When winter season is just around the corner, homeowners fuzz around the heating system of their home. It is a time when they remember the importance of Edmonton heating companies. It is also the time of the year when homeowners are susceptible to scams by unethical heating companies. It is a known fact that these heating companies target people who panic when all of a sudden they discover their furnaces are not working.
There are ways you can avoid being scammed by these heating companies, who are not supposed to be in business in the first place. You need to be aware of these scams so you can protect yourself.
The Heat Exchanger Alibi
There are technicians whose main “sales pitch” is to scare you. They will take a quick look at your furnace and say that the heat exchanger has developed a crack. They will continue to explain that this is a safety hazard because the crack will cause the gases produced by the furnace to pass through your home instead of going straight up to the chimney.
If the technician says you have a cracked heat exchanger, have him show you the crack. You can also ask him if he has a professional carbon monoxide detector. The detector will beep if carbon monoxide is present in a room. Before buying a new heat exchanger, make sure the old one is indeed damaged and needs immediate replacement.
The Parts Replacement Alibi
Beware too of technicians that make a run down of multiple parts of your furnace that need replacing. When this happens, do not agree to buy the replacement parts from him. Instead, ask for a second opinion. Most technicians make a fast buck out of selling replacement parts when the old ones are still in good order and condition.
The Limited Offer Alibi
Another way to be scammed is to agree to something because of a discount that is available only for the next day or two. Reputable heating companies do not pressure homeowners to make instant decisions especially when a significant amount is involved. When you sense that you are being forced to make a decision fast, hold your horses and lead the technician out of your home. You need time to consider your options.
The Defensive Stance
There are times homeowners get scammed by unscrupulous heating companies because of their own doing. Each time you call on a heating company to work on your furnace, make sure to take precautionary measures to avoid being scammed.
There are Edmonton heating companies that really operate as scammers. Sometimes though, you will get scammed because you were not careful and well-informed http://calgary-plumbers.co/.
There are ways you can avoid being scammed by these heating companies, who are not supposed to be in business in the first place. You need to be aware of these scams so you can protect yourself.
The Heat Exchanger Alibi
There are technicians whose main “sales pitch” is to scare you. They will take a quick look at your furnace and say that the heat exchanger has developed a crack. They will continue to explain that this is a safety hazard because the crack will cause the gases produced by the furnace to pass through your home instead of going straight up to the chimney.
If the technician says you have a cracked heat exchanger, have him show you the crack. You can also ask him if he has a professional carbon monoxide detector. The detector will beep if carbon monoxide is present in a room. Before buying a new heat exchanger, make sure the old one is indeed damaged and needs immediate replacement.
The Parts Replacement Alibi
Beware too of technicians that make a run down of multiple parts of your furnace that need replacing. When this happens, do not agree to buy the replacement parts from him. Instead, ask for a second opinion. Most technicians make a fast buck out of selling replacement parts when the old ones are still in good order and condition.
The Limited Offer Alibi
Another way to be scammed is to agree to something because of a discount that is available only for the next day or two. Reputable heating companies do not pressure homeowners to make instant decisions especially when a significant amount is involved. When you sense that you are being forced to make a decision fast, hold your horses and lead the technician out of your home. You need time to consider your options.
The Defensive Stance
There are times homeowners get scammed by unscrupulous heating companies because of their own doing. Each time you call on a heating company to work on your furnace, make sure to take precautionary measures to avoid being scammed.
- Before making any decision, make sure to get estimates from at least three heating companies. Compare their quotes and scope of work. Choose the heating company that you think will be able to do the best possible work at the least possible cost.
- Deal only with heating companies that are licensed, insured and bonded. Make sure to check your shortlist with the Better Business Bureau to be sure you are dealing with legitimate and trustworthy companies. Make sure too that their technicians are NATE (North American Technicians Excellence) certified.
- Be aware of the active warranties and guarantees of your heating equipment. You may be paying for something that may be free of charge. When work has been done on your furnace, make sure that you get a written warranty.
There are Edmonton heating companies that really operate as scammers. Sometimes though, you will get scammed because you were not careful and well-informed http://calgary-plumbers.co/.