PRLog (Press Release)– Mar 28, 2011– Customary methods of lowering heating bills include improving insulation and sealing cold air leaks. BBB, however, warns consumers to beware of people selling devices with promises that they will perform like insulation or significantly reducing heating costs.
These energy-saving mechanisms can cost between $40 and $6000. Some of the gadgets are of questionable value while others are outright bogus.
The scam usually begins with a postcard inviting the recipient to attend a dinner to hear a pitch about energy-saving options for the home.
Based on BBB experience, many people who attend these seminars are seniors who are looking for ways to bring down high energy bills. Once the pitch is over, the participants are persuaded to allow the company to visit their homes for an inspection to determine what can be done to lower those bills. Complaints to BBBs across the country say the sales representatives typically come from another state and are difficult to contact once the work has been done. Other reports detail shoddy workmanship installing the product.
According to Connecticut BBB President, Paulette Scarpetti, "Consumers are looking for ways to reduce their monthly energy costs. Scammers know this and try to capitalize on it. The way to protect yourself is by looking into these kinds of products and their sellers' claims."
One of the many questionable home energy-saving devices being touted is a do-it-yourself blueprint to construct a 60-120 watt solar panel array for under $200. The website http://www.open4energy.com/ labels the kit a scam, describing it as "Worthless plans to build a technically unfeasible project."
BBB urges consumers to do some research before agreeing t alfa romeo o any energy saving sales pitches:
Get advice on energy-saving tips that you can implement at home with the help of local experts. Contact your utility company to set a conservation target for your household. Energy suppliers offer free tools and resources to help reduce your energy consumption.
Avoid unsolicited door-to-door sales calls and high pressure pitches from contractors offering furnaces, windows, roofing and other home improvement projects. Carefully read any energy-savings claims and get information about products' performance before signing a contract or spending any money on them.
Make sure contractors are licensed and reputable: Ask friends and family for referrals, and the contractor for references. If any electrical work is required to install a device, ve chrysler rify that the electrician is licensed and registered, and check other consumers' experiences with the company at http:// www.bbb.org.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel a signed contract if you sign it in your home or a location other than the contractor's permanent place of business, such as a hotel/motel or restaurant.
If you are unable to resolve an issue regarding the sales pitch, contract or device, file a complaint at http://www.bbb.org/.
< acura href="http://todaynewsmatic.com/category/cadillac">cadillac p>The easiest way to save money on home heating doesn't cost a cent: Turn down the thermostat a few degrees and turn off your appliances, lights and other devices when they are not in use.Get automobile news and garbage compactor
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