Has An HVAC Contractor “Red-Tagged” Your Heater? Get A Second Opinion!
Unscrupulous HVAC Contractors In The Philadelphia Area
Will Condemn Your System… Even If It Shouldn’t Be.
Red-tagging is when an HVAC contractor inspects your furnace and determines that it’s unsafe to operate. The contractor shuts down your system (a.k.a. “condemns” the equipment) and places a red warning tag on it until you get the problem fixed or replace your furnace.
Here is what a red tag looks like:
A furnace is typically red-tagged due to a cracked or broken heat exchanger, which can leak carbon monoxide. The only way a system can be “untagged” is by replacing the heat exchanger/system or if another contractor determines the equipment is okay to run.
If A Company Reg-Tags Your System, Don’t Panic
Obviously, a carbon monoxide leak is not a good thing. The potential of a carbon monoxide leak can cause any homeowner to panic.
And that’s exactly what some HVAC contractors want you to do.
Conveniently for HVAC contractors, carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. So if an HVAC company tells you that your furnace has a possible leak, what can you do other than trust them? After all, they’re the experts… right?
Well, yes… and no.
Here’s the truth: Some heating contractors are dishonest and falsely condemn equipment.
We’re not the kind of company that likes to talk bad about others. But you deserve to know the facts. And in our 65+ years in business, we’ve witnessed countless unscrupulous HVAC contractors red-tag equipment that didn’t need to be.
That leads us to the million-dollar question: Why do they do it?
It’s simple. They’re trying to get you to buy a new system from them. HVAC replacement is more profitable than HVAC repairs. Therefore, less-than-honest companies will do and say whatever it takes to convince you to replace your system. (Or at the very least, get you to buy an expensive new heat exchanger.)
Long story short: If a company red-tags your system, don’t panic—and don’t feel like you need to rush into a decision. Unless you are 110% certain you can trust the company, get a second professional opinion if they condemn your equipment.
Check To See If Your Heat Exchanger Is Still Under Warranty
The first thing you should do if your furnace’s heat exchanger is truly damaged? Check the warranty.
Heat exchangers aren’t cheap. They can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500+, depending on the type and brand. Some heat exchanger warranties are good for over 20 years. If your heater is less than 20 years old, you may be able to get your furnace back in working condition at no cost.
Not sure if your heat exchanger is under warranty? Call us. We’re one of the few heating companies in Philadelphia and the suburbs that’s willing to help homeowners over the phone. If we can’t assist you over the phone, we’re more than happy to stop by and inspect your heat exchanger in person.
Choose An HVAC Contractor The Community Trusts
Of course, not all HVAC contractors are dishonest. There are plenty of companies that are trustworthy and condemn equipment only when it’s absolutely necessary.
The question is, how can you tell the difference between an honest company and a dishonest one… BEFORE you invite them into your home?
The best way to know is to thoroughly investigate a company’s reputation. Read their online reviews. See if they’re accredited with the Better Business Bureau. If the company has a proven track record based on honesty and integrity, that company is going to have your best interests at heart.
Contact Us If You Want The Facts… And Nothing But
When you call us to inspect your HVAC system, you can be certain that we’ll look for the most budget-friendly way to get your equipment running right again. The only time we condemn equipment is if we’ve exhausted all possible options to repair it. That’s a promise.
Get in touch today. It would be an honor to speak with you.