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Almost every industry has its own share of scams and the HVAC industry is no exception. In fact, HVAC systems are likely to be a common target. For best results, consult with a heating, cooling, and ventilation systems expert for any repairs or service.
In the event of an emergency, many individuals fall prey to sophisticated yet unscrupulous contracts. These scam artists know many homeowners are desperate to escape the sweltering heat or extreme cold. They count on your aversion to extreme temperatures and your desire to return your systems to normal.
Don’t fall prey to their efforts. Avoid these pitfalls by arming yourself with knowledge of the usual HVAC industry scams. By educating yourself, you can avoid becoming a victim. It is also a way to keep your money out of the hands of scam contractors and work with professional HVAC services Westbrook CT instead.
Common HVAC Scams
In this article, we discuss a few of the most common types of HVAC scams to keep an eye out for.
Oversized HVAC Units
Many homeowners think bigger is better and they turn around and purchase oversized units. They think the larger units will offer greater heating and cooling capacity. Be wary of a contractor trying to up-sell you to the largest system available.
Instead, a contractor should consider the size of your home and suggest a unit that is appropriate for your home. They will perform a Manual J calculation, which incorporates variables such as square footage, area climate, windows, doors, and the direction the home faces.
Typically too large of units drive up utility costs because they run more often. Request that your home is sized. In fact, verify that this is the method that the contractor is using. If the contractor doesn’t size correctly, don’t proceed. Locate a qualified contractor to help you instead.
Offering Used Heating Or Cooling Parts Or Faking HVAC Part Replacement
Don’t fall for a technician’s ploy of offering used parts at just the right price. Often, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it is a scam. Used parts wear out much faster than new ones and they will increase the overall repair costs greatly.
Also, be on the lookout for techs who fake replacing parts. Instead, they only pretend to replace parts, when in fact, they leave the defective one in place. This then means another service call and additional work, time, and money. This can be hard to avoid if you are not standing and watching the worker perform the replacement.
Take note of how the system functions after it has been repaired. It should run better. Obtain a service guarantee in writing after any repairs are performed.
Needless Replacement Of Good HVAC Parts
This scam scenario can be hard to spot. The tech will identify a part and express how urgently it needs replacement, often immediately. Take a moment to think about how your unit has been running. If your system seems to be working quite well, seek a second opinion on the HVAC replacement.
Ways To Protect Yourself Against HVAC Scams
The first line of defense is retaining the services of a licensed and reputable HVAC professional. Seek referrals from family, trusted coworkers, and friends before forking over any money. Peruse Better Business Bureau listings for complaints. By performing your due diligence, you make sure that work will be done by a trusted professional. Always check online to see what kind of reviews have been written about a company.
Ask for any guarantees in writing and always use a credit card for any purchases and repairs. Using this payment method offers better consumer protection for you via the Fair Credit Billing Act.
Conclusion
By being armed with the knowledge of common HVAC scams, you can avoid falling victim to them. The best way to avoid headaches with HVAC work is to locate and utilize a seasoned and trusted HVAC contractor. This is whom to turn in the event of a system emergency or routine seasonal maintenance. Avoid companies with a history of broken promises and a string of disgruntled customers.
Call Wilcox Energy For Trusted HVAC Services
If you are searching for high-quality heating and cooling services in the southern Connecticut shoreline, look no further than Wilcox Energy. We have professionally certified and highly skilled HVAC technicians who can provide superior heating and air conditioning services. Some of our services include air conditioner repairs, furnace installations, boiler replacements, ductless systems, and much more. All our friendly techs are knowledgeable and experienced to ensure that all services are done correctly and promptly.
Our company guarantees highly affordable and competitive HVAC service rates in the area. Our HVAC tune-ups can improve your home’s comfort, increase energy- efficiency, and reduce your energy costs. We can also recommend the best HVAC repair and replacement solutions for your home without burning a hole through your wallet. All of our services come with a guarantee because your satisfaction is our priority. Schedule an appointment with Wilcox Energy today. We also offer free, in-home estimates.
For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (860) 399-6218 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.