The Ontario government banned unsolicited door-to-door sales of most heating and air services back in March after many years of it being a serious issue. However, the recent story about a Toronto man with a mental disability being tricked into signing expensive heating and cooling contracts for everything from maintenance plans to HEPA filters proves that this is still a problem everyone needs to be on the watch for.
Pushy Sales Tactics
Furnace scams often use aggressive sales tactics to scare homeowners into signing contracts. They might mention government rebates or even lead you to believe that they are government employees. They could talk about the negative environmental impact your current heating system has on the climate or promise a significant reduction in monthly hydro bills. Basically, they will say anything to get you to sign a contract on the spot. Usually, they are trying to get you to commit to a replacement furnace and trap you in a contract you can’t get out of.
Protect Yourself
The best way to protect yourself is to never let anyone into your home without a prior appointment and never sign anything unless you understand all the terms and conditions. If you’re looking for a new furnace, contact a trusted heating and cooling company and never let anyone inside your home to inspect your furnace unless you have contacted them prior.
If someone comes to your home seeking access to any of your HVAC equipment, please don’t let them inside. Contact a trusted HVAC company if you have any concerns about your heating or cooling system or call 311 to report suspicious activity.
Contact us today with any of your heating or cooling questions—we’re always happy to help.
Harding Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Ottawa and the surrounding area with top-quality service since 1994! We’re committed to our customers and are happy to help you find the best ways to improve your home comfort.
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for air conditioning tips, tricks and advice!
