When to Get a Second Opinion for an HVAC Repair

Reputable HVAC professionals do their best to provide the most honest and trustworthy solutions, but there are some scenarios where having another company check your unit is always helpful and will give you peace of mind. You may even talk to two very reputable companies and one tells you your unit needs to be replaced while the other says you only need a repair. Every HVAC company runs a little differently, so second opinions are even more important in knowing what the problem is, if any, and knowing what your options are.

It can always feel a little awkward telling an HVAC technician you would like to get a second opinion, but most reliable HVAC companies will understand, and some even encourage them. Here are four common scenarios where you should consider getting a second opinion.

You’re getting a cleaning/tune-up and now a repair is “necessary”

Some unethical companies will offer very inexpensive tune-ups or very limited time specials just to get in the door. Once they are looking at your unit, they can say any part needs replacing. If it’s inexpensive and they can prove your unit needs a repair, a second opinion is not necessary. If it’s portrayed as an ‘urgent’ repair and it’s very expensive, it might be worth getting a second opinion.

The repair or replacement cost is shockingly high

When you are told a repair will be extremely expensive, it is always best to get a second opinion. This could be an unnecessary repair, price gouging, or simply an expensive part that really does need replacing. It’s always best to get a second opinion so you can ensure this repair is necessary and really is this expensive. Worst case, you get a similar or more expensive estimate from another company, but now you know the repair really is necessary. You may even get a cheaper estimate from another company.

Take a look at the 4 most expensive furnace repairs and 4 most expensive AC repairs. With all these repairs, you can expect a high repair estimate.

Your unit is fairly new and the cost to repair is high

The most expensive furnace and AC repairs are common among older units and very uncommon among new units. If your unit is new and you are told your unit needs a very expensive repair, always get a second opinion. Depending on the age of the unit, you may be under warranty.

You’ve never noticed an issue

When an expensive HVAC part needs to be repaired or replaced, chances are you have seen, heard, or even smelled a sign that something is wrong. If you are told something needs to be repaired and it is expensive and urgent, we recommend getting a second opinion. Though furnaces and AC units are complex and there are a lot of moving parts, when something malfunctions, there is usually a sign.

When in doubt, get a second opinion! You could save yourself hundreds of dollars, and you may even save yourself from a scam. If you are still unsure, do a little research online. There are plenty of resources available online that will give you typical repair and replacement costs.

In need of a second opinion in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and we’d be happy to provide a second opinion. Unfortunately, HVAC scams are quite common, and we see and hear about them all the time. Please do not hesitate to call us, contact us online, or call another professional HVAC company to get a second opinion.