He says this time of the year is the worst. As the first snap of cold hits much of the country, conscientious homeowners have their furnace serviced. An honest HVAC technician checks fuel lines to make sure there are no leaks, inspects filters for replacement, verifies the blower is working and generally ensures the system is performing optimally. The benefit to homeowners is not only to have heat when it is needed but that they also are getting the most efficiency from their system to minimize the high cost of winter home heating.
Dishonest contractors, however, use this opportunity to rip off homeowners by claiming major repairs when none are needed and trying to scare homeowners by saying their system is leaking dangerous gases that could cause an explosion. Other homeowners are told their systems are too small, too old, too inefficient, and so on.
The important thing my friend said to do is not panic. Bring in another contractor for a second opinion before you go writing a check for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Use a prescreening service like BestContractors.com to find reputable, licensed HVAC technicians. Always get at least two bids before agreeing to a major repair.
If you're told your system is too small to heat your home think back to the last time it failed to do so. If you do replace you furnace you don't need one any larger than is required to heat the entire house.
Many heating systems come with long-term warranties. Check out your warranty before you spend your own money. If you can't remember where your warranty is check around the furnace itself. There's usually a holder for it and it is sealed inside a plastic bag.
While the scams above are used for all types of homeowners, the elderly are often targeted by con artists, travelers and even gypsies who have scanned obituaries to find those recently widowed. They prey on their insecurity and pose as city health or building inspectors to get a foothold inside the home. They then will claim a health hazard or some other expensive repair. You should never allow anyone into your home that doesn't show a photo id no matter how authoritative they come across to you. If they can't show an ID ask them to wait outside and call the agency they claim to represent. Look up the number yourself, don't take it from them as you might be calling their cohort. You may not even have to get that far as they will likely hustle away.
