Unfortunately, there are scammers out there attempting to target families and business owners with HVAC scams. Before partnering with anyone for HVAC service, make sure that they are licensed and have the proper certifications. It’s the best way to keep yourself protected from scammers.
When you do need air conditioning repair in Winnetka, IL, you can give our team a call to schedule service. We are always here to help with your HVAC needs, big and small. Keep reading to learn about some of the common HVAC scams so that you can keep yourself protected.
Cash Only Payments
Any time a service technician requests a cash payment specifically, this should give you a reason for concern. It’s important for your transaction to be documented so you have proof that you paid for the service. Debit and credit card payments offer you that documentation. If you are uncomfortable making a cash payment, don’t do so.
While cash payments are perfectly acceptable, you should never feel pressured to pay in cash. Pressure is a key factor that you need to consider. No matter what type of payment you’re making, you want to make sure you have a receipt along with a detailed agreement for service that outlines:
- The scope of the project
- Cost of materials
- Cost of labor for completing the service
- Timeline for when the job will be done
You should also never have to pay in full upfront before the service is completed. At most, you should have to put down some type of deposit and then pay the balance once the service is complete. If any HVAC technician is requesting that you pay in full before our project is complete, seek out another quote or professional opinion.
Refilling Refrigerant
Did you know that the refrigerant inside of your air conditioner is adequate to last for the entire lifespan of 10 to 15 years? Of course, this is contingent upon the lines remaining airtight without any damage. If an HVAC technician ever says that your refrigerant needs to be recharged, that service should be accompanied by repairing the refrigerant lines to address any leaks.
Recharging the refrigerant is not necessary unless it is leaking out. If someone does recharge the lines and leaves a leak in place, you’ll just be left paying for a new refrigerant over and over again. Yes, it can be difficult to identify where exactly the refrigerant leak is coming from, but it is still a task that needs to be done both for your safety and for the longevity of your system.
If the refrigerant lines inside of your air conditioner remain airtight, you should never lose refrigerant. Instead, the refrigerant inside of your air conditioner should last for the unit’s entire lifetime. The only time you ever need to recharge a refrigerant is if there is a hole somewhere in the line that is allowing refrigerant to leak out.
Contact Roberts Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule your HVAC service appointment as soon as possible.