When your AC quits in July, your water heater fails in January, or a breaker won’t stay on, you don’t have much time to research. But the company you call decides whether you get a fair price and a fix that lasts, or a surprise bill and a return visit.
With so many options in the Roanoke Valley, it helps to know what separates a company worth trusting from one that isn’t. Here are a few things to look for before you hire, the questions to ask, and how Wisler, a family-owned Roanoke-area business since 1986, handles each one.
1. Verify Their License and Insurance
Virginia requires contractors to be licensed for most HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, and you can look up a license through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Also ask for proof of insurance, so you’re protected if something goes wrong on the job.
How Wisler does it: Our technicians are licensed and we’re happy to share our credentials on request.
2. Get the Price in Writing Before Work Begins
The most common complaint about home service companies is a bill that doesn’t match what they expected. Ask whether the price is fixed or an estimate, whether there are trip fees, diagnostic fees, or “shop fees,” and whether the price changes if the job takes longer than planned.
How Wisler does it: Service calls are $99, unless it is after hours in which case it can be up to $199 depending on the situation. If you are a Diamond Club Member, service calls are $69 no matter what time of day. Once your technician diagnoses the problem, you get a written quote at one fixed price, agreed before any work starts. It doesn’t change with the clock or with which technician is assigned, and we don’t add hidden charges. You’ll also see a detailed description of the work, so you know what you’re paying for.
3. Read Reviews for Patterns, Not Just Stars
A 4.9 rating means little if it’s based on 30 reviews from three years ago. Look at how many reviews a company has, how recent they are, whether the details are specific, and whether the owner responds, including the critical ones. Consistent mentions of punctuality, clear explanations, and honest pricing tell you more than a star count.
How Wisler does it: We have more than 5,000 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, and we respond to reviews. See what Roanoke homeowners say about Wisler below.
4. Ask How They Handle Scheduling
“We’ll be there sometime between 8 and 5” isn’t a plan. A good company gives you a realistic arrival window, tells you when the technician is on the way, and calls if something changes.
How Wisler does it: You’ll get a precise arrival window and a call when we’re en route. If a job runs long and we’re going to be late, we call and let you choose whether to wait or reschedule.
5. Look for a Guarantee That Means Something
Warranties and guarantees vary widely. Ask what exactly is covered, who handles it if there’s a problem, and whether you have to pay before you’re satisfied.
How Wisler does it: Every job is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. We don’t expect payment until you’re completely satisfied, and if we’ve missed the mark, we make it right. Read more about Wisler’s commitments.
6. Choose a Company That Recommends What You Need, Not What Pays Most
Repair or replace? It’s the question that separates honest contractors from pushy ones. A good technician explains the condition of your system, gives you the options with their costs and tradeoffs, and doesn’t pressure you to decide on the spot.
How Wisler does it: Our philosophy is to fix it if we can and replace it if we have to. We’ll tell you when a repair makes sense, and when a replacement, such as a new AC system, a furnace, or a water heater, is the smarter investment.
7. Think About Who You’re Letting Into Your Home
You’re giving a stranger access to your home, sometimes while you’re not there. Ask how the company screens and trains its people, and whether technicians show up in identifiable uniforms and vehicles.
How Wisler does it: Every Wisler technician has earned the Technicians Seal of Safety, must pass a background check, and we’re a BBB-accredited business. We’re guests in your home and treat it that way.
8. Consider a Company That Handles All Three Trades
Home systems are connected. A new EV charger may need a panel upgrade. A tankless water heater may need electrical or gas work. An HVAC replacement may expose a wiring issue. One company that covers all three means fewer phone calls, no finger-pointing between contractors, and one standard of service.
How Wisler does it: We handle HVAC, plumbing, and electrical under one roof, so a single call covers everything from drain cleaning to generators.
9. Pick a Team That Knows Roanoke Homes
Roanoke’s humid summers keep air conditioners working hard for months, and winter nights in the Blue Ridge foothills stress furnaces and exposed pipes. Many homes in neighborhoods like Old Southwest, Grandin Village, and Raleigh Court date back decades, with older drain lines, aging panels, and HVAC setups that need an experienced eye. A company that works on these homes every day will spot problems a newcomer might miss.
How Wisler does it: We’ve served the Roanoke area since 1986 from local offices in Roanoke, Salem, and Rocky Mount. Our Roanoke office is at 1023 Kimball Ave NE, Suite 2. Learn more about our story.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to decide today, or “this price is only good right now”
- No written quote, or a vague one that skips the details
- Reluctance to show a license or proof of insurance
- A “diagnosis” that changes when you ask questions
- Prices that jump once the work has started
- Reviews that are all vague, all recent or all from years ago, or missing entirely
10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Are you licensed and insured in Virginia?
