Calvert's One Hour Heating and Air Condition

Our 14 year old heater was beyond repair. We called Calvert and a human being answered the phone, not an automated series of prompts. The receptionist sent someone out right away. Repairman Jon looked at it and made excellent suggestions. We chose a Trane. Paul and Cody came to our house to take out the old heater and install the new one. They were prompt, courteous, and professional. They explained the job as they went along. They were neat and clean as they went about the job. They were also cheerful. They made a nerve-wracking experience tolerable. We thank them for their pleasant demeanors and their expertise. It is a relief to have heat again! I did call around and research online to find the best deal. There are cheaper companies, but they install cheaper furnaces and we wanted a Trane. I would use Calvert again.

Joe and Cody were the techs who did the work. Mike and Brian gave the estimates. NEW DUCTING--The main issue was I wasn't getting any air to my upstairs front bedroom. Brian--the project manager--figured out the best way to configure the new ducting without disturbing my basement drop ceiling with new ducting. I had to remove some paneling to find that someone had attempted to split one supply duct into two rooms. His estimate for the new ducting was $2400. They installed new oval ducting from my front bedroom to the basement through my old return--through the living room across the ceiling. The oval ducts will help keep the most height on the soffit that will be installed over the ducting. They removed some prior "creative" ducting that wasn't sealed at all--the ducting that was attempting to split one supply into to rooms. They cut through the bedroom floor and living room ceiling to install the new ducting to the room with new vents. They also cut a new return in my dining room to replace the one were the new ducting was installed to the basement (living room). ZONING--Before Brian left after giving me an estimate for the ducting he mentioned zoning. I did my research and decided that this would be something I would be interested in. Brian came back to the house on a Saturday to finish up some duct configuration measurements and gave me a quote for zoning 2 floors. He estimated $3600. They installed 3 pneumatic dampeners on three vents--one square and two round. For this they had to remove the large return vent covering two square vents, cut into the square vents, make the square vents round at one point, and install the two round dampener. The other supply vent was not accessible enough to do that, so they had to put a square dampener in. A square dampener is not common and costs more. They installed a new outlet (for the wireless thermostat receiver), wireless thermostat receiver, and pneumatic air pump to open and close the dampeners. They also installed a wireless thermostat in my front up stairs bedroom. All the wires were neatly attached to the joists after the work was done. The return duct was replaced and sealed with tape and mastic. AEROSEAL--I did some research on Aero Sealing (youtube) and thought it might boost my efficiency. Calvert is the only company who does aerosealing--even though another company (Sobieski) advertizes that they do the operation they were not operational when I called them. Mike gave me an estimate on AeroSealing @ $2000. I wasn't sure I wanted to do the procedure or if I could afford it. After going over my financing options with Brian later, I decided it would be best to get everything done if possible. So--what they did was tape off my supply vents only, hooked up the system to the supply vent in the basement, and did an air leakage test (setting the parameters for my system and my house). That leakage test measures the vent leakage and the air that is blowing back into the wall around the duct (boot leakage). My system is a 1000 cubic feet per minute (CFM) system. During the air test, it was only ducting almost 700 CFM into the rooms. So 300 CFMs were leaking somewhere in the house. The techs then put in special foam in the supply vents and ran the aeroseal through those ducts. As the aero seal runs, you could see the leaking CFMs going down on a computer screen in real time. After the aeroseal and caulking around the duct boots and the wall structure, the house was using almost all 1000 CFMs to cool. If I had waited for the aero sealing, I might have been able to tell the difference between when my duct issue was fixed (above) and after the aero sealing. I really can't tell. I'm hoping that I will be able to tell by my electric bill and the longer life of my cooling unit / blower (since they are not working as hard now to cool the house). Overall--everything is working great. I gave them a B on quality because I had to seal some spots they missed and a few other little things. Calvert doesn't hire techs with felony records, if that interests you. If you have excellent credit you can get financed easily from GE Capital. The cheapest monthly plan offered is 9 years at 7.99% APR. For me it was about $105.00/month.

