Free AC Inspection Bait-and-Switch

How This Scam Works

Companies advertise $39–$79 tune-ups or free inspections through mailers, Facebook ads, or door-to-door. A technician arrives and runs through a checklist, then delivers alarming news: your refrigerant is "critically low," your capacitor is "failing," your coil is "dangerous," or your system has "3 months left." They quote $400–$2,000 in repairs on the spot. Some technicians actually remove refrigerant to simulate a low charge, or show you a capacitor reading that looks out of spec but isn't. In Texas summers, the pressure to agree immediately is high — your AC is right there and it's 95 outside.

Warning Signs

• Advertised price is suspiciously low ($39–$79) for a full tune-up
• Technician finds expensive problems on every single visit
• Won't show you the actual meter readings or let you photograph the equipment
• Pressure to authorize repair on the same visit, before you can get a second opinion
• Claims your refrigerant needs refilling every year (sealed systems don't lose refrigerant unless there's a leak)
• Can't provide a written diagnosis report with model/serial numbers and specific readings

What To Do Instead

For any repair over $200 recommended during a tune-up visit, get a second opinion before authorizing work. Ask to see the actual gauge readings on your refrigerant — proper charge is verifiable. A trustworthy HVAC company won't pressure same-day decisions on non-emergency repairs.