Five HVAC Scams Homeowners Should Be On The Lookout For In 2026
February 16, 2026
Your home’s heating and cooling is essential for home comfort, which is why disingenuous sales people may prey on this fact to trick you with an HVAC scam. Unfortunately, not every HVAC company has good intentions. Whether they falsify HVAC inspection photos to create a false sense of urgency or pull a bait-and-switch to trap you with high prices, there are a number of tactics they may use to try to take advantage of you. Reputable companies will never try to scare you or trap you into making a purchase. Working with a provider you trust is the best way to avoid scammers, but learning what common scams look like can help you proceed with caution whenever you’re unsure.
Common HVAC Scams Happening Today
Cracked heat exchanger scams and carbon monoxide scares are some of the most common tactics scammers use to raise alarm. Using your need for safety against you is often how they convince you to purchase a new HVAC part or system you don’t actually need. Common HVAC scams and scare tactics include:
”Old Refrigerants Are Illegal”
If you have an older HVAC system operating in your home, this scam uses recent regulatory changes to convince you your system must be replaced since old, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants are illegal. However, it is not illegal for homeowners to replace the refrigerant in an older HVAC system if they wish to continue with their current system. What these scammers don’t tell you is that these regulations apply to manufacturing new systems, not maintaining old ones.
What is true is that it is more expensive to replace old refrigerants since they are being phased out and not as readily available. But this does not mean they are illegal. Depending on how old your HVAC system is and if it’s still in good condition or on its last leg, it may be more cost effective in the long run to buy a new system. This is a decision a reputable HVAC company can help you make, not something they should force on you with scare tactics.
Fake HVAC Inspection Photos
This HVAC inspection scam can feel especially alarming because there appears to be photo evidence indicating a major issue in your HVAC system, like a cracked or broken furnace. The photo is used to create a false sense of urgency, with the technician urging you to purchase a replacement right away to avoid a carbon monoxide leak or furnace malfunction.
But in these instances, the photo is fake, likely showing someone else’s furnace to make you believe yours is damaged. If an HVAC inspection leaves you feeling pressured to buy, you have the right to request additional proof with your own eyes.
Carbon Monoxide Scares & Cracked Heat Exchanger Scams
Carbon monoxide is a real danger posed by failing HVAC systems, but the cracked heat exchanger scam is another fake attempt to rush you into a purchase. A technician claims your heat exchanger is cracked, causing a dangerous carbon monoxide leak that must be fixed immediately. If a real carbon monoxide leak is detected by a reputable company, they will be concerned with your safety first-and-foremost.
If an HVAC company uses your panic to persuade you to buy a new HVAC system on the spot, you have the right to ask for verification that a leak is present. If the technician is unwilling to perform a test or provide documentation of the problem, it probably isn’t a problem. To be sure, you can always conduct your own test with an at-home carbon monoxide detector, or call your local fire department to request a walk-through to determine if carbon monoxide is present.
High-Pressure, Same-Day Sales Tactics
Some HVAC companies are driven by sales, not by service. If a technician pressures you to take advantage of a major deal to replace your HVAC system for one day only, the reality is you probably don’t need a replacement. A bait-and-switch HVAC scam hooks you with a seemingly low price, but once you commit to a purchase, added fees come out of nowhere.
Especially if the technician solicited you via a cold call or even a door-to-door visit, deals like this are often too good to be true. A company that has your best interests in mind will talk you through your options to make an informed decision, not force your hand.
Add-Ons Pushed Without Clear Value
In some instances, an HVAC company will offer a low-cost service like an HVAC inspection to get their foot in the door before pressuring you to purchase additional parts or services. A common HVAC scam upsell involves claims of a refrigerant leak, indicating you need a new part or more refrigerant than is actually needed to make a sale off of you. If the technician can’t provide a clear cost breakdown or explain the benefit of the product or service, consider working with a provider you trust for a second opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common HVAC Scams
As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibility on your plate. If you’re overwhelmed or uncertain about what qualifies as an HVAC scam versus reputable service, find answers to common questions to alleviate concerns and help you feel confident in the HVAC company you choose to work with.
Is It Illegal To Replace Older HVAC Refrigerants?
HFC refrigerants are being phased out of newer HVAC models, so it is likely true that HFCs are harder to obtain and therefore more expensive. But they are not illegal as far as homeowners are concerned, and an HVAC company that truly cares about your needs will take the time to explain the pros and cons of upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, rather than scaring you into a purchase.
How Is A Cracked Heat Exchanger Properly Diagnosed?
A cracked heat exchanger is often identified during a visual inspection of your HVAC system, but a professional HVAC company will confirm the diagnosis with testing like a combustion analysis to detect carbon monoxide. You may also notice clues leading up to the diagnosis, such as soot build-up in your HVAC system, at-home carbon monoxide alarms alerting you to the gas or your furnace shutting off altogether. A professional HVAC inspector will document and confirm if a crack is present.
How Can I Tell If an HVAC Company Is Trying to Scam Me?
HVAC scams are designed to make you feel a false sense of urgency so you don’t have time to think about your purchase. If an HVAC business solicits you, demands payment upfront or refuses to provide transparent pricing, they are likely trying to trick you or trap you into spending money.
Should An HVAC Technician Show Me Proof Of A Problem?
If an HVAC inspection reveals a problem in your home’s heating and cooling system, proof is a natural expectation that a reputable HVAC business will provide. This may include detailed documentation, photos or results from readings they take to diagnose the issue. You can also ask to verify problems with your own eyes so you know recommendations are due to a legitimate concern, not a trick to take your money.
How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves From HVAC Scams
Sophisticated HVAC scams may be convincing, but you, the customer, ultimately have the power over your purchases. To protect yourself from false deals or claims, take the following measures:
- Get A Second Opinion: If you’re uncertain how to proceed or unclear if a real issue exists, hire a local HVAC company you can trust to provide a second opinion and personalized service that goes above and beyond just making a sale. Lozier Heating & Cooling always provides free second opinions for homeowners in Des Moines.
- Read Google Business Profile Reviews: Trust fellow community members who take the time to leave reviews for reputable companies to ensure you’re working with a legitimate business with your best interests in mind.
- Don’t Sign Agreements On The Spot: Avoid making same-day decisions and ask for time to consider your options and potentially request a second opinion.
- Ask To See For Yourself: If the only evidence you have of an issue detected during an HVAC inspection is a photo, ask to see the issue or receive footage for yourself to confirm.
- Get Regular HVAC Maintenance: Proactive HVAC maintenance provides documentation outlining the condition of your HVAC system so you can detect issues early and know when someone is trying to upsell you with a part or replacement you don’t need.
Choose An HVAC Company You Can Trust, Call Lozier Heating & Cooling
Lozier Heating & Cooling is proud to be a locally owned and operated HVAC company in Des Moines, with decades of proven experience helping homeowners stay comfortable in their homes. We offer free second opinions to ensure you’re receiving reliable advice and are readily available to provide maintenance, repair and replacements as needed. Call us at (515) 267-1000 or contact us online to request service from our trustworthy team.