A/C Repairmen are ripoffs

[Evil_T0NY {CLR}]

I had an issue with the A/C, and when I called the A/C guy out to take a look at it, all they had to do was switch out the capacitor (equivalent to changing a frigging D Cell battery)

Cost 230 something bucks.

Then I did some research afterwards, turns out I coudl get the same capacitor at a local wharehouse for 15 bucks...that means I could have done it myself for 15 bucks.....rip off artists I tell ya

But you're screwed....essentially by the A/C guys cause you NEED A/C

[Apache Warrior]

It is high but he did not charge you $230.00 for the part. You are paying for the service call, the time and the equipment necessary to find the problem.
Apache

[Trooper110]

Agreed with Apache, especially with things getting hot now that summer is here I'm sure they're in higher demand. If you have the technical skills and desire to learn to repair an AC feel free to do it yourself. Otherwise you pay what they deem is the going rate for their service, aka. send a tech on site, spend money on gas, put mileage on vehicle, compensate tech for their time, replace part, usage of whatever tools and equipment they need, etc.

And you don't NEED AC. My grandparents have never used or had AC in their home, and they're both almost 80 now. Hell, AC has only been invented in 1902 and made a big appearance in homes in the 1950s. And people lived just fine before that.

[Duke{CLR}]

ET it looks like you should have done the research before ther guy came out. Anyways he is a technical professional and he deserves to be paid.

[juneau]

As the others have said. It's all service charges. Not sure how it is over in the states but service charges are ridiculous here. I called a major plumbing firm once that quoted themselves at ?120 per hour.

[Apache Warrior]

I have spent over 30 years learning to be a Bench Jeweler. Some people think I should be paid less for something that takes less time to repair. They do not realize that my skills allow me to do a better and faster job. I hate hearing :all you have to do is".
Apache

[JohnyRico]

I have people gripe at work about the fees we charge for our custom picture framers to do a simple job. They don't get that their simple job is keeping the crew away from the harder jobs. It's like going to the doctor to get a perscription for aspirin. Sure they cando it but why would you go to that length.

[Evil_T0NY {CLR}]

ET it looks like you should have done the research before ther guy came out. Anyways he is a technical professional and he deserves to be paid.

Well, he had been our repairman for a while...figured he'd cut us a break. At first, I wouldn't know how to troubleshoot or figure out what the problem was....NOW.....that I saw what he did, even I COULD do it.

59 svc charge ( I can understand coming out there)

78 for the 1st hour (this is fair)
98 for the part (when it's worth a lot less for the part)...not so much

So when a part is actually 15 bucks, vs 98 dollars....you can pretty much know that you're getting ripped off somewhere.

The svc part I could understand...but overcharging for the part...mmmm...not so much.

So after learning that's it's not much to do it to do what he did...I'll know for next time.

And you don't NEED AC. My grandparents have never used or had AC in their home, and they're both almost 80 now. Hell, AC has only been invented in 1902 and made a big appearance in homes in the 1950s. And people lived just fine before that.

Probably depends no where you live

When you live in FL and the heat index is 110 F (regular temp mid 90's)....you NEED it....you you didn't have AC ...it'd ruin your house. Esp with the Humidity.

If you lived in Florida without A/C....you'll wind up with a serious MOLD problem...and that is TRULY costly.

[mapes]

78 for the 1st hour (this is fair)
98 for the part (when it's worth a lot less for the part)...not so much

So when a part is actually 15 bucks, vs 98 dollars....you can pretty much know that you're getting ripped off somewhere.

It is a bit high for the part. However your paying for access to a part now. Keep that in mind. They stock parts so when on a service call they don't have to order it.

[Apache Warrior]

It is over charging for the part. They should have charged him $45.00 for the part.
Apache

[Evil_T0NY {CLR}]

It is over charging for the part. They should have charged him $45.00 for the part.
Apache

Yeah, I checked the internet, that is the going rate (at the most) for the Capacitor I was looking for.

But, see, I wouldn't know what was wrong with it anyhow if it just went bad. (Troubleshooting-wise)

I only know computers, not HVAC. LOL

[mapes]

Whats the overnight shipping rate on that part?

[Donziboy2]

I get away pretty lucky with stuff like that.

I have a master electrician uncle, who also used to fix AC units. I have a cousin who used to do AC units also. So when the air gets hot i just call up the family. They fix it at a fair price and I tip well and i know where the money went instead of it just disapearing. Also have a friend who works for an AC company so he also comes in handy.

[Rand{CLR}]

They built homes differently pre A/C. Narrower rooms with cross-ventilation, different materials to handle humidity, etc. It's entirely possible to build homes that don't need A/C in any climate. Just more expensive upfront.

-Rand

[Apache Warrior]

They built homes differently pre A/C. Narrower rooms with cross-ventilation, different materials to handle humidity, etc. It's entirely possible to build homes that don't need A/C in any climate. Just more expensive upfront.

-Rand

Don't forget the high ceilings. Although those are coming back.
Apache