Peterson Air Care

Giovanni arrived on time as scheduled; put booties on so as to not leave marks on the floor, cleaned the outside air unit (ground), then inside was in the attic checking air flow, and checked both the heating and cooling thermostats for accuracy. As a favor for us, he replaced our filters ..we had them but simply could not get on a ladder to replace them in their holders. due to bad backs. He was very personable; neat, and best of all did not try to sell us anything. We have a contract with his company for service and that is exactly what he did. There was not a hint of an "upsell" but he was there to check and fix whatever was defective. I actually put him on the calendar for an April return. A+ all the way.

It went well, butI didn't expect the needid repairs to be so expensive.

A technician/salesman, Neima, arrived to conduct our semi-annual system inspection on the scheduled date. This was our second service with Peterson, who acquired our contract when Deer Valley Mechanical went out of business. Neima showed us a photo of dust accumulation on our AC blower, and told us, with great urgency, that our almost-new system was getting into serious trouble. He said the company that had installed our AC three years ago, and had serviced it for two years, had withheld important information from us in that they did not explain that we must have our blower and coil thoroughly cleaned every year with an acid wash--and that this was not part of our regular maintenance contract, but costs an additional $400. Then he said that he had a product that could prevent our having to do this every year: an Activ Tek 2000 Air Scrubber for $1695.00 (plus tax). We were shocked that we had never heard of this in our 15 years in this house. He said that was the reason we had to replace our old system after 11 years--it would have lasted longer if we'd had this equipment. Then he called his boss, the owner, Ron Peterson, and with great drama explained that we were distressed at having never known about this product, and asked if Peterson could make a special offer to us. So the price came down to $1395.00 (plus tax), including the $400 wash service. We still wanted time, but Neima kept pressuring us, saying this was a special offer and if we didn't take it now, we'd have to pay more--$1695 plus $400 for the blower/coil wash. I objected to this tactic, and insisted on talking with the owner, but couldn't get through on the main number. So Niema called Ron Peterson again, and let me talk with Ron on Neima's cell phone. Ron Peterson (as the person I talked with identified himself) agreed to give us two days to decide, saying we could purchase the equipment and wash at that time and at the $1395 price. My husband had to leave for an appointment, and Niema continued to try to talk me into buying the air scrubber, while I tried to research it online. He even brought the equipment into the house, in a box, and set it on my desk. Then he sat beside me and used my computer to find Web site discussions among technicians, at a site called HVAC-Talk, to convince me that we must have this equipment. More than an hour had passed, it was after 6 pm, and he insisted that I at least let him wash the system. He said that if we decided later to buy the air scrubber, the cost would be included in the $1395 (otherwise it would be $400). Feeling exhausted, distressed, and afraid that he might not leave, I told him to install the equipment, signed for it, and gave him our credit card information. Neima had said that the wash would take two to three hours, and installation of the air scrubber would take about a half hour. But he was completely finished with everything in a half hour. He showed me a photo of our blower that was supposed to be clean, and I didn't see any difference, other than a black streak on one blade that was missing from the "before" photo. He explained that it was black in the first photo because he had wet-wiped that spot with his finger. But now it was all white, as if it hadn't been cleaned at all, so I don't know if he actually cleaned it, despite his overly-dramatic shock at my not being able to see the change. As for the acid wash, he said he sprayed a chemical onto the coil, and that did the job--no photos (before or after). To make matters worse, after Neima left, the AC stopped working. I had to call him back--he had left his cell phone number. He was reluctant to return, so I offered to call the office and have another technician come out. He said the dispatcher would make him return anyway, so he'd be here in 40 minutes, which he was. My husband had returned by that time, so I felt safe. It took Niema about 1/2 hour to find the trouble--he explained that when he installed the air scrubber, a copper wire had become detached from a contact. I do not believe that we need this equipment. He told us it was optional, but that our system would fail soon if we didn't get it. I feel scammed, but I take responsibility for making the the decision to proceed, even though I felt I was doing so under duress. If a Peterson technician comes into your home, be prepared. And if you know people even older than us (we're in our 60's) who might succumb to this kind of sales pressure, please try to be with them during the technician's visit--I thought I knew better, but I still folded under the pressure. UPDATE: This is a continuation of my previous review about a technician intimidating us into buying equipment we did not want. The situation has gone from bad to worse. After posting my review on Angie's list, Ron Peterson called to ask how to "make the situation right." He agreed to remove the unwanted equipment and refund the equipment-portion of our payment, and asked if, in return, I would delete my Angie's List review--to which I agreed. A technician removed the equipment on November 13. I waited two weeks for the refund, and then called. Dave said the check had been mailed. I called again three days later when the check had not arrived, and another person said the check had just been mailed. Four days later, no check; I called again and talked with Ron Peterson who said he would make sure we got the check. That was five business-days ago--still no check. I called today and was asked to leave a message. The woman said he would call back within a half hour, after I told her I was going to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Never heard from him. Update #2: Peterson Air Care, also known as Southwest Holdings Group, Inc. and Deer Valley Mechanical, filed for bankruptcy in Arizona Bankruptcy Court under Case # 2:13-bk-18780. We obtained our refund only after registering a dispute with Visa. Fortunately, we had paid by credit card, so the bank intervened on our behalf.

