leaking air vent on radiator

Joe R

Why would a HVAC contractor not allow me to go to his location and purchase a new air vent for my rad? They said I needed a service call @ $150.00 to access the situation. the local HVAC supplier would NOT sell me a vent because I wasn't a contractor. Eventually I got a vent for $4.99 and everything is solved.
It really makes me sick to think that these tattooed repair people think that I am that stupid that I cannot repair a simple task. Perhaps society should stand up against rip off HVAC repairmen. Just maybe having a licence is BS and nothing more than a licence to rip us off.

Jamie Hall

Bit of a rant, there -- but if anyone wonders why on-line supply houses and places like the big boxes stores and Amazon are eating the local's lunch, there you have it.

KC_Jones

I would also add that trying to source a retail item through an HVAC install/service contractor wasn't the place to start. It's a retail item so you go to the store.

For perspective would you call a framing contractor to buy a 2x4 or would you go to the lumber yard?