In this article…
- What To Look For To Spot A ‘Too Good To Be True’ HVAC Estimate (3 Red Flags)
- Why Are Some HVAC Estimates Cheaper Than Others?
- Finding A High-Quality HVAC Company And Avoiding Scams
When investing in any part of your home, the last thing you want is to be ripped off or taken advantage of by a faulty company.
So, whether you need a full HVAC system replacement, the capacitor replaced or repaired, or upgrade your duct sealant, knowing what to expect from a quote or estimate is necessary.
This includes understanding what should be included in your HVAC project estimate and red flags to look out for in a ‘too good to be true’ quote.
While we all love a good steal now and again, there are simply some things you don’t want to skimp on, especially when it comes to the core function of your home.
As an HVAC service and replacement specialist since 1979, Wright Home Services has become the trusted AC company for all San Antonio homeowners, from simple tune-ups and part repairs to full system replacements.
Because we’ve been around for so long, we’ve seen it all. Cheap systems failing in one year, unwarranted parts and labor, and, unfortunately, homeowners getting ripped off by a shady HVAC company.
No matter where you are in the world or what HVAC service you need, we’re here to educate you on how to find a trustworthy company to work with. This includes red flags to watch out for and knowing when a quote is too good to be true.
This article will outline the top red flags to watch out for in an estimate that is too good to be true along with the how and why these companies can provide you with a cheap estimate.
Then, you can spot a faulty estimate the second it lands in your hands and avoid getting ripped off and making a costly mistake.
What To Look For To Spot A ‘Too Good To Be True’ HVAC Estimate (3 Red Flags)
Knowing what to look for in a quality HVAC company and estimate is crucial. But…you also want to know how to identify a low-quality company and estimate to avoid being ripped off.
As you shop around for the right HVAC company to work with on your project, you must be wary of ways companies cut corners to make the price more appealing to you.
Here are three common red flags to look out for that indicate a ‘too good to be true’ estimate you want to avoid.
1. The price seems ‘too good to be true’
Of course, the most obvious red flag to keep in mind when receiving an HVAC estimate is if it appears to be too good to be true.
As consumers, we typically have an average or appropriate price range in our minds when shopping for a product or service. We have an idea of what costs are too high and not worth paying and what costs are too low, inferring a cheap product that will not last.
We get it. Repairing or replacing any appliance in your home is costly, and it can be tempting to go with the cheapest price offered. However, do not fall for this ‘too good to be true’ offer.
The truth is when an estimate is much cheaper than the market average, that company is cutting corners in quality of products, warranty, and labor (which we’ll explore more later in this article).
Understanding the average cost of your repair or replacement prepares you to know whether an estimate is too good to be true or if you are being ripped off.
Generally, if you feel a deal is too good to be true, don’t ignore that feeling. It probably is.
2. The estimate is not an official document
Another major red flag to look out for in a ‘too good to be true estimate’ is if that estimate does not come on an official document.
If someone comes knocking on your door and hands you a business card with a handwritten proposal on the back, this is a red flag. Not only is this shady business, but it also holds no value even if you attempted to contact them for your project.
Similarly, if you invite a company into your home to talk through your HVAC needs and they provide you with just a price and some chicken scratch on a piece of paper or even a napkin (yes, a napkin….we’ve seen it before), turn them down.
While the low price may be tempting, you must remember that cheap prices equal cheap services.
A high-quality HVAC company will provide you with a thorough, official estimate, either in paper or electronically, detailing what products they recommend, detailed pricing, what you get for the price, and warranty information.
3. The company asks for a half-down deposit or payment without an official contract
The third and final common red flag to look out for with a ‘too good to be true’ estimate is if the company asks for a deposit that same day.
If you receive an offer that seems too good to be true on an unofficial document from a company you’ve never heard of that asks for a deposit immediately, this is a major red flag.
Sometimes when a shady company asks for a deposit the same day you receive an offer, you may never see them again once they get your money. This is one way many no-name home service companies keep afloat – by scamming homeowners.
