Ever worried that some type of repairman would rip you off or scam you one day? That’s a pretty common fear. When one is not that familiar with certain things such as kitchen appliances, electrical work, cars, heating and air conditioning, it can be scary to just trust someone else’s opinion. Unfortunately, scams are not just a myth in the air conditioning business. There are some technicians who might bank on someone’s unfamiliarity with air conditioners in order to make a few extra dollars.
NBC’s Jeff Rossen on his segment, Rossen Reports, on the Today Show conducted an investigation to see how accurate of a diagnosis that 6 HVAC contractors gave on a very simple air conditioner problem. All 6 of the contactors added on extra ‘problems’ to the original one and charged way more than experts said should be charged. “… either dishonesty or incompetence” according to the experts on this segment.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/48080346/ns/today-today_rossen_reports/ (Watch the video!)
Though it would be quite easy to jump to the conclusion that all air conditioning technicians are crooks, it is important to remember that there are contractors with hearts and morals. Rossen Reports gives 2 websites where one can look for certified contractors (Air Conditioning Contractors of America and North American Technician Excellence) When looking for heating and cooling contractors you should follow these steps:
*Be careful when reading reviews online or hearing them from others you don’t know very well. Be sure to think about potential biases and whether or not you are hearing the whole story. If you find something unsettling, but everything else seems positive about the contractor, it might be worth your time to dig in deeper and learn more. Perhaps it will the clear the air for you or make you realize that it is not the right contractor to come to your home.
Feel free to contact Flame to learn more about NATE, ACCA or finding a qualified contractor.