A supposedly “free” AC could come at the expense of having to pay higher installation fees or having to sign up for expensive extra services. It’s very important for people to carefully assess the overall cost and terms before falling for such promotions. One way to protect yourself is to get a second opinion from a reputable HVAC company, such as Tokay Heating & Air, and compare prices of the entire installation.

Below are some of the ways a “free” AC could come back to sting you in the pocketbook:

• Inflated product prices: Some companies may enhance the prices of their merchandise to make up for the “free” AC or service they’re offering. This can make the total cost of the contract much higher than it originally appears.
• Unseen installation fees: Although the air conditioner may be free, buyers may encounter unanticipated installation charges that aren’t clearly stated in the original offer. These costs can greatly increase the total price tag of the system.
• Mandatory added services: To recoup the cost of the purportedly free item they are giving you, companies may require customers to buy additional services or plans at embellished prices. These can easily add up.
• Push for premium upgrades: Companies may pressure customers to upgrade components of the HVAC system at a higher cost, saying it will result in enhanced performance or greater efficiency. These upgrades may not be necessary or produce much value for the added expense.
• Warranty limitations: While the original offer may include warranties, some companies might enforce restrictions or add exclusions to the promotion that restrict the coverage. You could potentially need to pay even more for extended warranties or face unexpected expenses if issues arise.