As temperatures stay hot, keeping your house cool can be a challenge. Your BBB offers the following advice to keep your house cool and your air conditioner running properly.
When dealing with your air conditioner you can either hire someone to come inspect your system or you can do some of the maintenance work on your own.
If hiring someone, get at least three bids from companies. Also check to see if they are licensed with the state of Illinois at www.attorneygeneral.gov or 1-888-520-6680.
Once hired, make sure he or she checks the refrigerant, inspects the oil fans, and makes sure that wiring and switches are operating properly. Also, the outdoor coil in the unit should be chemically cleaned every year to ensure the unit is working efficiently.
If you are doing the maintenance work on your own, check the disposable filters (if you have them) every two months and replace them when necessary. You can also clean permanent filters as directed by the manufacturer and make cleaning duct outlets and registers a part of your regular housecleaning routine. Also make sure to leave the fan on the furnace continuously running. This will help keep air circulating and keep your house at an even temperature. If you live in a two story house and have high and low return air registers, make sure to close the bottom return and open the top return. This will pull the hot air off the ceiling to better cool your house. (Make sure to reverse the registers when you turn on your furnace.) You should also be sure to trim bushes and shrubs back 18” from the outdoor unit.
Having your unit inspected and cleaned every year will help increase your unit’s efficiency and cause fewer breakdowns.
For a list of BBB Accredited Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors in your service area, visit http://www.bbb.org/
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Keep Your Cool With BBB’s HVAC Tips
With temperatures continuing to stay hot and humid, a properly working Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is necessary in many households. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides the following tips on how to keep your current system working well and efficiently for the duration of this summer.
Maintenance Tips for Your HVAC System:
• Change the air filter monthly to make sure it stays clean.
• Have a technician clear the air conditioning drain yearly to avoid backup.
• Use air conditioner cleaner to clean the coils on your unit; make sure the power is off when you do this.
• Clear the area around the air conditioning unit of brush to make sure the unit can pull enough air in.
• Make sure the access panels are secure.
Energy Saving Tips:
• Keep your system well maintained and tune the equipment up yearly- the better shape your system is in, the more efficiently it will run.
• Get a programmable thermostat- with this, you can save energy when you are away from home by setting the thermostat to increase or decrease temperatures as you please.
• Seal your heating and cooling ducts- the less air that escapes your home, the better!
• Make sure doors and windows are shut and properly sealed as well.
• Update old equipment with newer, more energy efficient models to lower energy costs.
Maintenance Tips for Your HVAC System:
• Change the air filter monthly to make sure it stays clean.
• Have a technician clear the air conditioning drain yearly to avoid backup.
• Use air conditioner cleaner to clean the coils on your unit; make sure the power is off when you do this.
• Clear the area around the air conditioning unit of brush to make sure the unit can pull enough air in.
• Make sure the access panels are secure.
Energy Saving Tips:
• Keep your system well maintained and tune the equipment up yearly- the better shape your system is in, the more efficiently it will run.
• Get a programmable thermostat- with this, you can save energy when you are away from home by setting the thermostat to increase or decrease temperatures as you please.
• Seal your heating and cooling ducts- the less air that escapes your home, the better!
• Make sure doors and windows are shut and properly sealed as well.
• Update old equipment with newer, more energy efficient models to lower energy costs.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tips to Avoid Bank Fees
Banks have been given more restrictions on fees and interest rates, as a result the nation's banks are looking for extra pennies anywhere they can get them. Some of the fees you're seeing have been around for a while; you may be surprised where other fees are coming from. For this reason the Better Business Bureau is shedding light on some of these unexpected fees, and offering advice on how you can avoid them.
1.) Update your address. Moving? Don’t forget to update your bank on your new address. You could be hit with fees if your statement is sent to your old address. Some banks charge $5 and up in fees for the second and subsequent months that a statement is undeliverable. Some banks charge even higher rates for returned mail, and handling undeliverable mail.
2.) Talking to a human teller: With online banking, talking to a human teller is becoming a thing of the past. Some banks will charge monthly fees for customers to access branches and talk to tellers. Most banks usually offer an account that gives you free access to tellers. Be sure to check what your account entails before you sign up.
3.) Losing your debit card. When you lose your debit card, not only is your money at risk from thieves, you may also need to pay your bank to replace it. Find out how much it costs to replace a debit card before you sign up.
4.) Paper Statements. Banks have begun charging to send paper statements. By enrolling in online banking, you can avoid these fees. Also, it is more environmentally friendly!
