Protect yourself and your family from door to door furnace and air conditioning rental scams
Knock, Knock.
What was once a welcome sound: the sound of impending company-is now one that can come with a sense of dread. In an age of cellphones very few calls to the door are unannounced except by those whom we have no desire to answer.
The door-to-door salesman.
Once famous for selling vacuums and miracle cleaners to lonely housewives, many now operate just beyond the law using high pressure sales techniques and targeting the elderly.
Not only are the businesses operating on the premise that you will agree to make financial decisions while standing on your doorstep, they are also relying on their customers to agree to allow a virtual stranger into their home to complete the transaction.
Many have fallen victim to these high pressure tactics with disastrous results.
Ken and Lorraine Kingdon agreed to a new hot water tank and furnace rental after a knock on their door in the fall. By the winter, a loss of electricity caused their tankless system to freeze and then burst. The couple explained to CTV news that this situation caused them to have to boil water in order to bathe.
Although the situation was later resolved with the aid of the news program, many others are not so lucky.
Luckily there are many steps being taken to protect the consumer from these types of solicitations. In April 2017, the Consumers First Act was passed at Queen’s Park to protect consumers from high pressure door to door sales of furnaces, air conditioners and hot water tanks.
In Alberta a similar ban was put in place on January 1st, 2017 that prohibited the door to door sales of:
- Furnaces
- Air conditioners
- Hot water heaters
As well as windows, energy audits, and electrical and natural gas energy contracts.
There are ways that you can protect yourself from high pressure door to door sales tactics:
No soliciting signs: For a few dollars you can save yourself a world of headache. Just the knowledge that you are not welcoming the interaction should be enough to sway the savvy salesperson who knows that a knock on your door is a waste of their time.
Don’t be polite: The problem with most homeowners is that are too polite to say no and end up listening to the sales pitch. Although this seems like the nicer way to go you may end up looking like an easier target for high pressure sales techniques, especially if you allow the person into your home. A firm NO will stop the pitch before it starts.
You don’t need to engage: If you are the type of person who has a hard time saying no, instead take yourself out of the running. If the caller is looking for the homeowner, you are renting. If they ask if you have time to talk, you are late for an appointment. Is there a better time to reach you? No.
Ask for ID-Although it is not advisable to ever let a stranger into your home, you can ask to see ID if they claim to be collecting on behalf of a registered charity. Of course if you are interested in supporting the charity but wary of a door to door collection, you can always donate via their website.
Never share any personal information or copies of bills or financial statements
If a contract is signed you have a ‘cooling off period’ (In Ontario it is 10 days) where you can change your mind, without any repercussions.
Research your product and company before you make any major purchases. At FurnaceRental.com we recognize the important investment you are making when you decide to upgrade your heating or cooling system with us. We NEVER employ door to door salespeople.
Our mission is to provide Canadians with quality and affordable heating and cooling systems who may not otherwise be able to afford them. Instead of high pressure and deceptive tactics, we rely on transparency, commitment to quality and high standards to set ourselves apart.
So how does a reputable rental company operate?
With thousands of happy customers across Canada, we are working diligently to expand our services. By offering our furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners and hot water tanks with flexible approval we are able to help many home and business owners who may not have otherwise had access to energy efficient systems.
We have you covered
Instead of buyer’s regret, we make sure our buyer’s are covered. You rental agreement not only includes free installation (with up to 15 feet of duct work) it also includes removal of your old unit for no extra charge.
Not only does your agreement include installation, it also includes regular maintenance. So that you can ensure your heating or cooling system can continue to work as efficiently as possible. This is helpful to both extend the life of your system as well as continue to keep your energy bills as low as possible.
Rental agreements also include access to a 24 hour seven day a week emergency line. Instead of wasting precious time and resources searching for a service company to fix your heating or cooling system, you simply make one phone call and get access to expedited service to your door, completely free.
Not all rental companies are the same
While rental agreements are a newer way to get energy efficient furnaces, central air conditioners, water pumps and hot water tanks into your property, FurnaceRental.com is proof that not all companies are the same. Instead of deception, we rely on transparency. Instead of high pressure sales tactics, we chose to provide you with as much information as possible to make an informed decision.
We know that the best way to grow our business is with happy customers, not high pressure door to door sales tactics. Why not give us a call and we can answer any questions you have. You have no obligation just an easy way to get name brand high quality products into your home for less.
