insurance with the state, and that information is audited regularly.

How can I confirm you service my area?

Our service areas are listed on our website. You can also call our team, and our customer service representatives can confirm whether we service your location.

How do labor and manufacturer warranties work after installation?

We honor the equipment warranty for parts and the labor warranty that applies to the installation. Many systems include 10-year parts and 10-year labor coverage.

Promotional warranties may include 16-year parts and 16-year labor coverage. When a promotional 16-year parts and 16-year labor warranty applies, the system must be maintained through Dalton, must be covered by a Dalton Care Agreement, and must be evaluated as required for that warranty to remain valid.

For the original manufacturer warranty, we follow the manufacturer’s specifications. In many cases, routine or regular maintenance is required for the parts warranty to remain valid.

How should homeowners evaluate contractor reviews and reputation?

Look at how many reviews a contractor has, not just the rating. It can also be helpful to be cautious of companies that only have perfect reviews, because a company doing a lot of work may not make every customer happy every time.

Read both the positive and negative reviews, and pay attention to how the company responds. The response often says a lot about how the company communicates and handles customer concerns.

How can customers contact your team after service if they need support?

You can call any of our phone numbers and reach our main office. We also offer 24/7 scheduling support, along with website forms, chat, email replies, and social media messaging. Receipts are emailed, so customers can also respond through email when they need help after service.