With nearly 90% of households in the United States relying on air conditioning, it's vital to find a trustworthy repair service, especially during a heatwave. In this blog, we'll summarize a story from Inside Edition, which conducted a hidden camera investigation in a New Jersey home to test the integrity of various air conditioning companies.
Two highly experienced professionals, Michael Iarrapino of Edison Heating and Cooling and Michael Blouin of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Drain Cleaning, with over 70 years of combined experience, were brought in to create a minor issue with the home's AC system. They disconnected a low-voltage wire, which caused the outside unit to stop working—a problem they described as a quick, straightforward fix.
" 'All that needs to be done is reconnect the contact wires, and the unit will power back on,' said Iarrapino. 'Any technician should be able to identify this within five minutes.' "
Hidden cameras were installed in the home, and four local air conditioning companies were called in for repairs. Three companies, A.J. Perri, Weltman Home Services, and Binsky Home Services, quickly identified the loose wire and charged only a standard service fee.
On the other hand, a technician from Gold Medal Service took a different approach. After examining the unit, he claimed there was a leak in the system, stating that it was 'not cooling efficiently.' His estimate to fix this nonexistent problem was a staggering $1,700.
When Inside Edition confronted the technician about the fabricated leak, he quickly packed up his tools and left without further explanation. Despite multiple attempts to contact Gold Medal Service for comment, they did not respond.
This investigation highlighted the honesty and expertise of family-owned businesses like Edison Heating and Cooling and Petri Plumbing, who made the correct diagnosis, while larger companies like Gold Medal Service appeared more focused on inflating costs for unnecessary repairs.
" 'All that needs to be done is reconnect the contact wires, and the unit will power back on,' said Iarrapino. 'Any technician should be able to identify this within five minutes.' "
Hidden cameras were installed in the home, and four local air conditioning companies were called in for repairs. Three companies, A.J. Perri, Weltman Home Services, and Binsky Home Services, quickly identified the loose wire and charged only a standard service fee.
On the other hand, a technician from Gold Medal Service took a different approach. After examining the unit, he claimed there was a leak in the system, stating that it was 'not cooling efficiently.' His estimate to fix this nonexistent problem was a staggering $1,700.
When Inside Edition confronted the technician about the fabricated leak, he quickly packed up his tools and left without further explanation. Despite multiple attempts to contact Gold Medal Service for comment, they did not respond.
This investigation highlighted the honesty and expertise of family-owned businesses like Edison Heating and Cooling and Petri Plumbing, who made the correct diagnosis, while larger companies like Gold Medal Service appeared more focused on inflating costs for unnecessary repairs.
At ECI Comfort, we take pride in being a small, family-owned company that values integrity, fair pricing, and high-quality work. Our team is committed to providing honest assessments and reliable solutions for all of your HVAC needs. We treat every customer like family, ensuring that you receive the best service without unnecessary costs, high-pressure tactics, or upsells. With decades of experience and a dedication to doing things right, ECI Comfort is your trusted partner for heating and cooling solutions in Bucks County and surrounding areas.
Check out the testimonial below from one of our long-time customers!
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
