HVAC Companies

poadeleted21

poadeleted21

Touchdown! Greaser!
Joined
Aug 18, 2011
Messages
12,332
Our AC went out. Coil busted.

Called around. First guy had a "free" inspection and diagnosis. Though I didn't know that and fully expected to pay for his time. After about 20 minutes of listening to him say "Club Member" and "Club Member Price" in my kitchen without so much as looking at my AC. I no longer had the desire to pay him for his time. I told him if the word "Club" or "Member" came out of his mouth again… he could leave. It was in the next sentence, he left.

Next place I called quoted me $2,500. The next, $3,200.

Went to Angie's list, checked my unit's manufacturers website. Everything lined up, he's a "certified" repairman for my unit, Angie's list checks out. $950 bucks and done. Had my part in stock and 12 hours after calling him, it was done.

He can thank his ****ty competition and the sleazy market he's in for the NICE tip I gave him.

Seems like almost all these guys are scum balls running some sort of a hustle. Used car dealers better look out.
 
Recommend hanging up whenever anyone mentions free.

Some guys don't like or know how to repair units. I always quote repair vs replace. Many more repairs nowadays. Repair parts have little warranties. When a system is over 10 yrs old, it is more likely to need repaired more often. Were they quoting you a new indoor coil to go with that new outdoor unit? There are many mismatched systems going in(13 SEER in place of an old 10 SEER). Find out how long a company has been in business and under how many different names. What exactly busted and what was replaced or brazed up?
 
bartmc said:
Seems like almost all these guys are scum balls running some sort of a hustle. Used car dealers better look out.
Click to expand...

4 years ago, the tech from the company that had my service contract at the time predicted doom and gloom for my indoor unit. A incorrectly installed and since removed humidifier had dripped water into the thing a long time ago and it has a fair amount of corrosion inside. The system was working well, but he had an estimate all written up without me asking for it. I sent him packing and called his manager that I didn't trust him to not puncture my coils to make a sale. Indoor unit still works 4 years later, different company provides the service.
 
This problem runs the gamut from building and mechanical contractors to auto mechanics. As someone else mentioned, many times the problem is that these guys don't want the repair job, and if they get it, you're going to really pay for it. It's generally easier (and more profitable) for them to replace than to troubleshot and repair, though a residential A/C system is typically fairly simple in nature.

As you determined, you just have to find the right guy. I've never been sold on the value of Angie's List, although the fact that I once registered and they now continuously spam my inbox with "offers" is really, really irritating.


JKG
 
Last edited:
weilke said:
4 years ago, the tech from the company that had my service contract at the time predicted doom and gloom for my indoor unit. A incorrectly installed and since removed humidifier had dripped water into the thing a long time ago and it has a fair amount of corrosion inside. The system was working well, but he had an estimate all written up without me asking for it. I sent him packing and called his manager that I didn't trust him to not puncture my coils to make a sale. Indoor unit still works 4 years later, different company provides the service.
Click to expand...

Commissions are nice when you are working for a company.

I am self employed so no sales commission involved. A good tech will offer the customer options. Minor rust or even burnt parts due to water are not a reason to replace. Mold yes! I can count on one hand how many humidifiers I have installed. There are not many system installations where I feel comfortable installing them.
 
Any shop where the repairman gets a commission on parts sold is likely to pull this scam. I've had automotive shops try to pull it on me many times. I simply tell them to put the truck back the way it was and depart the scene.
 
RV10flyer said:
A good tech will offer the customer options.
Click to expand...

Options are great, if the customer asks for them. Write in your service report 'corrosion a/b/c, recommend replacement'. Dont write up a quote if nobody asked for it and make up some nonsense about how the federal goverment will require you to take out that unit by october next year but look we have this special price if you sign today.....
 
RV10flyer said:
Recommend hanging up whenever anyone mentions free.

Some guys don't like or know how to repair units. I always quote repair vs replace. Many more repairs nowadays. Repair parts have little warranties. When a system is over 10 yrs old, it is more likely to need repaired more often. Were they quoting you a new indoor coil to go with that new outdoor unit? There are many mismatched systems going in(13 SEER in place of an old 10 SEER). Find out how long a company has been in business and under how many different names. What exactly busted and what was replaced or brazed up?
Click to expand...

It was the coil in the indoor unit.
 
One thing you have to be careful about is many of these places will try to sell you a new unit, vs. fixing it.
 
bartmc said:
It was the coil in the indoor unit.
Click to expand...

I installed my own central AC/Heat system 30 years ago at the house in Apopka Fla... Inside coil was called an A coil, compressor unit set outside.. I did the complete install, ran the ducts, ran the copper, silver soldered the connections and had my neighbor AC guy charge the system with his Freon rig.. That was WAY before the EPA mandated the recovery devices.. IIRC, it was a 3 ton set up and my total out of pocket cost for the entire system was less then a grand.....

Prices sure have gone up ALOT since then..:hairraise:
 
The acoil replacement price was very good from a self employed, licensed, insured, experienced and professional hvac guy. The other two seem more like estimates for an acoil and condensing unit both.
 
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