7 tips for avoiding air conditioning repair scams
When it comes to maintaining and repairing your air conditioner, you’ll need to rely on qualified professionals who can perform the work. Finding the right technician to fix your appliance is necessary to avoid falling victim to a scam. If you want to protect yourself and find the right professional, there are a few tips to follow to avoid Denver AC service scams in the area.
1. Get Everything in Writing
One of the most common mistakes that many people make when hiring someone to repair their AC unit is failing to get everything in writing. All of the details of the repairs should in writing in a contract prior to the sale to ensure that both parties are on the same page. The document can also be used in court if the professional fails to complete the project. Review the information thoroughly before signing anything.
2. Avoid Paying the Entire Amount
You can fall victim to a scam if you agree to pay the full amount of the repairs instead of making payments. Most trusted professionals will allow you to make payments to ensure that you don’t have to pay in full until all of the work is completed. You should also follow the same rule when purchasing a new air conditioning unit. The Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law states that customers are not required to pay more than one-third of the cost of the project if the repairs exceed $5,000.
3. Check Out Online Reviews
Take advantage of the Internet by looking up reviews that are posted by former customers online to get an idea of the quality of services that you’ll obtain from the professional. Opt for hiring someone who has a long list of reviews over a period of several years, which will attest to their level of experience in the industry.
4. Examine the AC Unit Yourself
Before a professional visits your home to inspect the AC unit, make it a point to examine the appliance yourself to determine if the electrical breaker tripped or if the thermostat is working correctly. In some cases, the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced, and major repairs are not needed. Minor issues are easy to repair on your own without hiring a technician.
5. Verify Their License
Verifying the license of the professional that you hire can offer peace of mind and will confirm if they’re legitimate. You can contact the state, which can allow you to discover if any complaints have been made in recent years.
6. Understand Your Rights
Make it a point to become informed on your rights and research the local and state laws to ensure that you can protect yourself and hire a professional that you can trust. You also want to avoid hiring someone who seems urgent and in a rush for you to accept their services. They may attempt to use high-pressure tactics that suggest that your AC unit needs more repairs than necessary.
7. Get a Few Bids
Getting multiple bids from professionals in the local area can prevent you from getting ripped off and paying more than necessary to improve the condition of your appliance. Obtain two or three bids on larger projects after determining the size of the AC unit to ensure that you receive accurate bids based on the type of work that needs to be performed.
