Don't Get Burned At The Door
The doorbell rings, you pause and ask yourself ‘am I expecting someone?’ When you open the door, it could be a child selling cookies or a stranger with a clipboard. We all like cookies, but beware, not everyone at the door has a sweet deal for you.
No matter what the offer is on a product or service, remember it’s your doorstep and your decision. Many Ontarians have unfortunately discovered the ‘deal’ they signed up for includes long-term commitments, exit fees or high rental rates - especially when it comes to contracts to do with your home comfort needs such as heating and air, electricity and water heaters.
What They May Tell You
Some door-to-door sales agents employ unscrupulous tactics when it comes to trying to make a sale. Below are examples of misleading practices some door-to-door salespeople employ.
- Telling you that your current provider is no longer in business and they are taking over the contract and service of your water heater
- Dressing as a technician and saying they’re in the neighborhood to schedule water heater replacements
- Implying they represent the government or a utility
- Showing you safety bulletins implying your water heater isn’t safe anymore and that you have to replace it
- Telling you incorrectly that if your water heater is over a certain age, it’s inefficient
- Showing you pictures of water heaters cut in half to show corrosion inside, implying your water heater is in the same condition
- Citing savings of up to 30% that only applies when switching from electric to gas
- Describing a locked-in term as a "guarantee and maintenance plan"
What They May Not Tell You
- Who they are working for
- That you may be locked into a long-term contract
- If you try to break the contract there may be high exit fees
- That their rental rates are higher than your current provider
- Significant energy savings may only apply if a customer converts from an electric water heater to a natural gas water heater
- Even replacing a 15 year-old water heater will only save about $6.30 a month in energy costs, before you even consider the cost of the water heater1
- Water heaters are designed to work for years without accumulating rust buildup
- Water heaters are installed according to the code at the time of installation
