Maria S.
08/11/2021 12:00:00 SA
We have learned a valuable lesson this week after our AC stopped working properly (it's a 30 year old unit, R22 very low and the coils iced over). Fortunately while working remote we were able to have a lot of companies come out for estimates (that's Tip #1, get multiple quotes!!). We identified a lot of companies to come out and give us estimates (same way we always do: Yelp, sort: most reviewed)
We had NextGen come ($11k, down to $9k). Absolute Airflow ($14k).. and other big companies. What we found - they all send a salesperson, not a technician. They come with a presentation binder, not tools. They can't answer questions on fixing the issue and they don't offer solutions other than the most expensive options to cover their overhead and advertising. No mention of permits or dealing with associations. They push financing and maintenance plans - the list goes on, you can read the bad reviews. Nice people, shady business practices. (Tip #2: Do your research, look at the products listed on the estimate, ask about permits and itemize all costs associated. Don't be blinded by fancy advertising, this is a major home improvement expense)
We decided to branch out of OC to find someone else who could give us an estimate. We came across Fire-N-Ice and from the very first phone call I knew this was a different caliber company. David spent 30 minutes on the phone with me explaining HVAC systems, R22, SEER, pulling permits and transparently explaining all costs associated. There were no pushy sales tactics, no nonsense estimates and I really appreciated that. He is truly passionate about his line of work and the quality of service his company provides. That was very evident in our phone call.
Fast forward to today - Jason (someone who actually works on HVAC systems) came out to diagnose the problem. He didn't push a new system, financing or any kind of upsells on us. He was a problem solver and gave us options. We chose to fix the issue and plug any small holes as a temporary fix to get us by. Jason was knowledgeable and equally as honest as David.
Even a brand new system (up to code with permits included) through Fire-N-Ice was half the cost of some of the biggest names we met with. What we learned this week: don't waste your time with the big companies, you don't get what you pay for - you're just covering their overhead costs, not a job done well. David and Jason had a genuine interest in providing the best solution for our problem (even if it isn't the most profitable for them). For that, we are extremely grateful and when the time comes to replace our system - because it will, we understand that - we know exactly who we will be calling, without hesitation.
I'm hesitant to leave a review because you guys might get booked up for when we we need you (hah!) but it's more than well deserved. Honest companies are hard to come by these days. Thank you Fire-N-Ice, we're so happy to have AC again!!!