If you think you’ve found a great deal for a heating or cooling product on a direct-to-consumer web site, thoroughly check it out. Many online HVAC selling sites give the false impression that they are operated by, approved, sponsored or otherwise endorsed by Rheem. Rheem has closely monitored this growing problem along with the industry’s most prominent professional contractor association and is the first manufacturer to speak out on the subject to create greater awareness of potential problems that can result from these practices.

 

Many direct-to-consumer sales sites will sell and deliver heating and cooling products without a professional on-site inspection to determine specification requirement critical to meeting manufacturer operating requirements. The result is often mis-fit, inefficient system whose expected life is comprised as a result. 

 

Homeowners who buy heating and cooling products online from distant sellers oftentimes need to scramble to find a local professional contractor willing to install a product he has not sold. What mayhave been saved on the initial purchase can quickly be lost to installation costs or when a local professional contractor finds that the equipment purchased is incorrect for your application. Installation of heating and cooling equipment is complex and can be dangerous without professional training. Only trained professionals should install HVAC equipment; in many areas, a license is required to install and service HVAC equipment.  

 

Rheem has established an aggressive policy to thwart unapproved online, direct-to-consumer sales of Rheem-branded products. The policy protects homeowners from the vulnerabilities and potential dangers associated with unapproved Web and Internet auction sites.  

 

In addition, the policy can help ensure homeowners receive dependable product quality as well as the full benefit of the Rheem factory warranty.

 

Among the many provisions of the policy is one that makes it inappropriate to offer for sale or to sell any Rheem HVAC product direct to consumers over the Internet, without an in-house visit and inspection by a qualified, trained HVAC professional.

 

“Rheem is proud to be the first HVAC manufacturer taking aggressive action to fight Internet piracy and all other unlawful uses of our intellectual property that threaten to undermine the value of our brand,” said Rheem President and C.O.O., J.R. Jones.  “Our top priority is to provide homeowners with a dependable product, and aggressive action today ensures our customers know Rheem is committed to protecting them.”

 

For more information about the Rheem Internet Sales Policy, please contact your local Rheem contractor or click on the flashing Consumer Protection Warning button at www.Rheemac.com for more information.