How To Avoid HVAC Scams

Scams are common to almost every industry, with HVAC equipment being one of the prime targets. Because your heating, cooling and ventilation system is best serviced and repaired by a professional, shady contractors will try to take advantage of you when there is an emergency, especially in times of extreme heat or extreme cold. Unscrupulous 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 industry 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 contractors. Following are some of the most common HVAC scam scenarios.

Most Common HVAC Scams

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 calculation, which 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. If the contractor says that’s not necessary, run the other way.

Recommending Used Parts Or Pretending To Replace A Part

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 repairs.

Replacing A Perfectly Good Part

This scenario is also slightly difficult to spot. The technician shows you a 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

One of the most important steps you can do to protect yourself is 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.

 

Professional HVAC Services Trenton NJ

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 tune-ups, HVAC system installations, and heater repair services. We ensure that our technicians are professionally Nate-certified specialists. Since our beginning, we have been working hard to build a good name by offering high quality 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.

We service Allentown NJ 08501, Bordentown NJ 08505, Burlington NJ 08016, Columbus NJ 08022, Crosswicks NJ 08515, Florence NJ 08518, Pennington NJ 08534, Roebling NJ 08554, Trenton NJ 08601, Windsor NJ 08561, and surrounding areas!

Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!

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