When our heat went out, I was really happy that Climate Masters could come out that day and fix it. The technician was really nice and replaced the filament on the upstairs furnace for $290: $100 for diagnostics and $190 for the part and the instillation. It was a little steep, but I understood and it was about to snow. He explained that these repairs usually needed to happen about every five years (the age of my house) and left without checking to see whether the other furnace needed the same repair.
36 hours later, the other furnace went out. I called Climate Masters and explained that we would need the same repair on the other furnace, told them the name of the part and made an appointment. Imagine my shock when the technician was instructed to bill me again for the diagnostics. His manager said it was akin to having one car repaired and then having another one break down. A flawed analogy at best because both furnaces are working toward the single goal of heating the home.
A better analogy would be taking your car in because one tire is worn through, having the mechanic fail to look at the other three tires, and then having the shop charge you for the diagnostics over and over again as each of the subsequent tires failed.
It might be legal, but it certainly isn’t right.
When I said something to this effect, the technician responded by trying to sell me a service agreement.
Pros: nice technicians
Cons: pricey, shady practices
more