Efficient Systems

Today in a bit of a panic situation I called Efficient Systems for an electrician and spoke with the Operations Manager John New and he got in contact with Service Manager Rob Baber.  Both were prompt and willing to help, not even knowing my full situation.  The issue ended up being resolved without the need for an appointment but the way was treated and how they saw my situation as a priority goes a long way in the electrical industry.  Rob literaly calmed my anxiety over the phone.  Thank you Efficient Systems Electrical Team today your help today.  Would highly suggest using this team for all your electrical needs.

HOME OWNER BE WARE!!
We called this company out on Friday Jan. 31st to repair a broken furnace. Their resolve was to replace a motor or replace the furnace due to its age. We paid for the motor and was told this should resolve the problem until we can replace the furnace. The furnace went out again Feb 6th. Because they had fixed a problem last year for the furnace, I chose to get a second opinion. I was told in that review the actual problem was a leaking pipe that had leaked into the parts and that another part was also affected which Efficient System did not mention AT ALL. It was very apparent that this was the issue. There was rust everywhere. We trusted the Efficient System rep when he told us that the furnace was just old in fact his quote included the following note with NO mention of rust, water leak or the other faulty part which you could see just looking at it:

DRAFT INDUCER REPLACEMENT: Replace inducer assembly do to failure other issues may still exist after repair but unable to test until inducer is repaired

Efficient Systems NEVER mentioned any leaks or rust or that more than one part was affected. I called them back and requested that they remove the part and refund our money for a fix that did not solve the problem and would force us to spend an insanely unnecessary amount for several separate repairs. Rob and his assistant refused to provide a refund and argued that they fixed a part. Yeah a part that was not needed. Don't call this company. I'm filing with BBB.

I hired Efficient Systems to deal with my water heater in the house I rent out near Garfield Park. The pilot light kept winking out when the burner would quit at the end of a heating cycle. I had pulled my hair out and spent most of three days trying to diagnose and repair the thing myself. They told me it was probably the massive amount of lime in the tank getting too hot and exuding more heat than the pilot light thermocouple could take. That made sense, and it was not worth trying to salvage that water heater, so I had them install a new one. They did it for a flat ~$1350 or so.

I also asked them to replace the old shutoff valve for the house that is aged to the point where it leaks for a while after being used, and while they were at it, to remove the old bypass valve to a departed water softener that some previous owner used to have. I wanted them to install a new shutoff valve with some threaded pipe so that someone in the future could install a new water softener with less trouble than if it was all sweat fitted. Well, they didn't come prepared to do it when they replaced the water heater. I went on a trip to the East Coast for a week, came back, responded to their email quote with specific instructions and a diagram of what I wanted, and got back this little lecture about needing to set up an appointment to come into the office and meet with so and so and then have someone come out and look at things to see how to set up a new bypass valve, which is definitely not what I asked. It was like they had no record of who I was or anything about what I'd already said I wanted. Rather a pain when they'd had two guys working on the water heater, which is literally 12 inches away from the shutoff and bypass, two weeks prior. It's pretty clearly not going to be worth the bother to have them do it at this point; I'll either do it myself or call a regular plumber, probably the former.

In all, it seems like the water heater was right in their wheelhouse; simple plumbing modifications, not so much.

I called them to repair the AC for our carriage house rental apartment. They came that day (which was great!) and the initial agreement was $95 trip/diagnostic fee. He listened to my description and in about 2 minutes told me he needed to replace both the compressor and the fan motor. He then spent about 30 minutes explaining their annual maintenance fee I could purchase (almost $600/year for our full systems), taking pictures and sending those to his shop, talking to them on the phone from his van. He then returned and showed me on his tablet an initial quote of about $560 which included an itemized $75 fee for him to get the parts. I asked him if that included the service fee. He said, parts, labor, everything. I agreed. He clicked the accent button and the price jumped to ~$780. He explained the increase was because of the extended diagnostic time required, because he was here more than half an hour diagnosing the problem (even though that included a sales pitch for a maintenance agreement!) I asked why I was charged more after agreeing to a price, when he diagnosed the problem so quickly and spent most of his time in the van writing up the estimate and trying to sell a maintenance plan when he had been able to tell me in minutes which parts needed replacing. He said he doesn't like the system either but that's what they do. I said the price might be fair but it feels really shady to raise the price after I accept, right in front of my eyes. He called his manager then told me the best he can do is $600. He would not let me talk to any manager. I said ok, but it still feels shady to raise the price after an initial offer. He then clicked to accept that and the price went up to $698.46. He apologized, said it's their system and he has no control over it. I went ahead and paid them that price. He did the repair. It didn't work. He took it apart and said he'd crossed some wires. He attached them a different way and then it worked. He sprayed it down with my hose and said that was $130 service he was doing for free. It was a very odd way to price a job, and based on their increased fees I felt cheated, because they  apparently charged me for time spent trying to sell a maintenance plan. They knew it was a hot day and I'd pay anything they asked. I don't think Ryan cheated me, but I think their system is out of his control and not honest up front. If they wanted to charge almost $800 they should have just charged that up front. If my complex problem risked an extended diagnostic fee they should have told me that up front. I definitely don't feel comfortable asking them to return for any other services.

I have used Efficient Systems three times over the last month due to various needs associated with the sale of my home and the purchase of a new home. They are the most competent and professional HVAC technicians as well as plumbers and electricians I have ever know. It's reassuring to have such a group of service providers available!

Twas -11 when all through the house, it was 50; the heater was broken and my man isn't nifty. An internet search was made, and Efficient came to our aide. With the press of a button and the ring of a phone, Rob was ready and in the zone. He had tinkering tools and a smile ready to work for awhile, but before we knew it,  Salagadoola mechicka boola Bibbidi-bobbidi-bobippity boppity boo, put them together and what have you got? HEAT.  Okay, so maybe I'm not a poet and I've completely confused poem and song, but on a serious note, Effiecient was just that: Efficient. They were here quickly, and resolved the issue. They're close to downtown, which worked for us. Also, they offer a maintenance plan to check your furnace and AC in the fall and in the spring, which we're taking advantage of. Would I recommend them? I just serenaded them with my poetic gift, so what do you think? Of course I do!

I've used Efficient Systems for a number of problems in our recently purchased house.  They have been most helpful and easy to work with.  They are respectful of your property, very knowledgeable and trustworthy.  I highly recommend them.

I had a great experience with Efficient Systems. Sean, Jeff, and Brian were all very kind, easy to work with, and worked quickly to get our furnace replaced.  I was very pleased with their communication, and will certainly use Efficient Systems in the future.  I highly recommend them to anyone who has HVAC needs.

Fast, promt and excellant service.  Over exceeded my expectations. I will definitely use them again and refer this business to others. Thank you from a very happy customer !!

Super impressed with this company.  Previously dealt with another commercial AC company with poor results. The difference is unbelievable. Had an emergency call on weekend.  Called at 8am. Spoke with Sean on phone and they sent out a tech in an hour.  Very personable and thorough.  Reasonable prices.  AC works great now.   I would recommend to anyone.