Prepare Yourself before Shopping for a New HVAC System
You’ll probably never have to purchase a more expensive – or more important – item for your home than the heating and cooling system that will determine you and your family’s comfort for the next one to three decades.
Likewise, it’s hard to think of another home component – other than the home itself – that will have a greater effect on your household budget. This is why it’s absolutely essential to call a local HVAC contractor known for carrying excellent equipment whom you trust when you’re shopping for a new heating or cooling system.
Beware of the high-pressure sale
Alas, this is the real world, and if you’re not careful, you’re going to run into high-pressure HVAC sales tactics during your search for the right furnace, heat pump or AC.
Following are some tried-and-true tips for handling high-pressure salespeople in the HVAC business. Note: Most of these guidelines apply to any type of pushy salesperson.
Tips for dealing with aggressive HVAC salespeople
- Don’t be impatient to make a purchase. Unless it’s a life-and-death situation, like a dead-cold furnace in the middle of February, make sure you have time to compare your options.
The moment a high-pressure salesperson realizes you’re in a hurry to make a decision, they’ll swoop in for the kill. Make it crystal clear at the start that you fully intend to look at other options before making a decision.
And don’t say that as a bluff, but actually do it. It’s an ironclad rule of shopping: More options mean you’re more likely to get what you want in the end.
- Watch out for phantom savings. When it comes to sales, the oldest trick in the book is to quote an inflated price, then after a bit of haggling, come down to the price you wanted the customer to pay in the first place.
- Stay under control. This is important to remember since, really, you ARE in control. Nobody can force you to buy something you’re not sure about.
You have no reason to feel under pressure or rushed when shopping for a big-ticket item like a furnace or central air conditioner. If you don’t make a decision today, you can make it tomorrow or next week. The salesperson doesn’t have to know your fish tank is frozen into a block of ice.
Research your options
In this day and age, there’s no excuse not to become fully educated about whatever product you’re shopping for.
- Google “smart furnace shopping” and you’ll likely see a flood of websites with tips about shopping for a heating system.
- You should be able to recognize the credible, authoritative sites.
- You can also research the particular Cincinnati HVAC companies you’re dealing with. Ask to see recommendations and testimonials.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau and/or online rating services.
- Also, make sure that the HVAC contractor you’re considering plans to take the time and effort to properly size your new heating or cooling system, as well as provide you with essential information about energy-efficiency options and advance features that are available.
Do your homework and you will find an honest contractor
Fortunately, unscrupulous HVAC businesses are in the minority. If you do your homework, you should be able to find a locally-owned contractor known for heating and cooling integrity and quality – one that will work with you to make sure you’re happy with this crucial long-term investment in comfort and savings.