Re: Sears HVAC repair, Chattanooga, TN
My heating unit recently abruptly stopped working, so I called Sears HVAC to repair it, thinking that they were a nation-wide, reputable company that could be trusted.
The serviceman arrived at my home, inspected the unit, and came back with a slip telling me that the repairs would cost almost $500, as the motor was burned out. What choice did I have? It's cold out there, and I because of a disability, I can't endure cold at all. I told him to go ahead, but a short time later he returned to tell me he had bad news... When he removed the motor, he found some holes in the casing (or something like that), and went on to warm me of the dangers of carbon monoxide; why, I might go to sleep and never wake up! He then suggested I speak to a Sears salesperson about a new unit, and set up an appointment. I told him that I was unemployed, on disability, and couldn't afford a new unit; he asked if I had someone who could help me pay for it, and I informed him that I'm a widow with no close family.
Fortunately, I wasn't feeling well and postponed the appointment with the salesperson. While idly thumbing through a throwaway local magazine, I saw an ad for a local HVAC company in which they said they'd give a free second opinion on repairs, so I made an appointment - after all I had nothing to lose.
The serviceman was here a few hours ago. He came back inside to inform me that the unit was working just fine; apparently a small part had to be replaced, and there was a redundant filter on the outside unit that was clogged. I told him what the Sears employee said, and he informed me that a lot of places do that to coerce people into purchasing new units. He saw that I was upset - in fact, I was in a near panic trying to figure out how I would get thousands of dollars for a new unit - and when I pulled out my checkbook he kindly told me there was no charge.
It's bad enough that Sears would try to rip off someone in a good financial position, but to try and take advantage of a disabled widow? SHAME ON YOU!
Oh, and to add insult to injury, Sears charged me $69 for their con job. I want my money back!
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