Beware of Salesmen in Technicians Clothes

There will come a time when there is no other choice then to call a Service Company for repairs. This is where caution is needed the most.  I am not condemning all companies or technicians, but like the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing...if you're not careful that one out of ten will get you.  Let me add that I am not condemning the Air Conditioning industry.  But I am pointing out the ones that can only make money from deceit and not reliable honest service.

Let me speak about the one out of ten. You call 'A-ACME Air Conditioning' because it is 90 inside your home. You called 'A-ACME' because you received a discount coupon or a FREE service call coupon in the mail. They may have even called you from one of their phone rooms explaining their Spring Check-Up special. Before long a small pickup pulls into your driveway. This is where you need to be careful. Is he there to repair or sell.

Some companies will send a commission based salesman out before a technician. There is more money to be made in sales then repair. His job is to sell NOT repair. If he doesn't make a sale, he doesn't make money. Do not underestimate him, he is very cunning! I personally have replaced a condensing unit still under warrantee because of a defective fan motor. That was a $2500 invoice rather then a free warrantee motor because the customer was convinced it had to be done. I spent 45 minutes trying to talk the customer out of it and failed! Do yourself a favor, get a second opinion. It is usually free and may save you thousands! If nothing else, a second opinion will give you bargaining power with competition.

I should probably apologize if I have sent a bad impression for all companies names ACME....but I have found the desperate service companies are usually in the beginning of the phone book. AAA , AA-, A-1 etc. They figure they have a better chance of getting your call if you see their add first. But that doesn't mean company name at the end of the phone listing are any more honest.

Beware of FREE promotions. Nothing is for free, if they don't sell, the don't make money. You're almost guaranteed there will be something major wrong with your system or you will be signed up for a three year service contract which is over priced. These service contracts have deceiving selling points you need to look out for. The biggest one I have seen is 'The no trip charge.' It may lead you to believe there will be no charge for a service call. If the salesman can even explain it to you, it'll mean there is no charge for the drive out to your home..... is there one?

Spring and fall will are when the A/C companies are gearing up for business. Discount promotions by mail and phone will be flying all over.  Most of these are valid and reputable companies trying to get new customers. Just beware of the few that aren't. When dealing with a new company, check them out completely and don't forget that second opinion! 

With all this said, the best advice in looking for a Service Company is know who you are dealing with.  If you have one now and you know and trust him, keep him!  Get to know your technician and ask for the same one each time you call for service.  If you are in the market for a new service company, ask your neighbors who they use.