PHOENIX (CBS5) -
With the summer heat in full burn, the Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners to beware of red flags from air conditioner repair companies.
Last year between May and September, the BBB of Southern Arizona received 9,500 inquiries about air conditioner repair companies. From those questions, the BBB was able to come up with a list of the top three red flags for consumers to watch out for.
- Specials that seem too cheap to be true. Experts said an AC tune up advertised at $39 is probably to inexpensive to be accurate.
- Rules of thumb that don't add up. The BBB said the old adage that you need one ton of AC for every 400 square feet of house does not hold true. Experts warn that only a home inspection that takes into account factors like duct work and insulation can accurately show what size unit you need.
- Quotes for repairs or new systems over the phones. Experts said it's impossible to know how much a new unit or a repair is going to cost without first seeing the unit or problem in person.
The bottom line, according to the BBB, is that special pricing is eye-catching, but rarely accurate.
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