Hiring an HVAC contractor, whether for your home or business, may seem a little daunting. Given that so few “outsiders” really understand how HVAC systems work, the potential for misinformation, overcharging and inadequate service is frightening. How can you avoid becoming the target of a scammer? Aris Parviz of Virginia’s Able Air-1, Inc. warns that HVAC contractor scams are definitely out there. Here Parviz talks about what you can do to avoid scammers and find a reputable HVAC service provider in your area.
Your HVAC system is a big-ticket item and, for you and your family, its proper installation and service is a high-stakes game. Not only is your investment at risk from shoddy service but your family’s health and safety may also be at risk. When improperly maintained, your HVAC system can become a safety hazard, releasing toxic gases into your home that can make you and your family sick. Furthermore, expert installation and maintenance is necessary to ensure that your HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency. If not, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars each year in unnecessary energy costs.
Simply having a business license doesn’t make someone an HVAC contractor. In order to properly service a residential or commercial HVAC system, your contractor needs to be a master of his craft. Unfortunately, the HVAC industry, like many service industries, definitely has its scammers — companies that are content do the bare minimum, and then take your money and run. Although it seems unbelievable, there are HVAC contractors out there who have simply opened a business and started doing system installations, learning their trade as they go via the Internet.
It is absolutely essential that your HVAC contractor be properly trained and licensed. This means formal training by system manufacturers and being licensed to service their products. Although some HVAC providers boast a long family history in the industry, it takes more than just a knowledgeable father or grandfather to become an HVAC professional. Just like in any other field, one has to go to school to become an expert. Don’t be swayed by a contractor’s years in business if the training and licenses simply aren’t there.
To avoid unnecessary expenses, it’s essential to understand as much as you can about your HVAC system. Many HVAC contractors assume that home or business owners are largely uninformed about their HVAC systems’ maintenance requirements. An unethical contractor may recommend service that the system doesn’t need. When your contractor makes recommendations for pre-emptive repairs or service, feel free to ask questions. It’s important for you to understand exactly what’s being proposed so that you can do your own research to determine whether it’s going to be beneficial for your system at this time. Your HVAC system’s manual contains a detailed list of service requirements. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them before your contractor comes out.
A contractor looking to take advantage of an opportunity for a quick buck may even recommend replacing a system prematurely. In general, unless there is a serious problem or your system is simply the wrong system for your home or business, you shouldn’t need to replace a system that is five years old or newer. A contractor model that is 10 years old or older is a more likely candidate for replacement. A more expensive model should last about 15 years.
The best way to protect yourself from scammers is to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Thanks to an easy-to-use web site, accessing information on a particular contractor is easier than ever before. It’s worth your time to take just a few minutes to learn more about local HVAC contractors’ reputations before choosing one to service your system.
