THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017
THE CHATHAM VOICE
Mutual Funds RRSPs TFSAs
PAGE 3
News
Andrew Pereira, Consultant 245 St. Clair St., Chatham Call: 519-358-1115 ext.226 email: andrew.pereira@investorsgroup.com
Local residents want out of furnace contract
turned back on for 30 on the process. “I’ve never seen any- days until a permanent CTV’s Kevin Newthing like it. This is the fix could be made. man called it a “hardworst I’ve ever seen,” That permanent fix core sell that’s traphe said, referring to is going to be the re- ping thousands.” the workmanship and moval of the furnace, Brooke urged resiinstallation. “Nothing followed by a proper dents to be wary of was installed to the installation of anoth- door-to-door sales efmanufacturer’s spec- er furnace, one large forts, and to ensure inifications. And the enough to heat the stallers are qualified to home was damaged in home. do the work. a couple of spots.” Cabral said the plan “The Ontario College Cabral and Absolute is to “rip everything of Trades, you can go Comfort office man- out, including the wir- on their website to ager Cindy Brooke ing, and leave it in his make sure an installer contacted the Ontar- (Gadal’s) garage.” is licensed,” she said. io College of Trades “Absolute Comfort Nicole Da Silva in on behalf of Gadal to will put in my new Chatham-Kent Essex complain about the furnace, once I get rid MPP Rick Nicholls’ workmanship. of my old one,” Gadal office said she’s workHe said he was im- said. ing on the matter on pressed by the quick Green Planet officials Gadal’s behalf. And action by the College did not return phone it’s not the only doorof Trades. calls by press time. to-door furnace issue “I am amazed at how Gadal admitted he on her plate. much they helped us should have read the High-pressure sales out,” Cabral said. “We fine print in the con- teams often target secalled, explaining the tract he signed, as the niors, and she urges problem and an in- payment plan of $158 people to take the time spector was there that a month is in place to think about things afternoon. These guys for the next 15 years. before signing any are good.” There are allowances contract. The Technical Stan- in the contract for in“The biggest thing dards Safety Author- creases in rental fees of that I would say to ity (TSSA) then sent in excess of three per people who are visited someone out who im- cent per year, as well. by door-to-door commediately condemned By the end of that panies is be very, very the furnace installa- contract, Gadal would careful and do your tion and had Union have paid upwards of research online,” she Gas personnel shut off $30,000 for the furnace said. the gas. and air conditioner. “Talk to family, talk According to docuAnd he wouldn’t to neighbours. Ask for ments from the TSSA, have owned it. references,” she addthe installation was “We’re just renting ed. “Do your due dildeficient in three ar- it,” he said. igence and look at it eas. The exhaust and Gadal has stopped from all aspects.” intake venting wasn’t payments to Green Da Silva said the installed to the man- Planet and wants them long-term leases on ufacturer’s certified to come and get their furnaces and air coninstructions, there equipment. ditioners leave people was insufficient serDoor-to-door furnace paying four or five vice clearance, and the sales have garnered times as much as they venting needed to be national attention re- should for the equipsupported. cently, and not for ment and installation. Cabral said his crew any good reasons. The “The same equipmade a few adjust- CTV newsmagazine ment at your local ments just so Gadal show W5 opened its company would not could haveJan, his2017 gas season with a report costEOR#7752 $6,000,” Run Date: Chatham Voice (10.333" x 2.143")even Full Colour
Continued from page 1
30 th ANNUAL
EVENT
she said. “But many people can’t afford to pay $6,000 for a new furnace. The monthly payments are very doable, so they are providing a service. But in the long run, it’s best to go local.” Da Silva said a bill is working its way through the Legislature that will help consumers against high-pressure sales teams. “The Putting Consumers First Act has only passed second reading and it’s not yet law. It’s supported by all parties,” she said. “Basically it will provide protection when contracts are signed. It’s more of a recourse for consumers, and helps get their complaints handled appropriately.” • For more more images, check out our website, chathamvoice.com.
15-50
%
OFF*
ALL IN-STOCK FLOORING
January 9th – 28th
Bruce Corcoran/The Chatham Voice
Homeowner Larry Gadal is less than impressed with the recent installation of his furnace and air conditioner by an out-of-town firm.
SHEET VINYL LAMINATE AREA RUGS HARDWOOD CARPET LUXURY VINYL
Brand Name Flooring. Low Prices. Always in Stock.
ENDOFTHEROLL.COM
Chatham
635 St. Clair St | 519.354.4000 No payment, no interest options available. *See store for details.