ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AIR SYST

Harrowing and dispiriting. Around July 19, 2004, we had Advanced Technology Air Systems install a new combination A/C and heating unit in attic of our home as well as exterior condensor unit. Due to infrequent use of the unit, it took seveal years before we realized that the unit had not been installed negligently. The problem had to do with leveling the unit in such a way that would allow water that collected in the unit to escape properly through the appropriate drainage pipe, connected to the unit. We discovered this problem when the ceiling below where the unit has been installed began to billow and then leak. (Cue the handyman that now has to be hired to repair and paint the ceiling at a cost of $350.) We called Richard and explained the situation. It took several days for him to get someone to come and inspect the situation. But once they did we were recommended to install a drainage pan underneath the entire unit so that any ill-flowing water would be caught in the pan. This worked for about three-to-four years (again with very infrequent use of the machine). While running the A/C three weeks ago (as of the wriiting of this review), we returned home to find a large puddle on the floor. It did not take long to figure out that the ceiling was once again leaking but this time even worse than before. It is my reasonable and honest belief that the installation of the original drainage pan was also done negligently. Therefore, we once again called Richard. And again, it took several days to find our way on his calendar. But when the tecnician arrived (three hours after the scheduled meeting time and without phoning first to say that he would be running late), the A/C was inspected and "a crack" was discovered in the pan. (Keep in mind the pan is made of a galvanized steel.) So it was recommended that we replace the drainage pan, which would mean making yet another appointment and waiting around for someone to show up. The second pan was finally installed and it appears that Richard thought it a good idea to change the location of the drainage pipes on the A/C system as well (without first discussing all this with me). Finally, I took a look in the attic and realized that they had not cleaned up debris created from the work performed nor had they removed the old drainage pan from the attic. The old drainage pan I was told "would be difficult to get out." Really? (Once again, cue the handyman who has been scheduled to repair and paint the ceiling for another $350.) Even after several disappointing experiences with Advanced Technology Air Systems, I considered hiring them to install a sensor on the drainage pan that would send a signal to the A/C and automatically shut-it-off should any water get trapped in the drainage pan. I called Richard and we made an appointment for him to come out. But he never showed up or sent any communication. After about three days I called him to express how disappointed I was in his growing lack of professionalism over the course of 11 years that I have employed the services of this company. And I am writing this review for any one out there who like myself considers their time valuable. This company should be avoided.

At the time, it seemed okay. We later discovered two major problems with the work this company did. They did not install the proper electricity to handle the two systems, so whenever both the upstairs and downstairs air conditioners were on, the circuit would blow out. We discovered this a year later and had to pay an electrician $2500 to do it correctly so, when it was 100 degree heat and we needed both systems, we could do so without them blowing out. Just this week we discovered another problem with the work this company did. They did not install a duct to the return for the downstairs system. This meant that from 2004 until now, we have been breathing in dirty air that has been funneled from our crawl space. We decided to replace our ducts because we had a hot water leak in the crawl space and the water damage and mold remediation guy said it would be a good idea to do that. We came on Angie's list to find a heating and air conditioning company and while replacing the heating ducts, they discovered there was no duct to the return. It is going to cost us another $2000 to have that duct installed properly, as it should have been done in 2004 by Advanced Technology. So, this company clearly cut corners. They gave us a low estimate for the job, but we have had to pay $4500 more to correct their mistakes. Plus we have had to the inconvenience of the circuits blowing out in the hottest weather and the health hazard of mold spores entering our house from the crawl space where there was not duct for the return. We are outraged by the way we were treated by this company. We are two women living in this house and they probably thought they could get away with doing the shoddy work without us realizing. Fortunately, we now have Angie's list to find honest companies.