If your AC system needs help, you might be tempted to hire the first Orlando AC repair company you come across. You might find someone great, or you might run into someone who takes advantage of you with an AC repair scam. Truth is, there are many scammers out there, so to protect yourself, ask yourself these questions to save yourself a lot of trouble.
Top questions to ask in order to protect yourself from AC repair scams
Should I really seek a second opinion?
You might have gotten a great quote from someone, or you just want your AC fixed and you don’t want to run around looking for a second opinion. But if your contractor suggests a lot of work right away, or has a “buy right now” kind of deal happening, it’s best for you to take a step back and seek a second opinion.
Most genuine contractors are glad to give second opinions to help out homeowners. If you’re a little suspicious about a deal that’s too good to be true, call another contractor to be sure that you’re not being scammed.
Can I find the problem myself?
You don’t need to spend a whole lot of time doing research. Some issues can be easily investigated yourself. Think about whether the cooling is working at all. Or do you hear more noise from the unit? Maybe there’s a bad smell. These are all simple things you can investigate on your own, and which can help you save some money.
Is the contractor reputable?
Looking into your contractor is the best thing you can do to prevent yourself from getting scammed. Make sure that the person you hire has some good reviews, and that they have the insurance forms and licensing that they need to be credible. Check whether there are warranty or maintenance agreements too.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask to see some documents. A good contractor will have all of that information readily available, and will be more than happy to provide them.
Do I feel unnecessarily pressured?
You need to feel at ease with your AC repair company. Be on guard if you come across a hard-selling company that pressures you to make up your mind on the spot. Some of the common tactics of these companies are not wanting to explain their processes further or answer your questions adequately, insisting you commit to their repair immediately or even trying to scare you with untrue statements (for example, saying that you need a certain part as it is a new government regulation).
Conclusion
Unfortunately, there are always people out there looking to take advantage of others. Don’t let yourself get scammed. There are a few simple questions you can ask yourself to avoid getting scammed. When you’re looking into getting your AC unit fixed, you won’t have to deal with paying for more money than the repair is really worth.