As with any industry that requires you to put your trust in the hands of an expert, the HVAC industry has dishonest companies and contractors who will say whatever they need to in order to get more money from you. Though this is certainly unfortunate, there are ways that you can protect yourself by getting to know common HVAC inspection scams and how to avoid them. If you are having your HVAC system inspected, watch out for these 5 common scams:
- The technician replaces parts that don’t need to be replaced.
Some scammers may play on your lack of knowledge about your HVAC system to mislead you into thinking you need repairs that you don’t. Most of the time, these repairs are costly and sometimes replacing the unit appears to be the most cost-effective option. If you have not noticed any issues and the unit appears to be running fine, it is best to get a second opinion. Another red flag is when the technician suggests that there are many faulty parts. This is most often not the case, and you should seek a second opinion before you get the repair.
- The technician will replace a broken part with a used part.
Some dishonest technicians will offer to replace broken parts on the spot with a used part that they have in their truck. They may even offer it at a discount. No honest or experienced HVAC technician will install a used part. These parts don’t hold up as long as new parts and can even cause strain to your HVAC system, requiring even more repairs. If the technician suggests a used part, send him away and call a different company.
- The inspector offers extremely low cost estimates on products or free services.
This could be a bait and switch. This happens when HVAC companies offer you discounted services or products that you can’t refuse, and then take advantage of the opportunity to sell you additional services or mislead you on the condition of your unit. You can avoid this by sticking to the initial promotion and not adding any additional services or repairs until you get a second opinion from another HVAC company.
- The HVAC company asks for up-front cash payment.
Some HVAC companies will ask for a deposit before the repair begins and then a final payment once the service has been completed. Though this not uncommon, no honest and reputable HVAC company will ask for the entire payment up-front before any of the repairs are completed. Individuals that insist on up-front cash payment may never return to complete the job or will most likely do a poor job on the repair.
Though these inspection scams may cause you to have a dim outlook on the HVAC industry, the truth is that there are more good guys out there than bad. Bartlett Heating and Air Conditioning has been providing quality HVAC services to the community since 1978. But don’t take our word for it. Check out our testimonials and other online reviews to see what our customers are saying.
