We called Jim's Air Conditioning when air stopped flowing through one of the ducts in our house. I suspected that the damper actuator (a 24volt motor) had gone bung. The technician arrived very promptly, confirmed my diagnosis, then provided us with a quote - $1265, which he informed us was about 50/50 parts and labour. As I had already done some research on the part, I expressed surprise and showed him the part on a web site at a price of $35.49. The technician confirmed that I had identified the correct part, but was at a loss to explain the Jim's price. Including GST and $15 freight cost, I received the part in two days. Watching a YouTube video on installation, removing the faulty part (2 screws and an electrical plug), then reversing the process to install the new part, took 20 minutes including collecting my ladder and screwdriver from the shed. Saving -$1210.

I am happy to pay fair prices to support businesses but this is outrageous.

We are now wondering whether we should have shopped around before paying Jim's about $3,500 to do a major service on our system in May.