henric
10-16-2011, 09:35 AM
15/10/2011 12:35:12 PM
CBC News
The Better Business Bureau is warning people in the province about some furnace cleaners who have also been cleaning out wallets.
Cool autumn weather has many Albertans considering furnace servicing or upgrades. But according to Southern Alberta BBB president Sandra Crozier-McKee, many contractors are using scare tactics to sell people services they don't really need.
"Winter - we always know it's coming but it tends to sneak up on us every year. So there's a sense of urgency they take advantage of" she said.
Oksana Irwin of Western Canadian Furnace Company said she's heard of some unscrupulous contractors that will use fast-talking and even sabotage to sell unsuspecting consumers unnecessary installations or repairs.
"The tech guy would go and damage parts on purpose so that they would sell other parts to them" Irwin said.
Crozier-McKee said the BBB has received more complaints this year than all of last year.
Consumers should always get two estimates for any furnace work, make sure the contractors use certified gas fitters and provide warranties that cover equipment, materials and labour, the BBB recommends.
CBC News
The Better Business Bureau is warning people in the province about some furnace cleaners who have also been cleaning out wallets.
Cool autumn weather has many Albertans considering furnace servicing or upgrades. But according to Southern Alberta BBB president Sandra Crozier-McKee, many contractors are using scare tactics to sell people services they don't really need.
"Winter - we always know it's coming but it tends to sneak up on us every year. So there's a sense of urgency they take advantage of" she said.
Oksana Irwin of Western Canadian Furnace Company said she's heard of some unscrupulous contractors that will use fast-talking and even sabotage to sell unsuspecting consumers unnecessary installations or repairs.
"The tech guy would go and damage parts on purpose so that they would sell other parts to them" Irwin said.
Crozier-McKee said the BBB has received more complaints this year than all of last year.
Consumers should always get two estimates for any furnace work, make sure the contractors use certified gas fitters and provide warranties that cover equipment, materials and labour, the BBB recommends.