Very recently, I was contacted by a representative of a reputable local company who offered to inspect my furnace, hot water tank and heating ducts, free of charge.
Red flag! Another case of buyer beware! If it sounds too good to be true, it is!
However, I did invite the “free inspection.” After all, what did I have to lose, right?
After the inspection, the gentleman claimed that my furnace ducts were very dirty and needed cleaning, in spite of the fact that I had had them brush-cleaned less than two years ago (September 2010). The quote to clean: $379.
I checked with several other companies who quoted cleaning in the $170 to $195 range; my previous cost was $175.
After checking my furnace, the representative said that my furnace was also very dirty and required a thorough cleaning. The cost: $261.45.
Since my furnace is relatively new, and since I change filters regularly, I again suspected another unnecessary expense.
Immediately after the gentleman left, I contacted several furnace-cleaning companies for quotes, including the ones who had done the work in the past. I also arranged with ATCO to inspect my furnace and hot water tank.
Fortunately, ATCO was able to inspect early the next morning. The results, no cleaning required! The furnace was much cleaner than most, the hot water tank in good order, and the furnace ducts not requiring service.
Needless to say, I cancelled the Proposal and Agreement for service that was obviously not required. I saved $640.
I hope that, by virtue of this letter, others will be careful not to fall prey to similar misrepresentations. Get a second opinion! The money you save will be worth the effort.
Gerald S. Stelmaschuk
Red Dee