Good work. Not great on follow-thru. Sales guy made a promises that never happened.

the visit went great. The rep was extremely helpful and detailed with explaining regular maintenance of the A/C unit to prevent issues like the one i was experiencing. He cleaned the whole unit and replaced the filter for me. He also showed me the benefits of my efficient A/C unit for both heating and cooling (I was a new homeowners and the unit was put in by the previous owners a few years back).

Great! Good price with rebates, very professional, on time.

They were excellent. The price was very fair. I would absolutely use them again.

Calvert diagnosed a 15+ year old cooling system that was leaking. The parts are apparently obsolete but the Calvert service person tried to find replacement for me anyway. He discussed several options with me, pros and cons then let me choose what I wanted to do. I appreciated the time that he took to answer my questions. He was honest and did not recommend new heating system because the old one was fine. So far so good after 7 months.

What started off as such a pleasant experience quickly turned for the worse. I spent weeks speaking with sales people before I chose Calvert to replace my 11 year old 90% Lennox gas furnace and 10 SEER AC unit. My sales rep was very responsive and seemed knowledgeable. [Day 1] December 28 - Two installers and my sales rep arrived on time to replace my old furnace and ac units with new York 95.5% TM9X furnace and 14.5 SEER AC. I was advised the removal of the old system and installation of the new one would be an all day job. The installers were very pleasant, quiet, and courteous. In the final hour of installation, after all the new system and thermostat was installed the installer realized that my electrical wire running to the furnace was old and brittle and need to be replaced, which would possibly require an electrician to run new wire. My old furnace had to 2 cut off switches located on opposite walls along with a designated breaker in my breaker box. Another installer, I believe he was the installation manager was called in to the job and determined that those switches were no longer required because the new furnace is equiped with its own switch. So the need for an electrician was avoided; a new electrical wire was ran directly from the furnace to its designated breaker in the electric box. To run this line a hole about 2 in x 3in had to be cut into my wall. Unfortunately Calvert does not repair drywall so I had to fix that hole myself. The two switches in my walls, that not have no purpose also remain, because an electrician is required to remove them. So I have 1 switch in tact that has no function and another switch, that is an exposed hole and wire because during cleanup the installers took the switch plate. Day 1 Complete - The heater was working. LOUDLY. The installers explained how to change my filter and work my new thermostat. THe AC is not working because another guy has to correct the amp in the electric box for the AC. THe installers explain - the new systems are more efficient so the jet burners make more noise and the outside exhaust only sounds louder because more air is being pushed through. SERIOUSLY? One of the primary reasons I replaced my furnace was due to noise. [Day 2] December 30 - Installers arrive to correct the amp for the AC unit in the electric box, to add a floor return and to seal my return duct work. I was having a new return added fue to insufficient returns in my house. I didn't stay home for this day and chose to have my brother just be available to let the installers in because I figured this job would not require close supervision. BOY WAS I WRONG. My brother said the installer was at my house for almost an entire day. Day 2 complete - When I come home, the return floor register was installed; however it was just a hole in my floor that did not connect to any duct work. When I looked through the duct, I could see my crawlspace floor. The installer advised my brother that I actually had 2 returns in my living room but they were covered by the flooring. (Lucky me, the carpet installers covered 2 vents before I bought the house). So instead of the installer calling to confirm if a new return would be needed because 2 returns already existed. He chose to continue with his job. So in essence I ended up paying for a return that I didn't need because I actually had sufficient returns but they were blocked. So he should of cut access to those returns instead of creating a new return with additional duct work. (great waste of $$$$). After all these inconsistencies, I decided to explore my crawl space myself. Glad I did! None of my return duct work was sealed. [Day 3] - December 31 - In an effort to reassure me that I made a great choice by choosing Calvert for my project, they chose to give me a 'free' upgrade. Supposedly, the installer was unable to seal my old panned return duct work because the old duct work was falling apart. The installer who sat under my house in a crawlspace for hours on end without saying anything to my brother, calling my phone, the salesman or his supervisor. Hmmm? So they chose to give me new panned duct work as per them - free of charge. Free of charge for who? Day 3 Complete - New return duct connected to actual ductwork. The old panned ducts were replace with thermo pan (I think) and sealed with clear caulk. During the replacement, the installer still replaced the duct work for the 2 existing returns in the living room; however they still remain covered by the floor. Fast forward a week. January 7 - My furnace stopped working!! Calvert sent a repair man out; he arrived within a few hours. His initial assessment - "Your condensate line is frozen. I don't know why they ran it outside." This was an issue with my old furnace; which I had addressed with the sales rep prior to contracting Calvert.So the repair guy installed a condensate pump and then explained to me that it may or may not pass if an inspector comes out. WHAT? The condensate line runs up and over and down to my washing machine standpipe. After the pump fills up, I hear it shoot water out the drain line. However, water sits in the clear vinyl hose of the condensate pump because it dips or is level in some places so the water had no where to go once the pumpturns on. Lastly, I notice the humidity in my house is dropping rapidly. And then I realized, a humidifier was never installed. As per Calvert's website, a new whole house humidifier is installed with the installation of a new furnace and AC. As of this morning, my thermostat reads my house humidity level at 20%. I have called Calvert 3 times in regards to this. I speak with a very nice lady who explains that she will have my sales person call me back. I have yet to receive a response or a humidifier. So all in all. This project has been the most time consuming, head aching, costly service I have received yet. The low humidity has resulted in various drywall and wood cracking issues. The loud exhaust vent outside my office window makes taking phone calls extremely difficult. Not to mention every problem that I chose to replace my furnace/ac STILL EXISTS. My back rooms are still cooler than the rest of the house. I had to call service for repair. The furnace is loud and my house is dryer than ever!

