As a homeowner, you’re probably going to be faced with a broken-down HVAC at some point in your life. The average HVAC system lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but usually requires maintenance and tune-ups seasonally. As your HVAC grows older, you may begin to face more serious maintenance issues that need outside, professional assistance.
In a perfect world, you wouldn’t need to worry about getting charged more than you should for your HVAC services. Sadly, this is not always the case. Whether it’s purposeful or due to inexperience, it’s easy to get ripped off by service providers when it comes to dealing with home repairs. If you ever find yourself in need of professional services to assess your home’s HVAC, but feel like you are getting taken advantage of, then you should seek out a second opinion.
Second opinions help confirm initial estimates and solidify the root problem with your HVAC so you can assure you’re not getting taken advantage of. If you’re in need of HVAC services, here are three signs you should get a second opinion before signing the dotted line!
1. The cost seems excessive.
While you may not be an expert in the world of HVAC repairs, you probably have picked up a few insights in your time as a homeowner. “Excessive costs” can mean different things for different people, but that doesn’t change the fact that you likely have an estimated cost for your HVAC services in mind before you even get a professional estimate. If that professional estimate far exceeds what you had in mind, then that could be a sign you should get a second opinion—especially when looking at having to purchase a new unit.
As a rule of thumb, if service costs for your heating and cooling unit ever exceed $800, then you should definitely seek out a second opinion. However, don’t feel limited to that number! If there is ever a situation where you think the costs you’ve been told are a little excessive for your HVAC’s issues, play it safe and get a second opinion. You’ll thank yourself for it when you end up saving hundreds, or even thousands, in the long run!
2. You don’t have a history with the service provider.
If you’ve never faced issues with your HVAC system in the past, then you’ll probably need to call a service provider with whom you’ve never done business before. Trusting strangers with your home and money is always nerve-wracking, and all the online research and review-skimming can still leave you feeling in the dark. What’s worse is that even your online searching can be misleading; in fact, 79% of consumers believe they have seen fake local reviews.
If you find yourself in need of services from a provider you’ve never worked with before, then you should get a second opinion before giving them your business. Only trust businesses with reputable experience and positive feedback. That way, you’ll work with an experienced, honest provider who knows what he or she is doing!
3. The repair doesn’t seem to fit the problem.
Again, you don’t need to be an HVAC expert to have a sense of what type of services or replacement parts your heating and cooling unit needs when issues arise. For instance, if your A/C unit suddenly stops working even though it worked perfectly last summer, don’t be too quick to believe a technician who says you need a new unit altogether. The solution to your problem could be as simple as clearing out leaves and cobwebs that are shorting out contact points within the unit. That’s easily a $3,000 to $4,000 savings, thanks to a second opinion!
For the most part, HVAC systems are made to last the test of time. If you get a service provider who tells you that your unit needs extreme work or even replaced, trust your gut and get a second opinion. If he or she confirms that your system does need major help, then you can be confident you’re getting the services you need. However, if he or she can fix your problem for a fraction of the price and work, you’ll be extremely relieved you got a second opinion!
When you face issues with your heating or cooling unit, it’s natural to want to get it fixed as quickly and painlessly as possible. However, don’t let that keep you from making sure your HVAC system gets the service it needs — nothing more and nothing less. Paying attention to these three signs you should get a second opinion can save you time, money, and future headaches!
Repairing or replacing your HVAC shouldn’t be a headache! Since 2015, Boiler Heating & Cooling has helped hundreds of customers find lasting HVAC solutions and peace of mind. Visit our website, like us on Facebook, or give us a call!