Watch out for AC purchase, repair scams amid heat
As temperatures soar and heat warnings are issued by the National Weather Service, more consumers are considering purchasing an air conditioning system or servicing an existing one. Though the majority of air conditioning contractors are reputable, there are unethical companies who will burn a hole in consumers’ wallet instead of keeping them cool.
The Better Business Bureau serving Pacific Southwest has received more than 160,000 inquiries about air conditioning contractors and has received more than 500 complaints this past year alone. BBB encourages consumers not to give in to high-pressure sales tactics and to always do their homework before signing a contract or committing to spend any money on repairs.
Better Business Bureau offers the following safe steps to avoid scams when hiring an air conditioning contractor:
RESEARCH AND GATHER INFORMATION: Consumers can search for a contractor’s business profile at BBB.org to get free information on their history of complaints, verified customer reviews, and see if they are an accredited business. They can also search for the name of the company online along with “complaint”, “review” or “scam” to find different results.
ASK FOR REFERENCES: Check the references about the services provided, their overall experience with the contractor and the quality of the work. Ask if the contractor stuck to the estimated budget and completion date for the project.
ASK FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES: Always shop around and get at least three quotes from different businesses with the same set of criteria. Consumers should remember that the lowest bid may not necessarily be the best bid; if one bid is significantly lower than the others, the contractor may be cutting corners or may not understand your work requirements.
GET THE INFORMATION IN WRITING: Always get estimates in writing and never let any work begin without a signed contract. Do not be pressured into signing an agreement before you are ready and make sure you read and understand everything before signing. The contract should include contact information, start and complete dates, a detailed description of the
exact work to be done, any material costs and payment arrangements. Make sure all verbal promises are included in the contract.
VERIFY LICENSE AND INSURANCE: Always be sure that the company selected to work with has the necessary licenses and insurance. Consumers can verify their licences with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Once the contractor’s insurance information has been received, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of accidents.
CONFIRM BUILDING PERMITS: The selected contractor must have the correct permits before starting a project. They will usually obtain the permits and it should be stipulated in the agreement.
INQUIRE ABOUT A LIEN WAIVER: A lien waiver is a contractor statement that says all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work.
THINK ABOUT FUTURE SERVICE ISSUES: Make sure you are aware of your warranty coverage.
ARRANGE A PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Never pay in full up front. Stagger the payments so that the final payment is not due until the work is complete and the property has been fully inspected. Do not pay cash; make sure your check is written to a company, not an individual, or use a credit card. Paying with a credit card will provide some protection, should the job not be completed as stated in the contract.
GET A RECEIPT & KEEP THE CONTRACT: Request a receipt marked “Paid in Full” when the job is completed and the final payment has been made. Hold on to the contract for future reference or if any questions arise after the work is complete.
When hiring an HVAC contractor, there are also considerations specific to heating and cooling. To learn more, go to https:// bit.ly/2HaOvmk.
Yuma-based Janet Torricellas is the regional director of the Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest. She can be contacted at janet. torricellas@arizonabbb.org or 928929-7940.