Air con scams are all over social media right now — experts reveal the red flags to look out for when shopping for air con and how to check if it’s legitimate

With this summer on track to be the hottest on record, the demand for cooling products like fans, portable ACs and even fitted units has skyrocketed.

This unprecedented demand has seen these appliances fly out of stock in record time, and well before the end of the summer. This means if people want to get their hands on portable or fitted air con units, they are likely to act fast.

But sadly, when this happens, all too often, we see an increase in scammers coming out of the woodwork, duping customers with too-good-to-be-true claims and prices, and hoping that they will miss red flags in their haste to nab such a sought after product.

Both The Guardian and the BBC have reported on an influx of fake websites and sub-par fitted and portable cooling products claiming levels of performance they can't uphold. I spoke to air con and consumer experts who shared their tips for identifying the scams and ensuring you aren't a victim.

How to spot an air conditioning scam online

Whether it's fitted air con or portable air con units, multiple scams are doing the rounds, hoping to take advantage of unsuspecting households looking to keep their homes comfortable. So it's important you understand the red flags to look out for.

'Air conditioning scams can take many forms. Most of them come through malicious ads, text messages, and emails,' explains Paul Bischoff, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Comparitech. 'These promise quality work for prices that seem too good to be true, because they are. These could take the form of phishing scams that steal your personal and payment info, or advanced fee scams that ask for payment up front.'

So how can you spot an air conditioning scam? 'Scammers often take advantage when temperatures rise, demand for air conditioners increases and trusted retailers sell out,' says Chris Michael, founder of Meaco. 'Consumers can protect themselves by checking the seller as carefully as the product. An unfamiliar website offering stock that is unavailable everywhere else should prompt further checks before making a purchase.'

These are the red flags to look out for:

• Prices that seem too good to be true, including huge discounts, or a price significantly above the normal price
• Exaggerated claims of performance around temperature drops and energy usage
• Lots of 'last one remaining' messaging that puts the pressure on you to rush the buying process
• Claims of a model in stock at an unfamiliar website or on social media, but sold out everywhere else
• Customer reviews that claim dramatic results, or seem vague or repetitive, and a lack of independent media reviews
• No verifiable contact information or complaints procedure and a lack of verified social media accounts
• Lack of information on delivery, returns/refunds, and warranties as well as customer support
• Limited or unusual online payment options, like crypto or direct bank transfer

'The recent spell of hot weather has created unprecedented demand for air conditioning across the UK,' explains Philip Davis, Director of Island HVAC Systems and Checkatrade Sustainability Champion Award winner. 'While that's good news for the industry, it's also brought a significant increase in companies offering installations with little real experience of designing, installing and commissioning air conditioning systems.

'As a specialist contractor, we're seeing a worrying trend. Every year we're called out to rectify installations carried out by others, but this year the number of enquiries to investigate poor workmanship, incorrect installations and underperforming systems has increased dramatically.'

How to avoid an air conditioning scam online

If you aren't sure if want you are seeing is legitimate, then it's important to do a few checks

• If it looks like the website of a well-known retailer, double check the URL and make sure it matches the official website. You can also Google the retailer to find the official website, and then see if you can find the product using the official retailer website's search function.
• Google similar products on other websites to get a sense of how much other retailers are selling them for and whether they are in stock. If you've seen a price that is massively lower, then there's a chance it's too good to be true.
• Check for independent reviews of the product on other websites. Here at Ideal Home, we review loads of products in our own homes, so you can get a real sense of whether they live up to the claims.
• If you don't recognise the retailer name, look for independent reviews and verify UK addresses and working telephone numbers
• Keep an eye out for information on refunds and returns, as well as customer complaints and warranty information.

Chris at Meaco also shared the green flags to look out for when buying cooling products online:

• The seller appears on the manufacturer’s authorised retailer list, where one is available
• The retailer has an established trading history and independently verified customer reviews
• The website provides a verifiable UK address and working contact details
• Delivery, returns, refunds and warranty terms are clearly explained
• The retailer offers secure, recognised payment options
• The product has credible independent reviews from established publications
• The price remains consistent with the manufacturer’s recommended retail price.

How to identify and avoid an air conditioning scam in person

It's also important to be vigilant when air conditioning engineers come to your home, and there are some red flags to look out for there too:

• They knocked on your door without you arranging it
• They offer an amazing price, but only if you commit then and there
• They can fit it straight away, or pressure you to fit it by a certain date
• They don't do a thorough assessment of your home, taking measures and looking both inside and out
• They're vague about examples of their work, their certifications, and their experience

If you call an engineer out to your home, there are things you can do to avoid potential rogue traders, as Philip explains:

• Prioritise experience over speed and price: 'Don't choose an installer based solely on who is available quickest or cheapest. A quality installation requires years of experience, structured training, and mentored expertise. Taking extra time to find a dedicated specialist prevents you from paying twice to fix poor work later.'
• Verify their credentials: 'Always ask if they are a dedicated air conditioning specialist or if it is just a side service. Ensure they are REFCOM registered, manufacturer-approved installers, and hold recognised electrical and competent person certifications.'
• Speak to previous customers. 'Do your homework before signing a contract. Look closely at their portfolio of previous work, read customer reviews, and ensure they have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing staff training.'
• Check their equipment: 'When a professional is in your home, ensure you trust your gut. If the unit they are installing looks worse for wear, it is best to take a step back before you commit to the project.'

'Choosing a qualified installer is essential,' adds Hamid Salimi, Residential Product Manager at Daikin. If you are looking for a fitted air conditioning unit, looking at the websites of those who manufacture the air conditioner units to see if they have a list of approved installers is a good first step.

'It's also worth asking about an installer's experience, qualifications, aftercare support and whether they'll carry out a full assessment of your home's cooling and heating requirements before installation,' adds Hamid.