Scams are common in almost every industry, with HVAC being one of the prime targets. Because your heating, cooling, and ventilation system is best serviced and repaired by professionals, shady contractors will try to take advantage of you when there is an emergency. This is true, especially in times of extreme heat or extreme cold. Unscrupulous HVAC companies will prey on your desire to get your indoor comfort back to normal as soon as possible.
You can avoid this by educating yourself on typical HVAC scams. This will allow you to take the necessary steps to prevent the chances of becoming a victim of one. It also ensures that you don’t lose money to shady heating and cooling contractors. Following are some of the most common HVAC scam scenarios.
Most Common HVAC Scams
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Keep reading to learn about common HVAC scams to keep an eye out for.
Oversized HVAC Units
Many homeowners still operate on the principle that the bigger the heating or cooling unit is, the better it will be. HVAC units with larger capacities cost more, of course, so if your contractor is trying to sell you the largest possible system, be skeptical. All systems should be sized to your home through a Manual J load calculation. This takes into consideration square footage, local climate, number of windows and doors, orientation to the sun, and more. An oversized unit will run frequently and cost more in energy bills. Ask for your house to be sized before an HVAC installation. If the contractor says that’s not necessary, run the other way.
Recommending Used Parts Or Pretending To Replace A Part On Your HVAC Unit
If a technician says he just happens to have a used part that will be cheaper for you, don’t fall for it. A used part will wear out faster and cost more money in the long run. Similarly, technicians sometimes pretend to replace parts, leaving the defective one in place. This scam necessitates another service call, and thus, more work and more money. Unless you’re watching the technician work, it can be hard to catch. Your HVAC unit should work perfectly after it is fixed. Always ask for a written guarantee before agreeing to any HVAC repairs.
Replacing A Perfectly Good Part On Your Heating Or Cooling System
This scenario is also slightly difficult to spot. The technician shows you a replacement part and says it desperately needs to be replaced immediately. Ask yourself if your HVAC system has been running properly. If it has and you feel skeptical, go to another contractor for a second opinion.
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself Against HVAC Scam Artists
One of the most important steps you can do to protect yourself is to make sure that you are working with a respectable HVAC contractor. Get recommendations from friends and family and ask for references from contractors you are considering before making a major purchase. Check with the Better Business Bureau for major complaints. By vetting your contractor, you will ensure that the work performed will be sound.
In addition to asking for guarantees in writing, try to pay for your purchase or repair with a credit card. Paying in this manner offers another layer of protection as this ensures that you will be protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
Conclusion
By knowing what the typical HVAC scams are, you will be able to avoid them. Truly, the best way to avoid them is by finding a reputable HVAC contractor that you can build a trusting relationship with. When looking for a company, check out their online reviews. You can find out a lot about a company this way. If you see a pattern of poor work, then you will know that it is best not to work with them.
Princeton Heating & Air Conditioning has been in business since the 196os and offers a wide variety of services, including heating and cooling system services, fuel oil deliveries, generators, and more. We ensure that our technicians are professionally certified specialists. Since our beginning, we have been working hard to build a good name by offering high-quality, trustworthy, and affordable services to homeowners. We are among the few providers in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction. Be sure to call us and speak with one of our comfort specialists today if you have any questions.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Superior Home Comfort Services
At PFO Heating & Air Conditioning, we ensure that we only offer the best heating and cooling services for clients in the Greater Princeton, NJ area. All our technicians are professionally certified, which means that every service they perform is top-notch. We offer only the best services, from HVAC installations and tune-ups to replacements and repairs. With highly skilled and experienced technicians, you can expect precise, correct, and timely services for your HVAC needs.
We also guarantee competitive costs – the best in the area. That way, you are not only assured of comfort, safety, and energy efficiency but also of energy-saving efficacy. We only have your safety and satisfaction in mind. If you want to find out more about our services, call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning for your free in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!