We’ve all heard the old adage, if something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Yet, some homeowners continue to fall for bad HVAC promotions.
As a homeowner, you’re always looking for the best ways to save when it comes to caring for and maintaining your home-and for good reason. It’s reported that homeowners across the US spend an average of $16,000 annually on home maintenance and repair costs.
At Legacy, we know that you need to save when and where it counts, which is why we steer clear of offering deals that can potentially be harmful to our customers, like the popular “buy one unit, get the other for free.” Here’s why this deal may be too good to be true…
Why “Buy One Get One Free” Is Not A Good Deal
In the world of business, promotions and deals are common tactics used by companies to attract new customers. While this can often be mutually beneficial for both the customer and business owner, there can be times where these deals are actually the opposite of helpful for customers.
In the HVAC industry, one such offer that frequently pops up is the “Buy One, Get One Free” promotion. If the idea that you can buy a furnace and get a free AC sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is.
Quality Concerns
These deals are offered by companies looking to move excess inventory or outdated models. While the idea of receiving an air conditioner or furnace for free might sound appealing, the quality and efficiency of both units could be questionable.
Purchasing an HVAC system is an investment in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, so compromising on quality could lead to higher long-term costs like high utility bills, frequent repairs, or early replacement.
Hidden Costs
Your “free” furnace or AC is not actually free. Companies don’t go into business to give things away, they go into business with the expectation of profiting off of goods or services they offer. So, how would a company cover the costs of a free furnace or ac unit? With hidden fees and charges.
Likely, a company offering this promotion is covering the costs of the “free” unit by inflating the costs of the accompanying unit, adding fees and charges onto the installation service, or requiring you sign onto lengthy maintenance contracts.
Mismatched Systems
HVAC systems are designed to work together seamlessly for optimal performance and energy efficiency. When you receive a free AC unit with the purchase of a furnace, there’s a chance that the two systems might not be compatible or properly sized for your home. This mismatch can result in uneven heating and cooling, reduced efficiency, and increased wear and tear on the equipment.
Limited Warranty Coverage
Warranty coverage is a crucial part of protecting your investment and gives you peace-of-mind in the event of a breakdown or repair cost. With promotional deals like “buy one, get one,” the warranty coverage on the free unit may be limited, leaving you to cover unexpected repairs in the future.
Lack of Customization
Every home is different and has unique comfort requirements based on size, layout, location, and other specificiations. Opting for a bundled deal may limit your ability to customize your HVAC system to meet your comfort needs.
A system that’s not tailored to your home’s needs may lead to further inefficiencies, greater discomfort, and other problems later on.
Installation Quality
Proper installation is perhaps the most important part of any new heating and cooling system. Companies that offer these promotions may prioritize speed and volume over careful installation, leaving the door open for other issues like inadequate air flow, leaks, breakdowns, and even safety concerns
Choose A Company With A Legacy Of Trust
While “buy one, get one” is a great deal when it comes to snacks at the grocery checkout, it’s best to read the fine print and do your homework when considering one of these promotional incentives.
Keeping your home safe and comfortable for the long-term is our priority. That’s why it’s our policy to avoid deals and promotions that are better for our bottom line than our customers’ best interests.
We caution that when considering a deal like “buy one, get one” you get a second opinion from a trusted technician and always read the fine print. For local deals that keep money in your pocket AND keep you comfortable for the long-term, view our monthly Offers here.
