Tips on How to Avoid Common AC Repair Scams

HVAC repairs are in high demand during the summer, as air conditioners that need repairs require immediate attention. Along with increased demand comes unscrupulous individuals who try to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. In today’s post, Amber Air Conditioning shares tips on how to avoid common air conditioner repair scams.

Common Types of AC Scams

Your best defense against scammers is knowing how they operate. The following are some of the most common AC repair scams that we know of:

Replacing parts that don’t need replaced — After an inspection, a scammer may inform you that a part–often an expensive one–needs be replaced. The repair cost will then turn out to be ridiculously high and will often come with a sales pitch for a new air conditioner.

Claiming your AC needs a recharge (and nothing else) — Your AC needs refrigerant to produce cool air. Unlike fuel, refrigerant isn’t consumable, which means the only time that your AC will require a recharge is if the refrigerant lines are leaking. A service person who claims your AC merely needs a recharge is trying to charge you for a non-problem.

Asking for an upfront cash payment — Legitimate HVAC companies will never charge for air conditioning repairs without performing a thorough inspection. Service technicians who ask for payment upfront will likely run with your money.

Tips on Avoiding AC Repair Scams

In addition to knowing how scammers operate, the following tips can help decrease your chances of being a victim of such scams:

Know the signs. Be wary of red flags that indicate you may be dealing with scammers. Service technicians who can’t provide literature on their services or have little to no online presence are some of the most common signs.

Do your research.Take the time to look up legitimate HVAC contractors in the area. Look for a local business address, local phone number and a Better Business Bureau online profile. Ask for license and insurance information, and make sure the information checks out.

Ask for NATE certification. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) provides certification to HVAC technicians. Ask for a NATE ID, which has information that can be verified on their website.

Call Amber for Your Air Conditioning Needs

Amber Air Conditioning, Inc. is your leading provider of air conditioning repair and installation services. Give us a call at (951) 674-6974. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, CA.