5.) Requesting old statements: If you need to verify a charge, be prepared to pay. Banks may charge $3 to receive copies of checks, statements and deposit slips. Staff have to spend time finding old slips or looking up you account. To avoid this, sign up for online banking, you can look at old transactions on your own.
6.) Receiving money. It often costs money to wire people money, now many banks are charging for you to receive money. This charge can be avoided if you chose the right account. If you frequently wire transfers, be sure to sign up for an account that will not penalize you to do so.
7.) Redeeming reward points. Banks will often charge for you to redeem reward points you’ve earned. The only way to avoid this is to find a bank that does not have redemption fees.
Some final tips to avoid unwanted fees are:
• Always read the fine print when you sign up for checking accounts.
• Avoid the automatic opt-in overdraft protection and do your best to live within your means and not overspend.
• Take note of your balance.
• Locate and use ATMs that won't charge you a fee.
• Automate payments so you'll be able to better monitor your balance.
1.) Update your address. Moving? Don’t forget to update your bank on your new address. You could be hit with fees if your statement is sent to your old address. Some banks charge $5 and up in fees for the second and subsequent months that a statement is undeliverable. Some banks charge even higher rates for returned mail, and handling undeliverable mail.
2.) Talking to a human teller: With online banking, talking to a human teller is becoming a thing of the past. Some banks will charge monthly fees for customers to access branches and talk to tellers. Most banks usually offer an account that gives you free access to tellers. Be sure to check what your account entails before you sign up.
3.) Losing your debit card. When you lose your debit card, not only is your money at risk from thieves, you may also need to pay your bank to replace it. Find out how much it costs to replace a debit card before you sign up.
4.) Paper Statements. Banks have begun charging to send paper statements. By enrolling in online banking, you can avoid these fees. Also, it is more environmentally friendly!
5.) Requesting old statements: If you need to verify a charge, be prepared to pay. Banks may charge $3 to receive copies of checks, statements and deposit slips. Staff have to spend time finding old slips or looking up you account. To avoid this, sign up for online banking, you can look at old transactions on your own.
6.) Receiving money. It often costs money to wire people money, now many banks are charging for you to receive money. This charge can be avoided if you chose the right account. If you frequently wire transfers, be sure to sign up for an account that will not penalize you to do so.
7.) Redeeming reward points. Banks will often charge for you to redeem reward points you’ve earned. The only way to avoid this is to find a bank that does not have redemption fees.
Some final tips to avoid unwanted fees are:
• Always read the fine print when you sign up for checking accounts.
• Avoid the automatic opt-in overdraft protection and do your best to live within your means and not overspend.
• Take note of your balance.
• Locate and use ATMs that won't charge you a fee.
• Automate payments so you'll be able to better monitor your balance.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Home Exercise Equipment Listing Alert
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is alerting consumers to watch out for too-good-to-be-true offers from online listings advertising home exercise equipment at a 50% discount in some cases. They say that after paying for their exercise equipment with Green Dot MoneyPak gift cards, the merchandise they ordered was not delivered and the scammers dropped out of contact.
These scammers are allegedly moving from ad to ad, website to website, making the same fraudulent offer. The most recent bogus site -- offering discounted home exercise equipment -- reported to the BBB was www.directhomefitness.com
To avoid falling for this scam, the BBB advises consumers to:
• Be wary of websites or Craigslist advertisements linking to websites where home exercise equipment is offered at steep discounts.
• Be suspicious of websites that ask customers to wire money or pay with a MoneyPak gift card. Consumers should never give their MoneyPak number to someone they don't know.
• Beware of websites requesting MoneyPak as a form of payment even if they display the MoneyPak or Green Dot logo. Consumers should check www.moneypak.com for a list of approved MoneyPak partners.
• Treat your MoneyPak card like cash. Transactions cannot be reversed.
• Make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy business by visiting www.bbb.org
Consumers who have been scammed by fraudulent offers like this should contact their local law enforcement and file a claim, as well as file complaints with the FTC (www.ftc.gov) and at www.ic3.gov
Also contact your Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org/
These scammers are allegedly moving from ad to ad, website to website, making the same fraudulent offer. The most recent bogus site -- offering discounted home exercise equipment -- reported to the BBB was www.directhomefitness.com
To avoid falling for this scam, the BBB advises consumers to:
• Be wary of websites or Craigslist advertisements linking to websites where home exercise equipment is offered at steep discounts.
• Be suspicious of websites that ask customers to wire money or pay with a MoneyPak gift card. Consumers should never give their MoneyPak number to someone they don't know.
