HVAC work can seem complicated. There are many expensive components of an air conditioning system, and depending on how large or intricate the system is, even a slight repair could be a hundred dollars when performed by a talented HVAC technician.
But this should never be a good reason to go with something that sounds too good to be true. Scams are all over the place in the 21st-century HVAC industry, from unlicensed and uninsured technicians to pricing structures that make no real-world sense. Without a PSA from your local HVAC team, it could be hard to differentiate what’s a legitimate purchase and what’s more likely a scam.
Well, we’re here to provide tips on differentiating between scams and good AC repair in Cedar Rapids, IA. Just make sure you keep this information handy and schedule repairs with a team you can trust.
Money Upfront
Pretty much every worthwhile HVAC professional will not require you to pay for work that isn’t done yet. The only time we might ask for some payment initially is if we require a deposit for serious work, like the installation of a brand-new, expensive HVAC system. Otherwise, we can always provide you with an estimate that’s accurate.
An estimate is where we give you the price ahead of time, at least as accurately as possible. Sure, sometimes we might be off by a bit, or we encounter a problem we weren’t expecting, but we’re good at making accurate estimates for customers.
An estimate also lets us require payment after the work is done, so you don’t have to worry about paying anything before the job is complete. If someone is asking for payment before they work, that’s a big red flag.
Unlicensed or Uninsured Work
Every HVAC technician who steps foot in your home to work on something should be licensed and insured.
- Licensure is a requirement in many areas depending on the work they’re providing, and it signals that they’ve been trained in the right techniques and systems. A licensed HVAC team is experienced and will get the job done properly.
- Insurance is exactly what it sounds like. If your HVAC technician gets injured on the job or if something breaks while they’re working on it, they’ll be compensated with a claim to insurance. Otherwise, you could be on the hook.
Simply put, an uninsured or unlicensed HVAC technician could potentially scam you.
Prices Too Good to Be True
Here’s an idea–if prices for a heat pump, ductless mini split, or other HVAC system seem too good to be true, they probably are. Try looking at prices through other HVAC companies and see if they’re in the same ballpark. If they are, then maybe you found a good deal!
Otherwise, if you’re looking at prices that are dangerously low, it might be a scam.
Inauthentic Reviews
Make sure you check word of mouth through relatives, friends, and family members, as well as through online reviews. Authentic reviews will be realistic, describing people’s experiences. Be wary of many one-word or copy-pasted reviews that signal bots or other bad actors giving them inflated reviews.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.