Angie's List: Air duct, carpet cleaning

If the deal looks to good to be true, it just may be.

Angie Hicks, founder of the consumer group Angie's List, says "With consumers looking for a lot of deals companies are taking advantage of that. We're seeing a lot of advertising for great deals, but the key is consumers need to understand exactly what they are getting to be sure that the deal is that's being promised is truly a deal."

According to our partners at Angie's List, often times so-called bargains end up costing consumers time, money and trouble.

Hicks says, "We've heard reports about carpet installation, for example, where you might see carpet installation for $100 for a whole house or even less. What we found is that is just an initial cost. There might be additional costs for taking out old carpet or moving furniture. Consumers need to understand what the total cost is because it's not unusual for a good quality carpet installation to cost as few hundred dollars."

Angie's List tips for carpet installation:

· Many Angie's List members have submitted reports saying they were billed extra for costs that weren't revealed prior to the purchase, overcharged for carpet they didn't need, and were left with installers, subcontracted out by the carpet retailer, who did substandard work.
· Often these unhappy members responded to advertisements offering whole-house installation from $139 to as low as $37, provided the consumer purchases the carpet from the advertiser. After buying the carpet, the customers found out they'd be charged extra for things like measuring the carpet, moving furniture and removing and hauling away the original carpet.
· A homeowner with an average-sized single family home should expect to spend several hundred dollars or more for a quality installation from a qualified professional.

Hicks goes on to say, "I think sometimes even some products might have a scare factor. For example, an alarm company, I want to protect my family from someone breaking in. Consumers need to be cautious and not get too emotional on their decisions and make sure that is the right purchase and it's the right price for their family before they jump - don't act on impulse."

Angie's List provides these tips for home alarms:
· Properly installed and used home security systems have proven effective. Studies show that about two-thirds of burglaries attempted on security-armed homes will fail. Consumers should be careful about what they buy, how it's installed and monitored.
· Beware the aggressive home alarm sales person who uses scare tactics to pressure you into a sale and/or a long-term monitoring contract. Often these techniques are practiced by companies who don't properly install the systems they sell. If you're pressured to buy right away by a stranger at your door, end the discussion and look for a service company that has an address and a reputation you can check out.
· Home security systems range from the basics to the highly complex and prices range from $100 to more than $1,000. Monthly monitoring fees average between $20-50 depending on the level of service options.

Angie's List tips for air duct cleaning:
· While customers who use reliable air duct cleaning companies rave about the results, there's no scientific evidence that regular duct cleaning improves air quality. But even those who doubt what they can't prove say there's value in having clean ducts.
· Most unreliable air duct sales pitches have two components: a low, low price and startling information on the dangers your duct work pose to you and your family - especially those with respiratory illnesses. Some even claim special certification for their service.
· Allowing an unqualified contractor to clean your ducts, however, could be worse than never having them cleaned. Particulates could be broken up and released into your home, or your HVAC system could be damaged. Some companies advertise cleanings for as little as $49. A reliable cleaning will cost at least $400, take several hours to accomplish, require more than one worker and involve costly equipment.