SaskEnergy has some tips when it comes to purchasing heating equipment.
They include asking yourself questions such as does the contractor hold a valid business license to operate in the province and within the local community? and are they a SaskEnergy Network member?
Other tips from the crown corporation is to inform yourself prior to making a purchase such gathering multiple quotes and reviewing and understanding the contract before you sign even if it takes a couple of days to fully view the details.
Below are more tips to consider before purchasing heating equipment:
Questions to Ask a Heating Contractor:
– Can s/he provide references for similar work?
– Is s/he willing to provide a detailed quote for the work to be done clearly outlining payment terms?
How long has the company been operating in Saskatchewan? Where is the head office located?
– What permits are required to complete the work and are they willing to provide a copy of all
applicable permits?
– How do they handle warranty and maintenance on the equipment?
– What are their hours of operation?
– Does the Contractor have a valid Worker’s Compensation Board Clearance Letter?
– Does s/he have proof of a minimum of $2,000,000 insurance coverage?
– Gather multiple quotes.
– Review and understand the contract before you sign; even if it takes a day or two to thoroughly
review the details of the contract.
– What are the terms of the contract? Are those reasonable payment terms?
– Is this a rent or own agreement?
– What is phone number for the head office and a contact person to talk to if you have further
questions?
– If they are claiming to be associated with another business or government agency, be sure to follow
up with that business or agency to verify a business relationship does exist.
– Why are they selling door to door? Why do they think I need a new furnace?
– If they are claiming there are Government grants available, follow up with the Agency who they
claim is offering the grants to ensure they exist and/or to verify the application process.
– Review and understand the contract before you sign; even if it takes a day or two to thoroughly
review the details of the contract.
– What are the terms of the contract? Are those reasonable payment terms?
– Is this a rent or own agreement?
– What is phone number for the head office and a contact person to talk to if you have further
questions?
– If they are claiming to be associated with another business or government agency, be sure to follow
up with that business or agency to verify a business relationship does exist.
– Why are they selling door to door? Why do they think I need a new furnace?
– If they are claiming there are Government grants available, follow up with the Agency who they
claim is offering the grants to ensure they exist and/or to verify the application process.
– Check out reviews online through the Better Business Bureau, local Chamber, or Financial and
Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan to determine if any complaints or issues have been
identified.
Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan to determine if any complaints or issues have been
identified.
Warning signs to watch out for:
– Limited time offers that will end ‘today’ or ‘tomorrow’
– Indicate the contract must be signed ‘today’ to participate
– Special deals for providing a testimonial or a reference
– Misrepresentation and/or association with a well established company or government
agency and no identification to support the claim
– Does not have a business location within Saskatchewan
– Sales Representative asks to see your utility bill or other documentation that may
contain personal information
– Sales Representative demands to inspect your heating and cooling equipment
– Claims that they receive heating and cooling equipment at discounted prices based on
the volume they purchase
– Special deals for providing a testimonial or a reference
– Misrepresentation and/or association with a well established company or government
agency and no identification to support the claim
– Does not have a business location within Saskatchewan
– Sales Representative asks to see your utility bill or other documentation that may
contain personal information
– Sales Representative demands to inspect your heating and cooling equipment
– Claims that they receive heating and cooling equipment at discounted prices based on
the volume they purchase