The last thing you want is to give your money to a stranger and never hear back from them again.
This is why it is important not to fall for an offer that is too good to be true. Even if you want to consider the offer, never give them your money until you know what exactly you will get from your contract.
Why Are Some HVAC Estimates Cheaper Than Others?
After learning more about the three common red flags to look out for in a ‘too good to be true’ estimate, you’re probably wondering how some HVAC companies can offer much cheaper prices compared to others.
To better help you avoid falling for that cheaper offer and understand how and why these companies offer a lower price than others.
There are three major reasons why a shady HVAC company offers a much lower price than the industry standard: they use cheap products and labor, they have no warranty, or they do not exist.
1. They use cheap products and labor
The easiest way for a company to cut corners on cost is by using cheap products and cheap labor.
The cost of cheaper products can be appealing, however, you must consider the quality of that product. Cheaper products will not last as long or perform as well as higher-quality products. And when it comes to your home’s HVAC system, that isn’t something you want to skimp on.
Companies may also save costs by using unlicensed, untrained, and inexperienced workers. This cost-saving translates to what you pay for labor, but you must consider the repercussions.
Using an unlicensed HVAC technician to work on your home not only jeopardizes the quality outcome of your unit but also puts your home in danger of potential electrical fires if your system is not repaired or installed properly.
If you choose a cheaper company with cheaper products and labor, you will most likely end up paying more for that same service with a different company in just a few short years.
2. They have no warranty
The warranty of a new product and the labor that comes along with it all ensures your HVAC repair or replacement will last, and if something goes wrong, the warranty assures you won’t have to repay for the same product.
If a company has no product or labor warranty, this is a major red flag. This means their products most likely aren’t made to last because they are cheap, so when they give out, you have to shell out even more money to replace them.
A high-quality HVAC company will have a warranty that backs their products and labor. If something does go wrong with your repair or replacement in the future, the company pays for the fix as per the warranty.
Shady companies that do not have a warranty do not offer long-lasting products or quality labor and installation. This is a major red flag to look out for in an estimate.
3. The company does not exist
Another way a company can offer you an offer that is too good to be true is if the company does not exist. This ties into the red flags of not providing you with an official proposal and asking for a deposit the same day.
This shady tactic involves someone knocking on your door, providing you with an attractive estimate, and then asking for a deposit the same day. Once they have your money, you’ll never hear or see from them again.
You won’t be able to find them online because they do not exist, and they keep changing their name each time they are successful.
This allows the company or individual to profit while leaving no return on investment for you.
Finding A High-Quality HVAC Company And Avoiding Scams
Now that you know three common red flags that identify an offer that is too good to be true and understand how and why these companies can provide such a low estimate, you can confidently choose a quality HVAC company to work with and avoid being taken advantage of.
When searching for the right HVAC company for your project, it’s important you know what to expect in a quality estimate.
If you receive an estimate that is too good to be true, not on an official document, or the company asks for a deposit the same day…Run.
The truth is if a company offers an extremely low price for any HVAC service, they are cutting costs in quality and labor. They most likely also need a quality warranty, or possibly, the company does not even exist.
Identifying a quote that is ‘too good to be true’ ensures you avoid choosing the wrong company to work with and that you don’t lose money by investing in cheap products that will fail in a few short years.
As a San Antonio HVAC company since 1979, Wright Home Services strives to provide high-quality products and services, no matter your needs.
Our licensed and certified technicians carefully inspect your unit and your home, educate you, and present you with a thorough estimate, including all product, warranty, and labor information.
We understand that finding a trustworthy company that offers high-quality services can be difficult, and the last thing you want is to choose the wrong company and waste thousands of dollars.
You need to know what to look for in a quality HVAC company that can meet your needs and provide you with excellent service.
Check out this article that outlines 12 things to identify in a high-quality HVAC company, including how long they have been in business, their reviews, and more. Then, you are equipped with the knowledge to spot a faulty HVAC company and dodge a ‘too good to be true’ estimate.
