7 Common Scams In AC Repair To Watch Out For

Air conditioners are a must-have for summer. The last thing you want to do is to put off repairs and maintenance work before the hot months roll in. This will ensure that your home is cool and comfortable.

The usual concern of homeowners when it comes to air conditioning is that there are a few HVAC contractors who are unreliable. It is so easy to fall victim to a scam if you do not watch out.

The most vulnerable clients to HVAC-related scams are residential customers, thanks in large part to informal arrangements and a lack of information on the customer’s part.

You can, however, avoid getting scammed by becoming aware of the tricks that unscrupulous HVAC contractors do. By knowing what to keep an eye out for, you can avoid falling prey to dishonest HVAC contractors.

Common Scams Used In Air Conditioner Repair Ackermanville PA

Let’s discuss the seven most common scams that some HVAC contractors play on unsuspecting customers.

1. Free Service And Other HVAC Deals

The rule of thumb to follow whenever someone offers a product or service is this: if it seems too good, there must be a catch. Avoid getting tempted with incredible offers and extremely cheap deals. Always clarify and do not be afraid to ask questions or to know more. When you have more information, you can assess the deal better to determine whether or not it is good for you. A service that is offered for free or at a low price may end up as a more expensive deal later.

2. Recharging Your AC And Not Fixing The Source Of The Leak

A home air conditioning unit that does not work as well as it did may have a refrigerant issue. A coolant leak, for example, will decrease the refrigerant level of the AC.

What HVAC technicians should focus on is the source of the leak. They should fix it immediately. Unfortunately, some contractors would rather attempt to make more money out of their transaction with you by telling you that the unit needs a refrigerant recharge instead of a repair. True, this will fix the problem at first but it will do so temporarily. As long as the leak is present, the problem with the AC will recur again and again. You will not only spend more, but the failure of your HVAC system will also inconvenience you.

3. Unnecessary Replacement Of Cooling System Parts

Air conditioners can last for more than 10 years. In fact, many units can still keep running well into their 15th year, or even older provided the units are cared for and maintained regularly. Of course, there are minor problems from time to time, but they are usually small issues that are easy to fix. However, HVAC scammers will try to make you pay more by claiming that there are AC parts that need replacement. They will tell you this even if the replacement is unnecessary. If you are unsure, talk to another contractor so you have a reference before making a decision.

4. Scare Tactics To Gain A Sale

Scare tactics exist for the sole reason of forcing you to make quick decisions without thinking things through. By scaring you into making a quick decision, the HVAC contractor makes more. How contractors do this is simple: they simply tell you that the issue with your home AC is worse than it really is. If you believe the contractor, you will probably think that your AC will self-destruct if you do not do what they say you should.

To avoid this scam, be very wary when dealing with a pushy HVAC technician. If you are put under pressure or have to decide within a very short time, consider that a red flag. Always consider the options that you have and do not give in to time pressure.

5. Requiring A Large Cash Outlay Before Completing Air Conditioner Repair

No self-respecting HVAC company will require you to pay a large payment upfront. They will fix the air conditioner first before they bill you for the work. After all, an AC system has to be checked to identify the problems first.

There are some cases where the technician may not be able to identify every problem during the initial diagnosis thoroughly. However, a reputable HVAC contractor will only require payment after every service has been completed, and the customer is satisfied.

6. Misleading AC Service Offers And No Written Agreements

When an HVAC technician makes service offers that may initially seem reasonable but are actually just false advertising, be on your guard. The contractor may, for example, offer a good discount but then switch to an inferior but more expensive product or service, claiming that they have run out of the original offer. Do not fall for this trick. Always ask for a written agreement to ensure that the contractor honors their promise.

7. Providing Less Coolant Than What You Pay For

If the problem of your home AC unit is really a refrigerant recharge, then your unit should receive the exact amount of refrigerant required. After all, you will be paying for every drop. To ensure that you do get sufficient coolant recharge, the contractor should weigh the container prior to and after it has been topped off. This will help confirm the exact amount. Unscrupulous contractors will simply give you less than the refrigerant you pay for as long as this trick goes unchecked. To avoid this scam, only hire reputable HVAC contractors that have a good track record. It is also a good idea to ask for a second opinion so you know that you are paying for the right product or service.

Call R.F. Ohl For Trusted HVAC Service

If you want reliable and accurate HVAC services, call us at R.F. Ohl. We are the leading service provider in northeastern Pennsylvania. You can call us for professional services for HVAC systems, including air conditioner checkups, tune-ups, repairs, and installations.

Our technicians are NATE-certified with excellent knowledge and experience to provide you with accurate and timely solutions for your HVAC system. We offer affordable, effective, and reliable services to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable home. All our services come with a warranty as well. If you want to discuss any concerns with your HVAC system, call us today. We offer free, in-home estimates and second opinions.

Some of the areas we service include Ackermanville, Bangor, Flicksville, Pen Argyl and these zip codes 18010, 18013, 18050, 18072 as well as all surrounding areas in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.