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Is It Just To Good To Be True?
Posted: February 2008

Is It Just Too Good To Be True?

By Jim Berry

     It’s amazing how much smarter my Dad became as I got older. He always said “You don’t get somethin’ for nothin’ ”. No matter how many schemes and ‘deals’ I told him about over the years, he tried to impress that idiom on me – without a great deal of success I might add.

     I did eventually realize that if something sounds too good to be true - it usually is. This could not be more true than in the heating and air conditioning business. I get all of the same advertisements in my mailbox just like the rest of you, enlightening me about how “affordable” a new heating and air conditioning system will be.

     This is definitely not an area where you should try to save a few dollars. New systems that are initially less expensive will likely not prove to be your best long-term investment. These systems are less expensive for many reasons. Unfortunately for an unsuspecting homeowner, the real reasons may not show up for a few years. By then, you will likely not have any recourse, except to spend your money to fix them, and sometimes that may not even be possible.

     If a system is significantly less expensive, the contractor is likely not doing all the things needed for a quality installation. What did they leave out that you didn’t know about? What parts and materials were picked up at the ‘big box’ store? What shortcuts did they take so that they could get the work finished in one day?  Remember the words Caveat emptor, which is Latin for LET THE BUYER BEWARE.

     Today’s world is much different than when I grew up. Back then you could pretty much trust that you were getting a fair deal and quality workmanship. Unfortunately, that is not always the case today. Some unscrupulous contractors know just what they can get away with. They also know that many homeowners will gravitate to a lower price. They count on that fact. So their goal is to provide you with a ‘bid’ that is less than the reputable contractors who will do better work, but are also initially more expensive.

     I implore you – don’t be fooled. Do your homework. There are many reliable heating and air conditioning contractors in our area. Choose based on their credibility, not how low their price is or how fast they can get their mediocre system installed.   

      Attend our next FREE Homeowners Workshop for more information. Questions will be addressed, so bring your list, and your friends, neighbors and relatives. For dates and times and to reserve a seat call (818) 886-2600. Join us for a couple of hours and you’ll take home some useful information. You will also receive a FREE copy of The Homeowners Heating and Air Conditioning Buyers Guide.

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