Tips & Tricks

We’re a Repair-First Company

Basset Heating and Air Conditioning is a repair-first company. This means we are motivated to fix, not replace, for the lowest cost. We are not a commission-based company. We only recommend a full system replacement as a last resort. We’ll even encourage you to get a second opinion. We’re confident you won’t find a better deal.

Many other companies are sales-first, which means they’re motivated to sell the highest-cost items as quickly as possible. They’ll often suggest to replace a perfectly good system with a new one, costing you tens of thousands of dollars.

Before you spend $10,000-15,000 on a new system, we can likely fix your existing system good as new.

Red Flags To Look For Which HVAC Salesmen Use To Rip People Off

Before a salesman or technician comes to your door, know that often problems are typically due to a lack of maintenance and can be easily repaired.

• Offering a “now or never” discount, especially on new system installs/replacements.
• Pushy, high-pressure sales (even if they seem nice enough).
• Offers that are too good to be true.
• Bait and switch.
• Asking for a deposit or up-front cash payment.
• The company sends a salesman instead of a technician.
• Talking you out of a second opinion on HVAC Services.

They’ll also make some false claims

False System Repair Claims

• Cracked heat exchanger or leaking heat exchanger.
• Claiming your A/C refrigerant needs to be “recharged”.
• Selling more refrigerant than you actually received.
• Your family is in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning

The Discount Only Good for Today

When a salesman says “this will cost you a lot, but if you sign right now, we’ll give you 10-15% off”, you are dealing with a sales-first company.

This tactic backs you into a corner and pressures you into making a quick decision. They are afraid of you getting a second opinion, especially from a reputable repair-first HVAC company like Basset Heating.

If you hear this, simply say I’d like to get a second opinion on your HVAC repair or replacement estimate and give us a call. An honest company on your side will encourage second opinions. A dishonest company will dissuade you from doing so.

High Pressure HVAC Salesmen

If at any point a technician resorts to scare tactics to sell something on you, do not give in. Chances are, they need to scare you into buying from them now because they’re scamming you. They don’t want to allow you time to get a second opinion.

No matter the issue, you have time to get multiple opinions. Don’t let an AC technician scare you into paying for services you don’t need.

Common Scare Tactics or Phrases

• Your heat exchanger is cracked or leaking.
• Your furnace could explode at any moment.
• Your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide.
• Anything that implies immediate danger to you or your family.

The only immediate danger is if you smell gas, or a rotten eggs smell, or see a physical fire. Even the most “dangerous” of issues isn’t bad enough to forfeit a second opinion.

HVAC Offers Too Good to be True

Companies are in business to make a profit. While most of them prioritize serving their customers as best as they can, some will cut any corners to get ahead and make a quick buck. Maintain a healthy suspicion of “free” services or too-good-to-be-true deals.

If a solicitor contacts you via telemarketing and promises a free service or a massive discount, be wary of a “catch.” Odds are, they are steering you toward buying something you never intended to shop for in the first place.

If you requested an estimate based on a promotion or special, stick to that and get a second opinion on other things they bring up.

Insist on a Written Agreement

You need a written agreement. Verbal agreements are not good enough. The least you can do is demand written proof so you may have legal recourse should a company not fulfill everything they say they’ll do.

Use your best judgement—if an offer from an air conditioning service provider sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If they aren’t willing to put it in writing, chances are they’re planning on doing something to take advantage of the situation.

Bait and Switch

This goes hand-in-hand when there’s no written agreement. You’ll agree to an offer for a top of the line furnace or air-conditioner, only to find that it’s out of stock when it comes time to install. If there’s no written agreement, there’s nothing stopping them from installing an inferior system at the same price.

Without a written agreement, other HVAC companies often run into “unexpected” and expensive complications.

Basset Heating & Air Conditioning will never charge more than the quote you received.

Another thing to look out for is technicians installing a different part than what you were sold. This is like getting invoiced for a Lexus but driving off in a Toyota. It’s okay to ask the technician to walk you through the job and make sure that what’s being installed is what’s on the invoice.

Don’t Agree to Up Front Cash Payments Unless You Have A Contract

Some folks will require a deposit or a 100% upfront cash payment before they start work. This is okay as long as you have a signed contract first. Verbal contracts are no good here. Make sure everyone agrees on what’s being done, what parts are being installed, and that everyone is happy with the agreement.

– Furnace Maintenance Service: The Benefits

There are many fun things to do in the fall, particularly in the United States, but there is also that huge list of must do’s before winter comes. Even though home improvements and outdoor yard work are most likely at the top of your list, there is at least one indoor thing that you should consider handling early- furnace maintenance service scheduled.

Professionals in this field recommend that furnace maintenance and service be done at least once per year to help prevent a malfunction in the peak of the cold weather when the furnace is required most. There are several advantages of having it done before the cold and crisp weather comes, which we shall discuss in this post:

Ensures Safety

This is without a doubt the most important reason for scheduling furnace maintenance and service. Gas furnaces with a heat exchanger that’s cracked have the risk of leaking carbon monoxide which can be fatal for you and your loved ones. Even a small leak can be hazardous and you shouldn’t take any chances when it comes to the safety of your home and its residents.

Improves The Furnace’s Energy Efficiency

An unmaintained furnace is an inefficient system. From dirty furnaces to dirty filters, dirt and dust can hamper the efficient flow of air. This forces the system to work harder and longer in order to produce the same amount of heat as before. If you have been noticing cold spots or uneven heating, then a furnace service and maintenance might be a good idea.

Reduces Wear and Tear

Furnace maintenance and service ideally reduces the wear and tear the system endures. There are numerous things that can result in an increased strain on the furnace. During a routine tune-up, an experienced and skilled technician will thoroughly inspect every component to ascertain that everything is functioning optimally.

In case a problem is detected, the expert will work to address it. This will prevent a premature furnace breakdown.

Save Money

Another great benefit of scheduling an annual – furnace maintenance service is that you will not only save money today but in the future. How you might ask? Well, when you have a professional technician check your system, they will ensure it is ready to have an energy-efficient winter. That is money off of every gas or electricity bills for months down the line. Ideally, tune-ups help prevent the need for repairs. Who knows just how much you will save in the long haul?

Not only that, but proper maintenance means an extension of the lifespan of your furnace. This means you will get more years out of the current system and will not require a new furnace anytime soon. That, too, can save you a substantial amount of money.

As you can see, there are numerous benefits in availing of professional- furnace maintenance service at least once a year. You’ll avoid the stress of running to a technician during the cold weather and will save a lot in the long run. When seeking maintenance services, just ensure you hire a reputable company for the best results.

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