It went very well. The provider was very thorough and complete. The technician providing the service gave me useful information about my unit and recommendations concerning longer-term maintenance needs. I was very impressed by the thoroughness and qualityof the service.

Went great. The fellow was on time and courteous.

The tech was also supposed to blow out the condensate line, but was out of the gas needed to do so.

Great! Very professional - called to let me know they were running behind to make sure I was going to be home.

On time the first time. Failed to to the condensation flush or the coil cleaning. Only pushed me to buy a warranty program. I told them that I had a home warranty and did not want to buy a plan. They said I needed a capacitor part $225.and that the previous company had put the last one in the "cheap" way and that is why the second one went out. When the service man left I looked at the paperwork and it recommended that I have the coils cleaned!!! (along with the repair and I should purchase a warranty). I called the office and told them that they were already susposed to clean the coils but the service person said that there was no hose. I was never asked if I had a hose nor did he use one of the three hoses sitting in the yard. They called me back and said that they would come back out to do the work & replace the capacitor for free if I purchased the warranty ($369)!! So, I sent an email on Angie's list explaining and got a call back from another person who said that they have all the hoses and everything they need on thier trucks and I did not need to provide anything. So I arranged for their "top service provider" to come back out to replace the capacitor (20% discount) and to do the work that was not done on the first visit. They were scheduled 8-10 am. at 10 am I got a call that they would be later and that the original service guy was the one coming. Since he did not tell the truth about the hose and didn't even do the required work I was now concerned if I even needed the part. Anyhow he showed about an hour later. Did the job and asked me to sign and pay. I asked him for the bad part and if he had installed it the proper way as he explained it to me the time before. He said he installed it just like it was done before!!! The "cheap" way! He basically acted like it was my fault as if I knew how the thing should be installed. I bought the dual capacitor part so that it could be installed properly per his advise the first time he came. As far as I know he did go back up on the roof and reinstall the part the correct way. Next time I have the unit serviced by my home warranty company I will ask them to check what he did. All in all I gave them an average score because they did come back out to correct the situation but I would not recommend them unless of course you want a warranty or don't mind having them return to do complete the job.

It was an Angie's List Big Deal that I purchased. So far I have no complaints. They are supposed to come back and do some more inspections. They were all right. The price was just ordinary. They were punctual.

COMPANY WAS VERY PRO-ACTIVE. PURCHASED DEAL AND WAS CALLED TO HAVE APPOINTMENT SET UP. TOOK THREE ATTEMPTS FOR SOMEONE TO ACTUALLY SHOW UP WHEN THEY SAID THEY WOULD. FIRST APPOINTMENT WAS CANCELLED DUE TO THE EMPLOYEE NOT HAVING ANY MORE INVOICES.... 2ND APPOINTMENT WAS RUNNING REALLY LATE IN THE EVENING AND THEN WAS RE-SCHEDULED FOR THE MORNING 1ST STOP AND A SATURDAY APPOINTMENT AS I WAS NOT TAKING ANY MORE TIME OFF OF WORK TO NOT HAVE THEM SHOW UP WHEN THEY SAID THEY WOULD. EMPLOYEE WHO SHOWED UP KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING. INFORMED ME OF SOME WORK THAT WILL NEED TO BE DONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. OVERALL THOUGHT THE COMPANY DID A GOOD JOB. I FEEL LIKE SOME OF THE SCHEDULE ERROR WAS NOT THE OFFICES FAULT BUT THE GUYS WORKING LATE AND NOT REALLY WANTING TO WORK LATE. AS BOTH WERE LATER IN THE AFTERNOON APPOINTMENTS. BOTH WERE CANCELLED WITH AN EXCUSE. EITHER WAY AT LEAST THEY CALLED AND I WAS NOT WAITING AROUND FOR THEM. JUST TOOK THREE TIMES TO GET THEM THERE TO DO THE SERVICE. I WOULD USE THEM AGAIN EVEN AFTER THE TWO CANCELED APPOINTMENTS SINCE THE OFFICE STAFF AND ALL EMPLOYEE'S I WORKED WITH JUST WANTED ME TAKEN CARE OF AND THAT WAS APPRECIATED.

The tech was right on time early on a Saturday morning. He was very kind and communicated clearly. He did the job quickly and efficiently. I loved that he was clear and honest about all of my available options, but was not pushy with trying to sell me anything else. He cleaned up everything perfectly and was very quick.

