The Mechanical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan (MCAS) wants people in the province to be wary of high pressure heating equipment sales.
“With winter on its way, upgrading to high-efficiency heating equipment can go a long way to saving money and increasing comfort, however it really is a buyer beware market when making this type of purchase,” Carolyn Bagnell, the executive director of MCAS, said.
“If a deal sounds too good to be true, it often is; and no deals for heating equipment should be valid for only one day – that is just not good business practice for the industry.”
READ MORE: Enmax joins with power companies across North America to battle scammers
Of particular concern for MCAS, along with the Natural Gas Appliance and Equipment Association (NGAEDA) and SaskEnergy network members, are door-to-door salespeople and out-of-province contractors offering discounted heating equipment.
The groups said a contractor should have a valid Saskatchewan and local municipality business licenses, liability insurance and all necessary permits.
“Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions, thoroughly review financing contracts before you sign, and shop around by gathering quotes from other contractors, such as your local SaskEnergy Network Member,” Bagnell said.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan RCMP field over 850 CRA fraud complaints so far in 2016
NGAEDA president Scott Grieve added that potential buyers should do a background check of the contractor, which should include reference checks and reviews of the company with the Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan.
“To avoid being stuck with an unexpectedly large bill, poorly installed or outdated equipment that is not serviceable, make sure to review the entire contract before you sign it – especially the fine print, where extra costs are often hidden,” Grieve added.
He said customers do have the ability to cancel a door-to-door purchase, in writing, within 10 days of signing a contract if they feel they have been misled on service, equipment or cost.
Comments