Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers trying to target families and business owners in relation to HVAC problems. It’s important to make sure that you are always working with a licensed HVAC technician. But even then, you want to be aware of the signs of an HVAC scam so that you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
Give our team a call when you need air conditioning service in Irvine. You can also keep reading to learn more about some common HVAC scams and red flags to watch out for.
Cash Payments
Having a technician specifically request an all-cash payment for work is a red flag. You want there to be a way to trace or prove your transaction before, during, and even after the project is complete. If you are OK making cash payments, we encourage you to take some precautions.
Ask for a quote or a signed agreement that outlines the cost of supplies and labor needed to fix your air conditioner. There should also be an expectation of when the job will be complete outlined in this same agreement. Be sure to read all of the fine print so you understand exactly what you are signing and agreeing to.
It’s also important to never pay in full for the service upfront. It is common for technicians to ask for some kind of deposit, with the remaining balance due once the project is completed. Asking for a full cash payment to be made upfront in full leaves you taking on a lot of risk.
Even paying in full using a debit card or credit card should be considered a red flag. If you have any doubts about someone offering HVAC services, take a step back and request additional quotes. Then you can compare prices to identify where you’ll get the best value.
Recharging Refrigerant
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.
If this is the case, recharging the refrigerant should be accompanied by locating the leak and repairing the line. Otherwise, recharging the refrigerant will do no good. Levels will continue to lower again and again due to the leak in the line.
No Price Breakdown
When you have any service completed, HVAC-related or otherwise, you should have a price breakdown that shows exactly what you were paying for. You should understand what portion of your payment is going toward the actual parts, and how much you are paying for labor. You deserve to feel confident that you know what to expect when you invest in HVAC services.
Contact RKM Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with us for AC maintenance. Done Right, Priced Right.