Excellent. We initially contacted Calvert upon the recommendation of my brother. After being in the hospital all day with a family member, we arrived home at 9:00 p.m. to find no heat (it was about 15 degrees outside). I called Calvert; even though I wasn't a customer, by 10:20 p.m. their serviceman was at our home! He could not have been nicer or more professional. He found the potential source of the problem (our heating & a/c system was VERY old), but did not have the part. The next morning he went to 3 different suppliers to get the part, and was at our house by 2 pm to install it. It worked the rest of the weekend, but the problem was greater and it was soon realized we needed a new system. There was NO pressure at all from the Calvert; they very clearly explained what was wrong and gave us options. On Monday another wonderful employee came to the house and sat down with my husband and I to show us what we needed. He explained everything in detail, drew diagrams, and showed us the costs and pricing options. We gave him the "GO" and the next morning a team of 3 (again very nice and professional) service members were there to install. They were there all day, and part of the next day. They showed us every detail of our new systems. Each time they came in and out of the house, they wore booties. During the installation they put tarps over everything not involved with the install, and thoroughly cleaned up upon completion of the job. They called the next day to check and make sure everything was working well, and have called twice since. I could not be more pleased with the equipment and the service. I would highly recommend Calvert to all of my friends (and in fact have already given 2 referrals).

Professional. Quality work. Responsive when there was a minor problem (faulty part) after the install.

Arrived in the estimated time, repair man was great. He showed me where the problem was. He made repaired and was done and less than 1.5 hours.

My experience with Calvert was excellent. Sales agent was professional and considerate (as most are), but made extra comments noting leaks in the basement duct work and identifying a section of missing return duct in the basment, presumably from the 1981 furnace installation. Installation crew was quick, clean, and professional. Had to enlarge the hole for the tubing to the outside condenser unit, cleaned up well, and filled in patch nicely. 9 months later. - Made it through the winter, and most of summer - Still very happy with the install and performance of Trane unit. Higher efficiencies observed, even accounting for the different temperatures this year.

I went with this company because the price was reasonable and my friend recommended them. Everything went well with the installation except for the humidifier. It kept leaking water and it took 7 attempts to get it right, but eventually they got it to work. I must say that I was worried after a week or so when the leak kept reappearing, but this company is very responsive and they immediately would send someone if you called. I would recommend them.

