Unfortunately, as this News 12 expose’ reveals, not all geothermal HVAC installers are looking out for their customers’ best interests.  Geothermal HVAC Installer Scams Consumers
We have received a spate of phone calls from potential customers regarding the alleged unscrupulous activities of a competitor whose prices and promised incentives seemed to be too good to be true. Unfortunately, downpayments were not held in escrow, as per local consumer affairs laws, and many trusting, green-minded consumers have been left with nothing to show for their investment. Even worse, some who have had there installations started now have no recourse because their projects were started and now the contractor in question is reported to be in bankruptcy proceedings.
Although we have received numerous calls asking us to take over installations in progress, it is a difficult decision for us. Although we want to help consumers who may have been duped, in many instances they have no record of what has been installed. There are no plans and no detailed proposal or specifications. As a result, we have no idea what has been installed as a ground loop heat exchanger. Without knowledge of the bore depths, piping size and material, manifold sizing or grout used, it is impossible for us to determine whether or not what has been installed can be used for its intended purpose. Simply connecting to terminated piping isn’t an option since we have no idea what capacity could be achieved, what Reynolds numbers are involved, what the pressure drop for pumping requirements is and what thermal conductivity was figured. Not only does this open up the potential for liability and future warranty issues, it also leaves concern for potential environmental impact.
This also creates a massive public relations problem for our industry and a proven technology. It is our hope that these consumers can find relief and that we can find a way to help them. However, this does reinforce the fact that consumers need to do their homework and check with the Department of Consumer Affairs and /or the Better Business Bureau before doing business with any home improvement contractor.
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