Desert Messenger

August 7, 2019 ww.DesertMessenger.com 7 Read Desert Messenger online! BBB offers tips to avoid AC repair scams First locally-owned and operated music station in Quartzsite, Arizona. Proudly serving the communities of Quartzsite, Bouse, Brenda, Rainbow Acres, La Paz Valley and beyond, since 1988. Quartzsite's Favorite "CLASSIC HITS" Local Information Weather 24 Hours Day / 7 Days Week! 928-927-5111 LAKE HAVASU CITY (AZ) - As temperatures soar and heat warn- ings are issued by the National Weather Service, more consumers might consider purchasing an air conditioning system or servicing an existing one. Though the major- ity of air conditioning, heating and ventilation (HVAC) contractors are reputable, there are unethical com- panies who will burn a hole in con- sumers' wallets, instead of keeping them cool. Throughout 2018, Bet- ter Business Bureau serving Pacifi c Southwest (BBB) received 41,204 inquiries about HVAC contractors and worked to resolve 158 com- plaints regarding this industry. BBB encourages consumers to do their homework before signing a contract, spending money on re- pairs and don't give in to high pres- sure sales tactics. BBB offers these safe steps to avoid scams when hiring air conditioning contractors: Research and gather information. Consumers can search for a contrac- tor's business profi le at bbb.org to check information on their history of complaints, read verifi ed custom- er reviews, get a contact number for licensing agencies and see if they are a BBB Accredited Business. Ask for references. What was the consumer's overall experience with the contractor and did the contrac- tor provide quality work? Verify that the contractor kept and upheld the estimated budget and comple- tion date for the project. Ask for multiple quotes. Shop around and get at least three quotes from different businesses with the same set of criteria. Remember, the low- est bid may not necessarily be the best bid. If one bid is signifi cantly lower than the others, the contractor might be cutting corners or may not understand the work required. Get the information in writing. Al- ways get everything in writing and never let work begin without a signed agreement. Read and under- stand any agreement, fully, prior to signing. Don't give in to high pres- sure sales tactics. Contracts should include contact information, start and completion dates, a detailed description of the work to be done, material costs, proper permit infor- mation, warranty information and payment arrangements. Make sure all verbal promises are included. Verify license and insurance. Make sure the business selected has the necessary licenses and insurance. Consumers can verify their licence/ s at the Contractors State Licence Board (in Arizona, refer consumers to the AZ Registrar of Contractors). Inquire about a lien waiver. A lien waiver is a contractor's statement which guarantees all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid for their work. Arrange a payment schedule. Nev- er pay in full, up front and do not pay with cash. Stagger payments so the fi nal payment is not due until the work is complete and has been approved. BBB suggests writing a check to a company, not an indi- vidual or use a credit card. Paying with a credit card will provide some recourse if an issue arises. Get a receipt and keep the contract. Request a receipt marked "paid in full" when the job is complete and the fi nal payment has been made. Hold on to the contract for future reference or if any questions come up after the work is done. When hiring an HVAC contractor, there are also considerations spe- cifi c to heating and ventilation. To learn more visit BBB.ORG- For more information or to sched- ule an interview with a BBB spokes- person, please contact Kryistyna Hook at 928-302-3701 or kryistyna. hook@bbbcommunity.org Sign up for free email alerts when the Desert Messenger becomes available online! Join thousands reading the paper online at: www.DesertMessengerOnline.com O Almighty Sun, whose light clears away all clouds, We take refuge in you. Guide of all people, God of all deities, Lord of all angels, We pray you to dispel the mists of illusion from the hearts of the nations And lift their lives by your all-sufficient power, Your ever shining light, your everlasting life, Your heavenly joy and your perfect peace. - SUFI PRAYER FOR PEACE DEADLINE : WED. AUG 28 TH for the SEPT. 4 TH edition Desert Messenger News Email: editor@DesertMessenger.com 928-916-4235 www.DesertMessenger.com

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