• Beware of websites requesting MoneyPak as a form of payment even if they display the MoneyPak or Green Dot logo. Consumers should check www.moneypak.com for a list of approved MoneyPak partners.
• Treat your MoneyPak card like cash. Transactions cannot be reversed.
• Make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy business by visiting www.bbb.org
Consumers who have been scammed by fraudulent offers like this should contact their local law enforcement and file a claim, as well as file complaints with the FTC (www.ftc.gov) and at www.ic3.gov
Also contact your Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org/
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Madigan Alerts Consumers to Dangers of Fuel Gel in Firepots
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging consumers to immediately stop using fuel gels in firepots due to their serious potential for causing severe burns.
Recent media reports have brought to light severe and even life-threatening burns and injuries suffered by people using the scented fuel gels, which are poured into firepots for use as outdoor candles. Reports show consumers were injured when they added more fuel into the pot in an attempt to light or re-light the firepot, causing the product to explode into a fireball. One manufacturer, Napa Home & Garden Inc., already has pulled its products from Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide as it reviews product labeling for safety, and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has opened an investigation into fire gels.
“Fuel gels can be extremely dangerous, and yet most people are unaware of the burn risks they pose,” Attorney General Madigan said.
Attorney General Madigan urged Illinoisans to stop using fuel gels while the CPSC investigates. Madigan also called on business owners to pull all fuel gels from shelves and for consumers to report firepots or fuel gels they see on store shelves to her office.
Any consumer who suffers an injury after using fire gel should immediately report it to the CPSC by calling its hotline at (800) 638-2772 or (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired.
Consumers seeking more information can contact Madigan’s Product Recall Hotline at (888) 414-7678, TTY (800) 964-3012 and (866) 310-8398 for Spanish speakers.
Recent media reports have brought to light severe and even life-threatening burns and injuries suffered by people using the scented fuel gels, which are poured into firepots for use as outdoor candles. Reports show consumers were injured when they added more fuel into the pot in an attempt to light or re-light the firepot, causing the product to explode into a fireball. One manufacturer, Napa Home & Garden Inc., already has pulled its products from Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide as it reviews product labeling for safety, and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has opened an investigation into fire gels.
“Fuel gels can be extremely dangerous, and yet most people are unaware of the burn risks they pose,” Attorney General Madigan said.
Attorney General Madigan urged Illinoisans to stop using fuel gels while the CPSC investigates. Madigan also called on business owners to pull all fuel gels from shelves and for consumers to report firepots or fuel gels they see on store shelves to her office.
Any consumer who suffers an injury after using fire gel should immediately report it to the CPSC by calling its hotline at (800) 638-2772 or (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired.
Consumers seeking more information can contact Madigan’s Product Recall Hotline at (888) 414-7678, TTY (800) 964-3012 and (866) 310-8398 for Spanish speakers.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Scam Alert: Possible Identity Theft Scam Source Identified
The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern IL, Inc. has been notified by a reputable source that the website 4theglorycharity.com(http://4theglorycharity.com/) may be the source of a scam offering.
This organization, which is reportedly based in Washington, D.C., is said to be offering funds, possible falsely, in exchange for personal information, including Social Security Numbers. Take notice that the giving away of Social Security Numbers is often involved identity theft scams and the public in general should be advised against taking that action.
Authorities have been alerted regarding this matter. For further information regarding Consumer Safety, please visit the Chicago BBB at chicago.bbb.org.
This organization, which is reportedly based in Washington, D.C., is said to be offering funds, possible falsely, in exchange for personal information, including Social Security Numbers. Take notice that the giving away of Social Security Numbers is often involved identity theft scams and the public in general should be advised against taking that action.
Authorities have been alerted regarding this matter. For further information regarding Consumer Safety, please visit the Chicago BBB at chicago.bbb.org.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Better Business Bureau Advises: Weigh the Pros and Cons of Tech Buy-Back Offers
Today’s technology is constantly being updated with models showcasing newer, faster features. To keep up with the latest tech-trend, many consumers are tempted by retailer buy-back programs. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to weigh the pros and cons of these programs before parting with their money.
Typical buy-back programs come in the form of a one-time fee required at the time of the original purchase. To avoid falling behind the latest technology, consumers opt-in to these programs to ensure their gadget doesn’t go stale. As long as it’s in good condition, many buy-back programs allow you to trade-up items such as your cell phone, laptop, tablet, and television for a percentage of its current value. Usually this credit will come in the form of a gift card that may be used toward the purchase of a newer model.
“If you are an individual that likes to say on top of the latest technology, a buy-back program may be for you,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “However, as with anything else, you will need to do your research to find out if the program is worth the cost.”
