4 Common AC Repair Scams & How You Can Avoid Them

Now that summer is in full swing, you’ll want to ensure that your air conditioner is in perfect condition. After all, if it malfunctions in the middle of the hot summer season, your home will quickly become very uncomfortable. As such, it’s best that you have your air conditioning unit inspected and repaired as soon as possible. However, when having an HVAC contractor inspect your air conditioner, it’s best to keep an eye out for any scams that they may try to pull.

Here are four common AC repair scams you need to avoid and how to do so.

Using high-pressure sales tactics.  One of the most common AC repair scams that less-than-reputable contractors will attempt to pull on you is the use of high- pressure sales tactics. In other words, they’ll resort to scare tactics to sell something to you immediately. That way, you won’t have time to get a second or third opinion, allowing them to make a quick buck.

Asking for an upfront cash payment. –Another common scam that disreputable AC repair professionals will try to pull on you is asking for a cash payment upfront before providing any services. Whenever a commercial HVAC service company asks for upfront payment, part ways with their company immediately, as there’s no reason for an HVAC company to do this unless they’re trying to get away with something.

Tantalizing offers. If an air conditioning service makes an offer that seems too good to be true such as special deals or “free” services, be on your guard: chances are there’s a catch to these deals that involves you buying something that you never intended to. In addition, if a service provider refuses to provide a written agreement, avoid using their services, as without a contract you won’t have anything to show in court should something go wrong with your project.

Claiming that your refrigerant needs to be recharged – “Recharging” is a scam that dishonest technicians perpetrate in an attempt to bill you for refrigerant that you don’t need. This is because AC units don’t actually need to be recharged. If your unit is short on refrigerant, it’s because the unit is leaking, and as such, this leak should be repaired accordingly. If your technician attempts to perform the so-called “recharge”, they’re merely delaying the problem and billing you without actually fixing it.

How to Avoid AC Repair Scams

Luckily, there are several ways for homeowners such as yourself to avoid AC repair scams. For starters, the experts recommend that you remain observant and question your technician if anything seems off about what they’re doing. Avoid hiring the first company you come across as well; instead, do your research to ensure that you’re hiring a licensed, insured air conditioning repair company. If necessary, get more than one estimate as well to root out any air conditioner repair pros who might be attempting to overcharge you.

If you need someone who can help maintain your air conditioning unit, don’t hesitate to turn to Comfort Zone of North Florida, the leading professionals to approach when it comes to residential and commercial air conditioning service. Give us a call at (904) 407-0070 or fill out our contact form to call for a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Orange Park, FL, and other areas.