Homeowner's Guide: Spotting Scams in the HVAC World

Summer heat is no joke, and when your AC quits, you want it fixed fast. John Giles, owner of Scenic Air has been doing HVAC work in Chattanooga for almost 60 years, starting all the way back in HVAC class at Kirkman Technical High School. We've seen plenty of scams along the way, and we want to help you avoid them. HVAC is a trade that homeowners would need a crash course on in order to challenge a scammer, so the bad actors will prey on that vulnerability. Nevertheless, this guide plus your own gut feeling, may help you spot a scammer.

Why HVAC Scams Are on the Rise in 2025

Energy bills are up, and new rules on refrigerants like the shift away from old ones are making things complicated. Scammers love that— they push fake emergencies or cheap deals that turn expensive. Our take: If a tech won't explain things clearly or pushes hard for cash, they're probably shady. Every company should take the time to explain your HVAC problems in a way that should make sense to you, no matter the issue.

Top HVAC Scams to Watch Out For

Here's the common ones we've run into, with signs to spot them and ways to dodge.

1. The Bait-and-Switch Special

They advertise a cheap service like a tune-up, then "find" big problems and jack up the price once they're there.

• Red Flags: Door-knockers with "one-time" deals, or pressure to decide right now.

• How to Avoid: Get quotes from a few places. We always break it down in writing, no hidden stuff.

2. Refrigerant Recharge Racket

They say your system needs more refrigerant and charge a ton for it, but if there's no leak fixed, it'll just leak out again. With older refrigerants phasing out, this scam is big.

• Red Flags: Calls for routine "top-offs" without checking for leaks, or sky-high prices.

• How to Avoid: Demand a leak test first. We fix the real issue, based on years of handling this safely.

3. Unnecessary Part Replacements (The "Everything's Broken" Ploy)

They claim parts like capacitors are shot and swap them with marked-up junk, even if they're okay. Supply issues make this worse.

• Red Flags: No proof like photos, fuzzy explanations, or ignoring warranties.

• How to Avoid: Ask for the old parts and keep records. We only swap what's actually bad.

4. High-Pressure Sales and "Emergency" Overhauls

They scare you that your system's about to blow up and needs a full replacement ASAP, when a fix would do.

• Red Flags: No written quote, cash-only pushes, or wild threats like "fire hazard!"

• How to Avoid: Get another opinion. We've done real emergencies without the hype.

5. Free Inspections Turned Sales Pitch

"Free" check-ups that always find "huge issues" needing big bucks to fix. It's a trap to sell you stuff.

• Red Flags: Social media ads for freebies, then instant upsells.

• How to Avoid: Check licenses and reviews first. Our inspections are honest, no tricks.

Your HVAC Scam Checklist

Keep this handy:

•  Licensed, bonded, insured?

•  Written estimate with details?

•  Pushing cash or instant pay?

•  Got other quotes?

•  Clear explanations with proof?

•  Avoiding questions on warranties or new tech?

•  Deal too cheap or too urgent?

If it's sketchy, bail.

Wrapping It Up: Trust your Gut

The most important rule is to trust your gut. If you feel like something is off or that you're not getting a proper explanation of what's wrong with your system, chances are you are going to be right. If you need a second opinion, we will always tell it straight—whether it's upgrades or simple fixes. If something feels off or you need real help, reach out.