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February 19, 2007

Heating contract Advice

We have had a heating service contract with Keyspan for a few years, but never had cause to call them. Today, woke up with no heat, called before 8am, and repairman finally showed up 10 hours later. Is that typical of ALL heating repairs? Should I just consider myself lucky they showed up at all? After waiting 9 1/2 hours with no show, I finally called a 2nd plumber, and was given a window within 3 hours. What has other people's experiences been?

Posted by anon at 12:22 AM | Comments (4)

Comments

I use to have Keyspans service plan too. Keyspan can be very busy this time of year so you never know how long you can be waiting for service. I found that I was better off just calling a few plumbers when the boiler breaks down. Over time, service contracts can cost you more money, it's a form of insurance. I feel I was better off just paying for service when I needed it.

Posted by: Rick at February 19, 2007 1:05 AM

Thanks, Rick. One reason I purchased the Keyspan service contract is because they promise you "priority" service over people without the service contract. So I was happy to pay for that kind of "insurance" because I know how hard it can be to find someone in an emergency. But I guess their definition of "priority" isn't what it seems. Or they don't have enough plumbers to cover their work.

My biggest issue with them is that they promise to come soon and then don't. Had they told me up front that no one would show up for 10 hours, I would have happily called someone else and paid for it instead of freezing with my kids and tenants.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 19, 2007 7:53 AM

Yes you got priority service. Most plumbers would not come out for several days when the temperature drops.

Posted by: Anonymous at February 19, 2007 8:39 AM

"Most plumbers would not come out for several days when the temperature drops." NO! The yellow pages are full of plumbers who are busy 24-7. All you have to do is pick up the phone and make a few calls to a handful of plumbers. Tell them you need service ASAP. If they can't get to you in 3 hour window, call someone who will.

Posted by: Rick at February 19, 2007 9:55 AM

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