- Will I get a written quote before work begins?
- Is the price fixed, or could it change?
- Are there trip, diagnostic, or “shop” fees?
- What’s my arrival window, and will you call when you’re on the way?
- What guarantee or warranty comes with the work?
- What are my options if I don’t want to replace the system?
- Will the technician explain the problem in plain language?
- Can you show me reviews from other Roanoke homeowners?
- If I’m not happy, what happens next?
HVAC Reviews
I’ve used Wisler for HVAC and plumbing thru the years and I can say they come prepared and get the job done quickly! Nick was here for hvac and his communication with us was great! Nate came a couple years ago for our plumbing rehaul and he too was nothing short of great! I love that wisler sends you a text with a photo of the tech prior to arrival. It’s great to visually know who to expect! Great job Wisler!!
Services: HVAC system maintenance, A/C system maintenance, Plumbing pipe repair, Sump pump installation – Delaney Johnson
All the workers showed up on time and immediately got to work. Work was done very efficiently and by 4 o’clock the air conditioner, heat pump, and furnace were fully installed and functioning. The area was left neat and clean. Was very happy with the quality of work and the quality of the employees. Harvey Turner
Electrical Reviews
I’ve used Wisler for my HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and gas service, and my recent experience reminded me why I continue to use them. After a lightning-related electrical event, my HVAC stopped working during extremely hot weather. Hunter Toms quickly diagnosed the problem, replaced the failed motor rather than recommending unnecessary repairs, and had my system running again. The house was comfortable immediately.
To Zach Davis, thank you for testing the gas line for a suspected leak which turned out to not be present. Your investigation was thorough and gave me peace of mind.
Michiah Tschappat thank you so much for replacing the burned units and ensuring that all else was safe. The addition of a full-house surge protector provides additional safety and will hopefully keep the new appliances (all three of them!) from suffering from a future weather induced surge.
Lastly, thank you to the great administrative staff at Wisler who answered the phone at all times, kept me informed of who was on their way and the service they would cover. Twana Robtison
Shane was an absolutely wonderful electrician! Very knowledgeable and explained things so that I could understand at each step of the way. He found the issue and had us back up and running in no time. We used a different company earlier in the day and we were told multiple things that were incorrect by that company. We were expecting the worst when we called for an electrician. Shane fixed what they should have. Thank you all so much for saving the day!! Tarena Ross
Plumbing Reviews
Caleb came to do a multi system check on our water heater & plumbing system. As we are diamond club members, it is a free service we get once a year. He was very thorough, personable and explained everything that was done. He made recommendations of things we could upgrade & explained why. We are very happy with Wisler & their service! Being a diamond club member is well worth the cost, especially that we own an older home. Theresa Howe
This is my first experience hiring a team from Wisler & I am very happy. The initial technician took great care to cover all my current & possible future needs then focus on my most pressing… a new water heater. I was offered multiple options & was able to choose the one which fit my budget, timeframe of service, & scope of work. The service technicians arrived on time as scheduled & communications were timely as well. The 2 man team preformed their tasks keeping me updated as the project went along.
Every person I’ve had contact with during this service has been very friendly & knowledgeable, taking time to explain when I had questions.
I can rest easier knowing my new water heater & pipe system is up to date, and code! Debbie Saunders
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical company in Roanoke is trustworthy?
Check that they’re licensed and insured, read recent reviews for consistent patterns, and ask for a written quote before work begins. A trustworthy company explains the problem clearly, gives you options, and doesn’t pressure you to decide on the spot.
How much does a service call cost in Roanoke?
Our standard service call starts at $99, and after hours service calls cost up to $199 depending on the situation. Looking to save money? Become a Diamond Club Member and save, the service call fees reduce to $69 for regular and after hours. Repair cost varies by trade and problem, which is why a fixed, written quote matters. At Wisler, you’ll know the price before any work begins, and it won’t change based on how long the job takes.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system or water heater?
It depends on the age, condition, repair cost, and efficiency of your current system. A good technician lays out both options with costs so you can decide. Our approach is to fix it if we can and replace it if we have to.
Is it better to hire one company for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical?
Often, yes. One company means fewer scheduling headaches, consistent service, and no confusion over who’s responsible when trades overlap, such as during a panel upgrade, water heater installation, or HVAC replacement.
Does Wisler offer emergency service in Roanoke?
Yes. We offer emergency service. Schedule service any time.
What areas does Wisler serve?
We serve Roanoke, Salem, Rocky Mount, Fincastle, Daleville, Troutville, and surrounding communities. See our full service area.
Does Wisler offer financing?
Yes. We offer financing options for larger projects, and our Diamond Club membership helps keep your systems maintained year-round. You get priority service, discounted repairs, and more.
Ready to Talk to a Roanoke Team You Can Trust?
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