Why a “Free Furnace” Isn’t Always Free

We’ve all the seen the ads. It always starts out with something along the lines of, “Help us keep our guys busy and we’ll throw in a free furnace!”

Well, remember the old saying, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is”? That’s almost always the case when someone tries to offer you a free high-ticket item, like a furnace, for “free.” Let’s take a minute to break down the hidden costs and catches of one of the most common promotional tactics in the HVAC space: the free furnace.

First up, “hidden” costs

Most commonly, the cost of the furnace may be hidden in the total price of your HVAC package. The company may inflate the cost of the entire system or overcharge for labor to make up for the "free" furnace.

“You get what you pay for” aka, low-quality furnaces

In some cases, free furnaces are often lower-quality units and may not meet your heating needs. They may also have a shorter lifespan and warranty period.

“Not all customers will qualify”

In most every case, you’ll need to meet certain criteria to get the "free" furnace, such as buying an expensive air conditioner or committing to a long-term maintenance contract.

High-pressure sales tactics

As mentioned before, HVAC salespeople may use high-pressure tactics to encourage you to make an immediate decision on purchasing.

Upselling

Salespeople may even use the free furnace as a way to get their foot in the door to oversell you a more advanced HVAC equipment or a higher-priced furnace model.

Fortunately, CTR is here to help!

We’ve always got our customer’s backs…and if you’re not yet a customer, that’s okay! We’ve got your back as well with a few tips to avoid falling for unscrupulous deals:

Get multiple bids

Compare quotes—apples to apples—checking the brand, model, size, and stages of the equipment. CTR Heating & Air Conditioning always provides free quotes and second opinions. Just give us a call or schedule an appointment online and we’ll be happy to give you a free, no-nonsense, no hidden costs quote.

Ask about labor charges

Be sure to get a breakdown of parts AND labor. Be sure your quote includes any of the additional costs that may come up during installation. At CTR Heating & Air Conditioning our quotes are all-in and we stand by it. You’ll never pay more than what we’ve quoted.

Choose a reputable company

Be sure to choose a reputable company, with a strong track record, good customer reviews, and required certifications and licenses. CTR Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving Utah homeowners for over 20 years. We strive to be fair, honest, upfront, and transparent with every customer and strive to always provide the very best 5-star service.