It’s that time of year again when homeowners are getting their HVAC systems ready for the fall and winter. One thing that many people don’t think about is having their AC ducts cleaned. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scams out there when it comes to duct cleaning.
Heating and air conditioning experts have sounded the alarm on rising cases of AC duct cleaning scams, but the scammers seem to renew their tactics more often.
They target homeowners by claiming to offer AC maintenance and duct cleaning AC at very cheap rates. This blog post discusses some of the most common scams and how you can avoid them.
Unlicensed HVAC Professionals
You first need to be aware that many unlicensed HVAC “professionals” will try to scam you. They may say that they’re licensed and insured, but chances are they’re not.
The best way to avoid these scams is to do your research. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
Also, ask for references from friends or family members who have recently had their HVAC systems serviced. Don’t be afraid to ask the company questions, either. A legitimate HVAC company will be happy to answer any questions you have.
If the company is trying to pressure you into making a decision quickly or seems evasive when you ask questions, they’re probably not a reputable company.
Beware of Free Inspections
Another common HVAC scam is the free inspection. The HVAC company will send a technician to your home to “inspect” your HVAC system. After the inspection, the technician will tell you that your HVAC system needs repair or replacement.
They may even show you pictures of supposedly “damaged” ductwork to try to convince you. In reality, the HVAC company just wants to sell you a new system or parts for your existing system.
Don’t fall for this scam! If a company offers a free inspection, get everything in writing before they start work. Also, get a second opinion from a different HVAC company before you make any decisions.
Duct Cleaning Scams
Duct cleaning is another area where scammers try to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. They may claim that your ductwork is full of dust and debris and needs to be cleaned. They may even say that not cleaning your ducts will lead to health problems. This is all a ploy to get you to pay for a service you don’t need.
Ductwork doesn’t need to be cleaned unless there is a problem, such as mold growth. Even then, it’s best to have a professional HVAC company do the job rather than someone just trying to make a quick buck.
HVAC Company Asking for Upfront Payment Before Offering the Service
While there are a lot of HVAC scams out there, there are also a lot of reputable HVAC companies. However, one thing to watch out for is HVAC companies that ask for upfront payments before offering the service.
This is a common scam tactic, and you should avoid companies that do this. Reputable HVAC companies usually offer a quote before asking for any payment.
If you have any doubts about a company, do your research online or ask friends and family for recommendations.
Unnecessary Parts Replacement
One final HVAC scam to be aware of is unnecessary parts replacement. This is when a technician tells you that you need to replace a part in your HVAC system, even if there’s nothing wrong with it.
They may say that the part is old or damaged, but chances are they’re just trying to sell you a new part. If a technician tells you that you need to replace a part, get a second opinion before you make any decisions.
You should also ask the technician to show you the damaged or old part so you can see it for yourself. In many cases, the “damaged” part is actually just a normal part that looks a little dirty.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid HVAC scams is to be aware of them. You can spot a scam a mile away if you know what to look for. Do your research before you hire an HVAC company, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut, and you’ll avoid falling victim to an HVAC scam.