JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Ask Anthony team has received several emails from viewers who are having issues with local HVAC companies.
David wrote:
"My wife and I recently had an issue with an A/C company. We called them due to having a breaker trip while running A/C, but after I left for work in the afternoon, they scammed my wife and her mom into a $40,000 job and wouldn’t stop when we cancelled their services."
Brad said:
"Just over 2 years ago we purchased an A/C system for our house with a local HVAC company. We purchased an entirely new system with them (including both indoor and outdoor units, and a new thermostat), had them install it, got various warranties, and signed up for their maintenance program so that the whole thing would be covered from top to bottom. Since then, we have had one problem after another caused by installation and maintenance work, that either was not done or was done improperly!"
It's understandable during these Florida summers if you're in a hurry to have your air conditioner repaired. But unfortunately, some companies will take advantage of the situation.
Here's three things to keep in mind:
- Get second opinions on repairs and sales quotes to ensure the first offer is not a scam.
- Insist on a written agreement. It is hard to dispute a verbal agreement if something goes wrong. Pay close attention to the language in that agreement, including specific terms.
- Be skeptical of deals or quotes that are too good to be true. Know that a company asking for an upfront, cash payment is a big red flag.
According to the Florida Attorney General, these are the types of scams to avoid:
- Replacing functional parts: Scammers will claim that HVAC parts need to be replaced when nothing is wrong, often quoting part replacement prices so high that the customer decides a new HVAC system is a better option.
- Recharge scam: An A/C does not need to be recharged. When a technician says that a refrigerant recharge is a solution to AC problems, it is a ploy to sell an unneeded service.
- Starting work too soon: Dishonest HVAC technicians will often start to perform work before customers understand or have agreed to the terms of a contract. Sometimes one technician will distract the consumer while another technician removes or dismantles the AC unit. Watch what is being done by the technician before agreeing to have work performed.
Here's something to remember: Florida law provides you the right to cancel an HVAC contract within three business days, unless you waive the three-day period in writing.
If you believe you have been taken advantage of by an HVAC company, you can file a complaint online or call 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.