Protect Your Wallet

AC Repair Scam Alert Database

Learn the common scam tactics, red flags, and how to protect yourself from dishonest HVAC contractors.

Top 5 Protection Rules

Always get 2-3 quotes for repairs over $300

Demand written estimates before any work starts

Check warranty paperwork - repairs may be covered

Never pay in full upfront - 50% deposit max

Trust your gut - if it feels wrong, get another opinion

Common Scam Tactics Exposed

The "Refrigerant Leak" Scam

high

Technician claims your refrigerant is low but doesn't find or fix the leak - just adds more refrigerant.

How the Scam Works:

1.Checks refrigerant levels
2.Says you need a "recharge" without mentioning leak detection
3.Charges $300-600 for refrigerant refill
4.Leak remains - you'll need another recharge in months

Fair & Honest Approach:

Proper service includes: leak detection, leak repair, vacuum test, then refrigerant refill. Costs $300-600 total for the complete repair.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•No mention of leak detection
•Quotes only for "adding refrigerant"
•Doesn't use leak detector tool

How to Protect Yourself:

Always ask: "Will you find and fix the leak first?" If no, refuse service.

The "Emergency Replacement" Scam

critical

Technician claims your AC needs immediate full replacement for a minor repairable issue.

How the Scam Works:

1.Technician diagnoses simple issue (bad capacitor, dirty coils)
2.Claims system is "too old" or "beyond repair"
3.Pressures for same-day $6,000-12,000 replacement decision
4.Offers "today only" discount to create urgency

Fair & Honest Approach:

Most AC issues can be repaired. Systems under 15 years old rarely need full replacement unless severely damaged.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•Immediate replacement pressure
•No repair option offered
•"Today only" pricing
•Won't provide written estimate

How to Protect Yourself:

Always get 2-3 opinions for replacement recommendations. Most "urgent" replacements can wait a few days.

The "Compressor Overcharge"

high

Legit compressor failure, but quoted 2-3x fair price.

How the Scam Works:

1.Correctly diagnoses bad compressor
2.Quotes $3,500-5,000 for replacement
3.Fair price is $1,500-2,500
4.Banks on homeowner not getting other quotes

Fair & Honest Approach:

Compressor replacement: $1,500-2,500 installed. Check warranty first - often covered for 5-10 years.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•Price over $3,000 for compressor replacement
•No mention of checking warranty
•Pressure to decide immediately

How to Protect Yourself:

Always check your AC warranty paperwork. Get 2-3 quotes. Don't pay over $2,500 unless in expensive city.

The "Capacitor Markup" Scam

medium

Charges $600-800 for a $200-400 capacitor replacement.

How the Scam Works:

1.Correctly diagnoses bad capacitor
2.Quotes $600-$800 for "major electrical component"
3.Part costs $15-40, job takes 30-60 minutes
4.Fair total price: $200-400

Fair & Honest Approach:

Capacitor replacement is a common, quick repair. Should cost $200-400 total.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•Quote over $500
•Called "major" or "complex" repair
•Won't break down parts vs labor

How to Protect Yourself:

If quoted over $500 for capacitor, call another tech. It's a 30-minute job.

The "Freon Phase-Out" Scare

medium

Falsely claims R-410A is being phased out to push unnecessary replacement.

How the Scam Works:

1.Claims your R-410A refrigerant is "banned" or "being phased out"
2.Creates false urgency for system replacement
3.R-410A is NOT being phased out for existing systems

Fair & Honest Approach:

R-410A is the current standard refrigerant. While R-32 is newer, R-410A remains supported and available.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•Claims R-410A is unavailable
•Says you "must" replace system
•Creates false urgency about refrigerant

How to Protect Yourself:

R-410A will be available for decades. Don't let refrigerant scare tactics force replacement.

The "Duct Cleaning" Upsell

low

Pushes expensive duct cleaning ($500-2,000) you probably don't need.

How the Scam Works:

1.Shows you "dirty" dust from ductwork
2.Claims it's hurting efficiency and health
3.Quotes $500-2,000 for duct cleaning
4.Most homes don't benefit from duct cleaning

Fair & Honest Approach:

Duct cleaning rarely needed unless visible mold, vermin, or extreme dust. Just change filters regularly.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•Unsolicited duct cleaning pitch
•Health scare tactics
•Quotes over $500

How to Protect Yourself:

Unless you see mold or vermin evidence, skip duct cleaning. Just replace filters monthly.

The "Hard Start Kit" Upsell

low

Adds $200-400 hard start kit claiming it's "necessary" for older units.

How the Scam Works:

1.Installs $30-60 hard start kit without asking
2.Charges $200-400 for installation
3.Claims it was "needed" for your AC to work
4.Usually optional, not required

Fair & Honest Approach:

Hard start kits can help older compressors, but are optional. Should cost $100-200 if needed.

Red Flags to Watch For:

•Installed without permission
•Charged over $250
•Claims it was "required"

How to Protect Yourself:

Ask before any add-ons are installed. Hard start kits should cost $100-200 max.

Universal Red Flags - Walk Away If You See These

No written estimate or contract

Demands cash payment only

Unmarked vehicle, no company logo

No license or insurance proof

Pressure to decide "right now"

Won't explain the problem clearly

Quote is 2x+ higher than others

"Today only" limited-time discounts

Refuses to provide references

Can't explain why repair is needed

Wants 100% payment upfront

Won't itemize parts vs labor

Need Help Understanding Your AC Problem?

Use our free diagnostic tool to learn about your issue before calling a technician