The BBB provides the following information to consumers considering a retailer’s buy-back program:
Buy-back programs can provide a sense of insurance on your product. Buy-back programs essentially guarantee a resale value, meaning they act as insurance against loss of value. But like any insurance policy, its true value can become nominal and hard to define. Before becoming a member of a buy-back program, make sure to read the fine print. Many buy-back options have conditions and constraints that could ultimately keep you from being able to sell back your used gadget.
Remember that the interest of the retailer is usually at heart. In exchange for your old gadget, your return will come back in the form of a gift card more times than not. This plan and gift card means you are locked into the issuing retailer for your next technology purchase. Not to mention, you may end up paying triple the sales tax when all exchanges are said and done. While sales tax rules vary from state to state and buy-back programs vary from program to program, you are the one responsible for paying the tax. By paying the tax once when you buy the item and again when you return it, and then again when you use the gift card, you may end up paying triple the tax in the end.
Gadget-buy backs are not ideal for the forgetful or the disorganized. If you haven’t saved your original receipts, power cords and manuals, you could be at a loss or your payout could be less than expected. Many buy-back programs insist that the original items be brought back to the store at the time of the exchange.
Mobile phone contracts are not covered. When you purchase a new phone and add the retailer’s buy-back program, you can resell your phone back to the retailer for the agreed upon dollar amount. Keep in mind that even when you sell your phone back to the retailer, your cell phone provider will keep billing you for the duration of your contract.
You can compromise your identity. Before selling your electronics back to the retailer be sure to take care of your personal data. Many electronic items such as your smartphone or laptop can hold a great deal of personal information. If this information gets into the wrong hands, your identity could be compromised. Be sure to fully wipe out all personal data before reselling to a retailer.
You could get more for your electronic gadgets elsewhere. Reselling electronics is not new. Many consumers use sites like eBay and Craigslist to sell their gadgets. In most instances you could get more for your electronics by using these sites than opting for a retailer’s buy-back program.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
Typical buy-back programs come in the form of a one-time fee required at the time of the original purchase. To avoid falling behind the latest technology, consumers opt-in to these programs to ensure their gadget doesn’t go stale. As long as it’s in good condition, many buy-back programs allow you to trade-up items such as your cell phone, laptop, tablet, and television for a percentage of its current value. Usually this credit will come in the form of a gift card that may be used toward the purchase of a newer model.
“If you are an individual that likes to say on top of the latest technology, a buy-back program may be for you,” said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “However, as with anything else, you will need to do your research to find out if the program is worth the cost.”
The BBB provides the following information to consumers considering a retailer’s buy-back program:
Buy-back programs can provide a sense of insurance on your product. Buy-back programs essentially guarantee a resale value, meaning they act as insurance against loss of value. But like any insurance policy, its true value can become nominal and hard to define. Before becoming a member of a buy-back program, make sure to read the fine print. Many buy-back options have conditions and constraints that could ultimately keep you from being able to sell back your used gadget.
Remember that the interest of the retailer is usually at heart. In exchange for your old gadget, your return will come back in the form of a gift card more times than not. This plan and gift card means you are locked into the issuing retailer for your next technology purchase. Not to mention, you may end up paying triple the sales tax when all exchanges are said and done. While sales tax rules vary from state to state and buy-back programs vary from program to program, you are the one responsible for paying the tax. By paying the tax once when you buy the item and again when you return it, and then again when you use the gift card, you may end up paying triple the tax in the end.
Gadget-buy backs are not ideal for the forgetful or the disorganized. If you haven’t saved your original receipts, power cords and manuals, you could be at a loss or your payout could be less than expected. Many buy-back programs insist that the original items be brought back to the store at the time of the exchange.
Mobile phone contracts are not covered. When you purchase a new phone and add the retailer’s buy-back program, you can resell your phone back to the retailer for the agreed upon dollar amount. Keep in mind that even when you sell your phone back to the retailer, your cell phone provider will keep billing you for the duration of your contract.
You can compromise your identity. Before selling your electronics back to the retailer be sure to take care of your personal data. Many electronic items such as your smartphone or laptop can hold a great deal of personal information. If this information gets into the wrong hands, your identity could be compromised. Be sure to fully wipe out all personal data before reselling to a retailer.
You could get more for your electronic gadgets elsewhere. Reselling electronics is not new. Many consumers use sites like eBay and Craigslist to sell their gadgets. In most instances you could get more for your electronics by using these sites than opting for a retailer’s buy-back program.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
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