SMYRNA, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Better Business Bureau says residents need to do their homework before calling a company to repair their air conditioning units.
In this extreme heat, the BBB warned some repairmen will try to rip people off who are desperate to keep cool.
"There are opportunists out there," said Fred Elsberry, BBB president and CEO in Atlanta.
Like other companies, Bartlett Heating & Cooling said it has been swamped with calls during this heat wave.
Service technician Rick Sonnenberg said he has seen a host of problems, from broken compressors to leaky refrigerant.
He suggests residents check companies' web sites for reviews and talk to friends to find a reputable repair company.
Sonnenberg also said while your home may not feel cool, your air conditioner may be running just fine.
"You're going to have a case where it's not going to be able to satisfy the thermostat, especially if you set it to a lower temperature in the lower 70's," said Sonnenberg. "It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the unit, it just means the unit can't keep up."
The BBB said if a company says a homeowner needs major work on their A-C unit, it's always wise to get a second opinion.
"If two other people come out and they tell you the same thing, then you'll feel comfortable that you in fact need to have that done," said Elsberry.
The BBB also suggests checking the agency's web site, bbb.org, to find out how AC companies are rated.
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