It happens all too often in Springfield, Mo. HVAC contractors taking advantage of the people in our fair city. Is it fair? No. Is it legal, ethical or moral? Nope! And yet, it happens all the time. So here is how to tell if your HVAC guy is screwing you over.
First and foremost, charging a high premium for HVAC work doesn’t necessarily make a heating and air guy a bad person, just as there are luxury clothing stores in Springfield, Mo. and discount clothing shops, there are different brands and different qualities of work each that come with a different price tag.
More often than not, you get what you pay for. But, to ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck, here’s some things you need to know and look out for when getting your heating and air conditioning unit serviced.
FACT: A properly maintained HVAC system should last 12 to 15 years.
Many reputable companies offer a warranty or guarantees a warranty should your newly installed heating and air unit have a problem after it was installed.
7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Being Screwed Over By Your Heating and Air Conditioning Guy
1. Is your HVAC tech insured for both workman’s comp and general liability?
Many times, a reputable HVAC company will have both workman’s compensation and general liability. This insurance adds up, but it also insures that if one of their contractors makes a mistake, you and your new HVAC unit, parts, and service are covered.
Ask your heating and air contractor if they or their company carries both forms of insurance. If not, you may be in for extra expenses if they don’t do the job right.
2. Do they have a physical address?
Unfortunately, Springfield, Mo. has many contractors “passing through.” They move from one city to the next ripping off only to move onto the next city where they do the same. If they don’t have a physical address, be aware. They may or may not be on the HVAC vagabond trail of disreputable business dealings.
3. Look up their reviews.
If they are a reputable company, they should have reviews on Angie’s list, The Better Business Bureau, FaceBook, Google and/or Yelp. Do your research and see what others say about them!
4. Look out for ridiculously low prices.
Some companies offer an extremely low price for a service, and then when they get into your home, they suddenly see all these “problems” your heating and air system has. They then may try to upsell you on parts and services you don’t particularly need.
5. Do they answer your calls and questions in a timely manner?
In more than one occasion, a heating and air guy will either install a new HVAC system incorrectly, and then dodge a customer’s calls when their HVAC stops working. Summer and winter can be brutal seasons in Springfield, Mo., and the last thing you want is to come home after a long day…when it’s 90 degrees out… and your AC not only doesn’t work, but you can’t get a hold of the heating and air conditioning technician who installed it.
6. Do they use scare tactics as a form of manipulation?
Emotional manipulation is the calling card of many unscrupulous HVAC contractors and technicians. They may say things like, “If you don’t get this done today, it may cost you X amount of dollars in the future… you can pay now or need an entirely new HVAC system in the next week. It’s your choice.”
A reputable HVAC company will be totally honest and upfront with you about your HVAC system, but without needing to emotionally manipulate you into making the decision that day. Sure, there are cases where there may be something dire happening with your HVAC system, but they aren’t going to pressure or manipulate you into making the sale.
7. Be sure the part they are supplying you is manufacturer approved.
Sometimes technicians supply parts which aren’t manufacturer approved, which means your warranty may be invalid when your heating and cooling system suddenly goes out or starts causing you problems. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If your HVAC technician is reputable, they will happily answer all your questions without sweating.
ATS Heating and Cooling was founded in 1997 in Springfield, MO. by Donny and Daniel Brown, and have a reputation for providing fast, quality heating and cooling services as well as appliance repair. Whether you need your HVAC system checked, serviced, or have an entirely new heating and cooling system installed, ATS Heating and Cooling can do it all. ATS Heating and Cooling services Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Rogersville, Willard, Strafford and Marshfield. All of the HVAC technicians at ATS Heating and Cooling are highly skilled, trained and have undergone a thorough background check to ensure we provide the best possible service to our clients. But don’t take our word for it, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, 5 Star Reviews on Google, and an A rating on Angie’s List.
If you are interested in receiving a hassle-free HVAC estimate, or second opinion on an estimate you received, feel free to call us at (417) 831-5344 or fill out the form here and a representative will get back with you shortly!
Komentar