Buying a New Air Conditioner HVAC Unit? How Not To Get Scammed
We regret that we even need to write this blog, but in this day and age, scams are rampant and the HVAC industry isn’t immune. Contractors, including HVAC contractors, need to be checked out for licensure and validity before you contract to buy or sign with them.
We hate seeing people get taken advantage of. Always go by the motto of “Buyer be Ware”, do a check on the company you are considering before buying anything. There are many reputable AC companies in Southwest Florida, but because of scammers, we have put together a list of a few things to watch out for.
Be aware of the following:
Used Parts – If a tech giving an estimate says to you “I have a used part that you need in my truck”. You need to ask yourself ‘why they would have the specific used part in their truck’?
It is most likely a used throw away part from another job. A legitimate HVAC contractor would not recommend a used part for your system. This can easily compromise the entire system by adding additional stress on the other components of the unit.
Out of Freon: “All you need is some more refrigerant in your air conditioner.”
Stop them right there. Freon running through your air conditioning system does not run out. It is not like your car where you need to add more and then everything is ok. An air conditioning system that is low on refrigerant indicates that there is a leak that needs patching.
When a contractor says that you “only need refrigerant” he knows that the problem will not be fixed. They will continue to come out for calls over and over to add Freon to the system, charging you every time.
False Parent Companies: They claim that they work for a larger, reputable company to get in your home to sell you their service. Usually, they accomplish this by saying that the “company they work for” is offering Free inspections.
What to look for: Make sure that the contractor has a company shirt, company van, and credentials when he comes to your home. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2018, imposter scams such as this were the number 2 consumer complaint.
Be inquisitive and use common sense when hiring a contractor. Ask about their certifications, history, policies, and trade organizations they belong to. Here at All Day Air Cooling and Heating, we take pride in providing only the best service to our clients. If you are looking for a reputable and high quality HVAC company in the southwest Florida area to service or install your air conditioner, please give us a call at 239-357-0727. Or contact us through our website at alldayaircooling.com
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