Hiring a Toronto HVAC Contractor? Look Out for These 6 Red Flags
Choosing the right contractor to carry out any serious air conditioning repair work or yearly tune-ups on your old furnace can be difficult. When looking for the right HVAC contractor in Toronto, you need to be especially vigilant, as if things go wrong, they can cause serious threats to safety, property, and your bank balance. At the same time, we need to be careful not to let costs spiral out of control. We need to find the right contractor for the job, at the right price – something that sounds easier than it is. Making a mistake at this stage could end up costing thousands of dollars, so we need a way to separate the good from the bad.
What Should You Look Out for When Interviewing an HVAC Contractor?
There are some giveaway signs that you should be suspicious of when dealing with a new HVAC contractor for the first time. They are all red flags. In some cases, there may be a good explanation for them and you may be able to work with a contractor despite one red flag. In other cases, just one red flag should be enough to steer you away. Two or more red flags mean that it’s time for you to start looking for a different contractor. Remember that your money, health, and property are at stake and there are, unfortunately, a small number of rogue contractors working in and around the Toronto area. Here’s what to look out for:
• A one-man band – With only one person running every aspect of the business, it could be very difficult to get hold of them if you need AC or Furnace maintenance or repairs done, especially in winter. While that one person may be a consummate professional and an HVAC expert, none of that matters if they are taken ill, go on holiday, or are busy when they need an emergency repair on your AC unit.
• Wants cash up front – This is a major red flag. At best, you will be dealing with a contractor with low cash flow and little experience. At worst, this could be a fly-by-night cowboy who will take your money and run. However, this red flag can be ignored if you are getting a new furnace installed or replacing your AC unit.
• Is being too pushy – High-pressure sales tactics often take the form of limited deals, in which you are faced with the threat of missing out if you don’t quickly put pen to paper. Don’t fall for this. A reputable contractor understands that people need time to consider the decision carefully.
• Has a scant online presence – New contractors are aware that they need to have good reviews in order to attract more customers. Older contractors will have plenty of reviews for you to look through. A contractor without reviews is a red flag because it suggests they may be trying to shield themselves from bad reviews.
• Communicates poorly – Even if you’re impressed by your HVAC contractor in person, if they don’t answer your calls and emails promptly, take it as a warning that you might not be able to contact them when you most need them.
• Is offering an unbelievable deal – If what you are being told just sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Less-prepared scammers often go for a quick seduction, before slinking off in the night with your money.
Scammers and cowboys know that there is a lot of money in HVAC, and you’ll need to be on your toes to make sure you don’t become the victim of one. By looking out for these red flags, you stand a much better chance of securing the services of a reliable Toronto heating and air conditioning contractor instead.
