Concerned Consumer in Calgary

I never write reviews but was so put off by my recent experience with Action Furnace that I want to caution others. My furnace went down recently and I had a serviceman from Action Furnace come out to diagnose the problem for $49.99. The gentleman was kind and courteous and quickly diagnosed the problem as being a seized blower inducer motor that would have to be replaced. Within minutes he estimated that it would cost around $800 for the replacement cost and install but would have to call around to find the part before providing an actual estimate. He went to his truck to call a supplier and build an estimate and while he was out I immediately looked up the part online (using the part number on the part in the furnace). I discovered variable prices online from high $80s into the mid $200s obviously causing me concern. When he came back I was quoted $840 for the part and install but he did not provide a break down for the part and labor. I raised my concern with his estimate and told him the prices I saw online in addition to the fact that I noticed the install would only consist of 4 screws, a blow tube attachment, and 2 easy electrical attachments. He agreed that it would only take him several minutes for the install, but, I would neither be able to purchase the motor myself nor for less than $600. I told him I was far too concerned with the price differential and that I would pay for the diagnostic and continue to research it myself. He agreed and left with no problem. I ended up purchasing the product myself from a local supplier that afternoon for $260 tax in and installed it myself with relative ease within 30mins. This is very alarming as there is close on $600 difference in the estimate I received (part and install) and cost of the part purchased on my own. This install would have taken an experienced servicemen much less time than me.... and would equate to a labor cost on the order of $580. Even if it took an hour to do with work, this labor cost would be outlandish and incredibly exploitive. This is a dishonest and unacceptable way to conduct practice by Action Furnace. I would highly recommend customers avoid this company and demand an itemized estimate of parts and labor costs when dealing with service companies. It is your right as a consumer to receive this information and verify costs before accepting an estimate.