I've always been pessimist when it comes to this and expected exactly that, but was very glad that was not the outcome. A nice sharp young man was at my door ready to get it done, (I have had other issues with my A/C and I understand allot more about the system than most people and have rebuilt car A/C units and a mechanic) before he went to the roof to check my A/C he listened to everything I had to say about my A/C unit problem. He fixed the problem, explained what he did and the condition of my unit and only for the price on Angies list...!! I was very impressed with how smart and professional this man was and recommend this company. I'm glad to see there is hope for the next generation... Dino

Bought deal from Angie's big deal. No need to have purchased as any HVAC company would inspect units for free. A scam to get paid for a sales call

Excellent. Prompt, efficient, explained new details to me for future care.

They did a quick through job.

This is part of a larger job we plan to do with Peterson. We need a new heat pump and air handler, and we also needed to replace some damaged flexible duct. We're still choosing our air handler, so we decided to go ahead with the repair first. Peterson has been great to work with. Due to my health issues, I requested special materials, and Peterson was happy to accommodate my requests. The serviceman was was very nice, and everything seems to be working well.

I purchased a big deal on Angie's list for a seasonal HVAC inspection from Peterson. But i'm luke warm on my experience with Peterson. I was kinda thinking the tech would actually do something. But it literally was an "inspection" and that was it. He told my spouse that there was something that we might need fixing in the near future but the tech didn't right it down. So i don't know what it was. The next time I needed something (6 months later) I called a different company.

He was friendly did the tune up and shared with us things that were not part Things found that were not part of this service Then was quick to get it prepared once I approved

Came on time, fully evaluated and tested unit.

I purchased 2 Big Deals for A/C Tune-up on August 5th and expected to be contacted by the company by August 7th due to rapid connect, I was not. I contacted Peterson Air the next week since they had not yet contact me and set up an appointment a couple days later. The technician showed up reasonably close to the scheduled appointment time and explained everything that he was going to do. During the service call I experienced what I would consider a "Hard Sell" to sign up for an ongoing maintenance package. Ultimately I declined the maintenance package and asked that just the Big Deal work be completed. The technition completed his work and left.

The thechnician insisted that I, a 59 year old female, get on the roof with him so that he could show me how to clean the coils monthly myself. On the one hand, I like to know how to do things myself, but I am not comfortable getting on the roof. He then asked me if I had family who could help me and that if I didn't he and his buddy have a handyman service and they could do these things for me. I felt that this solicitation for side work was unprofessional and I was quite taken aback. Many statements were made about the age of my unit and how he did not have experience with units of this age. After several visits, 2 of which included another technician over a period of 4 days and included replacing capacitors and re-wiring I still did not have ac in Phoenix in August. I should mention that my ac was working well prior to the service. I will say that both technicians were very polite and clearly attempted to be helpful. At the end, they stated that machine was simply too old to be fixed, I should call the home warranty company and tell them it needed to be replaced. If that were the case, then why did I pay for the rewiring and new parts and why wasn't that stated from the outset? I called the home warranty company, the technician came the next day, said I needed a new motor, ordered one and it was repaired and working the next day. I realize that it worked in part because of the rewire and replacement parts that Peterson did. Nevertheless, this resulted in days of no ac and sleepless nights. The home warranty company technician had no issue with the age of the machine and fixed it without issue. Part of the $700 I spent was for a maintenance contract which discounted the parts and labor. Had I to do it over again, I would have had the sense to call the home warranty company at the notice of the burned out capacitor and stopped with Peterson at that point. I will not be using the service contract, but will not rescind it as the parts and labor would have cost more than that without it. As I said earlier, they were very polite and clearly meant well. From this experience I have to learned to ask first if the technicians have experience with older units.

Peterson air was prompt and efficient, installing ins ulation. They checked the ductwork and air temp coming out vents. They were courteous, on time and did a great job, charging a reasonable fee for their services. After answering ALL of my questions I knew that I could call on them to help me out in the future.. My home is.much cooler now and I am very happy that I called on them to do the job.

Technician was very knowledgable, informative, punctual and advised how to clean the system ourselves. Very impressed. Did not try to sell me anything or provide work not needed. Will definitely continue to use this company

Nothing fancy just checked AC

Service date: 8/10/2013 Technician did not have a ladder that would reach the attic access panel. Used customers ladder. Technician reported both condensation lines clear. (Secondary began dripping rusty water 2 days later.) Technician suggested secondary pan replacement at $250.00. This cost would be cut in half if the Peterson Energy Star Savings Plan (ESSP) was joined at $199.00 for one year. Asked technician for time to think about it. Phone call: 8/21/2013 Called technician to order second pan, as the rusty water was still exiting the pipe on the outside wall. Was reminded that this cost would be reduced if the Peterson ESSP were purchased. Customer informed technician that coverage from a Home Warranty was in effect for another 11 months, and would be used to cover any major failures. Technician informed customer that secondary pan would cost $265.00. And technician would have to return to get final measurements. And if there were any problems with the primary pan drainage, an addtional $79 charge for the service call. That charge would be waived if we purchased the Peterson ESSP. Technician said that he would arrive after 4PM on 8/22/2013 Technician, neither called or showed. As of this writing, no contact has been made by Peterson Air Care