Phony Gimmicks

What is a phony gimmick, well there is a lot in the HVAC contracting end and in the service and repairs end also.

 

1- Low prices that promise a great deal

   In today's economy we are all looking for a good deal but if it sounds to good to be true then it usually is. Cheap prices and Quality do not make for a good install or repair. Alot of companies offer low service calls to come out ($39.00) and then they will try to charge for services and parts that you don't really need costing $500.00 and up. It cost more than $39.00 to send a truck with a qualified technition that is making around $20 to $30 per hr (and most are paid commissions also) out to your home and repair your unit. Remember the bigger the company does not mean you will get the best price or service they have high over heads to maintain.

2-Utility companies having so called certified dealers.

  This is a real misleading advertisement that seems to becoming more popular, "The APS or SRP Certified Contractor" They want you to think by using one of their Certified Contractors you will be getting the "best there is "and then you will get their rebates when you use them, this is not always true. This program cost the contractor an annual fee to be in this program (they must be a member of the Electric League of Arizona & a member of the Arizona Heat Pump Counsel which to maintain is around $2,100.00 per year plus) and it by no means guarantees that you are getting the best contractor. It is just another form of advertising. There are a lot of really good contractors out there and they don't fall for this hype and you should not buy into this either. It will Cost you more in the long run to get these rebates.

3-HVAC companies offering large rebates, buy your old unit, and $1500.00 tax credit 

  This one comes in the mail usually a coupon, they promise great prices with great company rebates (not factory but company rebates) and then they say they will give $$$ for your old unit, but the catch is you must buy a high seer (14 to 18 seer) to get theses so called rebates. Then they tell you about the TAX CREDIT of $1500.00 this is a good one, the Qualification for this Tax Credit is the unit must be 14 seer, 12 eer and 8 hspf for package heat pumps,  and 15 seer, 12.5 eer and 8.5 hspf for split system heat pumps and gas furnaces qualifying level must be 95% furnaces. These are top of the line expensive units usually starting at $8,000.00 to $10,000.00 and up. Be careful with this one you pay a lot to get little in rebates.

4- The word FREE

   Free Financing, Free 10yr parts & labor, Free service call, Free duct cleaning.

 When was the last time you got Free gas, Free groceries , Your house payment for Free?

 Nothing is Free. Unless the manufacture is giving the contractor the stuff for free (which is  unlikley) then it has been hidden in the price somewhere.

 

  In the HVAC Contracting field there will always be some company out there trying to get their foot in the door by using these gimmicks and  getting as much money in one call that they can, they don't care if you are a return  customer or not they'er just after the almighty dollar. This is poor customer service and you deserve better. The HVAC industry is failing the consumer out there to the point where you can't trust any A/C & Heating Company at all. The ROC and the BBB do their best but are under staffed and can't control all the crooks and dishonest companies out there, even the local news channels are trying to help but can't keep up. So what is the solution just be careful when it comes to buying large ticket items for your home do your home work before you sign on the dotted line or put money down. Make the contractor prove to you he is a Qualified contractor and a Reputable company with no complaints. Keep in mind that once the new unit or the repair has been installed it is next to impossiable to get your money back with out legal action. 

Have You Received this Call?

  Your phone rings and the nice person on the other ends tells you that they will be in your area and would like to schedule you for a 16 point inspection or service for only $29.00 0r $39.95.

  There are so many moving and electrical parts on a residential a/c and heating system that it takes more than someone to just remove panels and only look at 16 things and most of the time you can check those things yourself.

  For example you take your car in for a tune-up, it's going to cost more that $39.95, and in fact there is usually a $75.00 to $100.00 diagnostic charge to check the engine out before any repairs are made. This is to ensure that they only replace or repair what really need to be done.

   Companies that use this method want to get their foot in the door  and only have one thing in mind and that's their bottom line. They will try to sell you $80.00 to $100.00 air filter, $125.00 coil clean, scare you into $500.00 to $1,000.00 duct cleaning, and offer you a 5 to 10 year service agreement that can cost $500.00 to $1,000.00 and offer even more unnecessary repairs and services. The average ticket is over $500.00 and they haven't even tune-up your system. Their techs are highly trained sells tech and get paid on commission only.

  The ROC and the BBB are always warning the public about this type of scam. If an A/C Company has to call you for work this should send up red flags . 

                  As good as that $39.95 sounded you really didn't even get your system properly tuned-up.

                                  So before you schedule check the BBB to make sure they are an honest & ethical company

Why should you perform preventative maintenance on your comfort system?

During its lifetime, it's only logical to assume your home comfort system might need a regular "tune up" along the way. Would you drive your car 100,000 miles without oil changes or some kind of maintenance? The same holds true for your home comfort system.

It has been proven by doing regular preventative maintenance it can ensure trouble-free operation and peak performance. It also keeps your system running at its optimal efficiency levels, which keeps energy usage - and your energy bills - in check. But just as important, preventative system maintenance gives you peace of mind.

Pre-season maintenance can help you avoid a system failure and costly equipment repairs. It can also help you avoid a frantic search for an air conditioning or heating company that can repair or replace your broken system.

If your comfort system both heats and cools your home, you should have maintenance performed in the spring and fall.

We at Sunrise Mechanical perform a 32 point service tune-up not just an inspection. Call our office to schedule your service today.