They were not the cheapest nor the most expensive. I took 5 estimates, Horizon was $4300 higher than the next one. Calvert had 0% financing (the only contractor) and were competitively priced. Another contractor discovered many of my returns were not drawing air. While I pointed this out to Calvert and they said they would fix that--they did not. The salesman who did the estimate did not come back as promised for the install. They had no expanding foam, and "borrowed" mine. Otherwise they were clean and professional. When we went to use the new AC in the spring it did not work. They came out a day later and found the wiring was wrong. The AC failure, despite having a QA visit within a week after install, and the return issue did not instill confidence in quality. My AC costs are lower this year, heating is about the same. They sell Trane systems. They have a good warranty above the manufacturer's.

Gave verbal estimate . Nothing written. I phoned Calvert and inquired about the estimate and did not receive good customer service. I seemed to be bothering the salesperson.

VERY WELL,. THEY INFORMED ME WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY DID NOT DO ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY. BUT THEY SAVED ME MONEY BECAUSE IF I HAD GONE WITH WHAT THE OTHER COMPANY SAID MY YARD WOULD HAVE GOT DUG UP WITH NO GAURANTEE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED.

They put in heating and cooling in for us. I wanted a 2 stage air conditioner and after they installed the air conditioner we found out that it wasn't a 2 stage. We had to do some negotiation before I got what I wanted. I had to pay them some extra to get the 2 stage. The owner was really sorry that they messed up but since they installed it now the air conditioner was not worth anything. I had some sympathy for what their position was so we were able to work something else. Their after sales follow up was very good.

We purchased a new central AC unit from Calvert. The unit has broken countless times over the past 7 years, costing us almost as much as the unit initially cost. The owner Chris admitted to selling us a lemon on several ocassions, but continues to try and charge us outrageous prices to repair the unit. A friend of my wifes, from work, had the exact same unit installed by Calvert and had nothing but problems with her unit, before her warranty was up they contacted the manufacture and had them replace the unit at no cost to her or Calvert. This was never offerd to us. Calvert just kept milking us for more money for the lemon Chris said he sold us. At the present time our AC unit is broke again. Again it is a major component of the system that is broken. WARNING TO ANY POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS CALVERT HEATING AND COOLING DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCTS THEY SELL!!!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY WITH THIS COMPANY FROM ONE CONSUMER TO ANOTHER!!!

Calvert did a great job. They came to my house and gave me lots of options. I never felt pressured to go with them. Their technicians did a really nice job and always cleaned the inside of my house very well. I would highly recommend them.

The quote that they provided was not competitive. They tried to push unnecessary upgrades

They arrived in the morning and said they woud be here all day and they finished up about 5:30 so that was expected. They didn't take any extended breaks, only a few minutes here and there and they were very respectful. Answered all of our questions and told us what they were doing. They cleaned up everything and took the old equipment with them. They layed down runners all throughout the house and worse shoe covers. After the install they took time to explain the units and answered all questions we had. We paid no money up front. We paid after we were satisfied with the work. No hidden charges. They also called the next day to see how everything went.

Used Calvert because of service contract with Ben Franklin.Came out first time because heater wouldn't turn on without resetting it.Told repairman we had this problem before and it was the pilot.He looked at it and said control board was bad needed to be replaced,$560.Part cost is under $175 took just under an hour to install.Problem re-occured within two weeks. Out they came again.Repairman looked at heater said heat exchanger was cracked,called another person to come look to make sure.We could either accept $1200. bill to replace exchanger or have window put in,for $70, so they could inspect without camera.Went with $70. option.Was only lint.Turns out pilot was dirty,go figure.Cleaned pilot worked for about a month. Out they came again.This time gas valve was bad,had to be replaced $565. Part cost $165 took less than one hour to install. Sent in their report cards never got a response. Will never use and let everyone I know they should not call this company.

We have a contract with them. They are in the medium range. They recently made an error with pricing and made an adjustment. They did get that fixed for me. I've gotten a couple of prices for them and I haven't had time to really use them; they are too high.

Stay away from this company. They did not seem to want or need our business. Can not believe the salesman did not follow up on their initial visit.

I'd say it went well overall. He put booties on his feet before coming into the house. Since my gas heater is also a boiler, he called and got permission to do the tune-up. It's ashamed they don't do boilers as well as gas heaters. I would probably have used them again if they did service gas boilers.