HVAC problems

[Janet Hill]

What are the fair and reasonable charges for HVAC work in Northern Virginia?

Service call, hourly rate, etc.

Thanks

 

[Halle]

Oh my gosh! Had to have an HVAC repair person to our office (we own building) yesterday, no heat!!! Many patients and they's be cold in those flimsy gowns. Upstate NY $79.95 for the service call. Bad news we have to replace the furnace...it is 28 years old so I can't really complain. Good luck with your repairs.

 

[mikehn]

Last year my furnace would not work so I called the HVAC guy to come check it out. Turned out, a bird entered my furnace exhaust tube and died, blocking it up and tripping the safety mechanism, causing it not to work. $150 to remove a dead bird, taking a total of 10 minutes. I was happy to pay the $150, considering I expected to have to replace the whole furnace.

 

[wdwstar]

As a owner of a HVAC please make sure you do not have to pay a flat rate. We have a few new customers because they were charged a flat rate from other companies. these flat rate can be up to $750 just to come out to diagnose the problem, does not include to fix the problem, usually they have to order the part and come back the next day. always ask what do they charge to come out and what other fees will be charges.

 

[taximomfor4]

As a owner of a HVAC please make sure you do not have to pay a flat rate. We have a few new customers because they were charged a flat rate from other companies. these flat rate can be up to $750 just to come out to diagnose the problem, does not include to fix the problem, usually they have to order the part and come back the next day. always ask what do they charge to come out and what other fees will be charges.

So if they come, look over your furnace, and say "Sorry, you need a whole new one...it will be $4300 installed, we can do it tomorrow for you", should they charge for the visit to tell you that, too? (Like for car repairs, they only charged us for the diagnosis IF we didn't hire them for the repair). Or should you pay $69 or $79 for them to tell you to get a new furnace, and then pay the $4300 for that new furnace + install? WHat is the norm in the business?