Durham and Sons Inc

My wife and I purchased our house brand new 17 years ago. From the beginning, our HVAC system (heating and cooling) broke down every single year for six years straight. After the fifth year, I called the corporate headquaters and detailed the trouble I had from day one with their system. They sent one of "their guys" to fix it. After close to another $1000.00, not only was it not fixed, the Technician vented the carbon monoxide vent from the gas heater directly into the attic above my children's bedroom. His mistake could of killed my entire family. I called up the corporate office a second time and explained what had happened. They basically told me "too bad." After spending thousands of dollars over six years, I replaced the entire system. Now ten years later, my AC would lose its charge every four weeks. I chose a big name contractor here in town who tried to fix it. After several visits and several hundreds of dollars, they could not fix (or find) the leak. I was told by this contractor (as well as others - looking for additional bids) that I needed another new system (this would be my third brand new system in 17 years). Frankly speaking, I developed a sincere dislike for HVAC contractors. The contractor who initially could not find/fix the leak talked me into listening to their salesmen in a pitch to sell me a new system. It was mid July and I had a very irritable family of five so I was ready to pay for a new system. While setting up the appointment, I explained how frustrated I was with HVAC contractors and felt the entire industry was full of unscrupulous individuals. This company guranteed me they would be able to be there as promissed and I would not experience any of the lack of professionalism that I previously experienced.. Low and behold, after taking time off from work, they did not show up for their appointed time. They called later, apologized and wanted to reschedule. They supposably had two bookings for the same time. I told them not to bother rescheduling, I joined Angies List in a desperate attempt to find an honest HVAC contractor. Then, after reading all of the positive comments about "Durham and Sons," I had RJ come over and talk to me. After giving him all of the negative details concerning my experiences with AC contractors, RJ listened, understood, and gave me several options. His options to fix my system ranged from the very basic (finding and fixing the real leak) to installing a new system. At no time did he pressure me into buying a new system. As a matter of fact, after he spent a significant amount of time with me (a large quantity in the hot attic itself), I felt guilty chosing the least expensive option. RJ was completely fine with it. RJ set up the work, personally visited the job, and was there to make sure all of my concerns were answered to my satisfaction. He also mentioned that I was not necessarily dealing with bad systems, I was just dealing with bad installers who did not know what they were doing. In retrospect, I believe this is true and the source of all of my problems. The bottom line is that I could be a salesman for Durham and Sons I was so happy with their cost and work. I truly believe that when you deal with a family owned business, their name is on the line so they have more to lose. I would like to leave this review with the reader understanding that from my experience, there are many, many, many, unscrupulous HVAC companies in Brevard County. I believe they hire any "Tom, Dick, and Harry" to work on or install HVAC systems. Unfortunately, this type of hiring (for which I experienced) could have killed my family due to their carelessness or inexperience. If I eventually need additional work, or a new system, I will not hesitate to call Durham and Sons. There is a reason why I am adding another positive report to Durham and Son's already mounting glowing reviews - they are by far simply the best.

Exclllant and professional workmanship

Their technician was very pleasant and they got things done.

I chose Durham and Sons to do the work because of the excellent reviews and recommendations here on Angie's list (I am new to the area). I am glad that I did. They are not the cheapest (by far), but the work is par excellence and WORTH EVERY PENNY! Everything was completed in such detail and in such a quality manner that I am not sure where to start to praise them: >> The technicians are very professional >> All work performed was above and beyond what is expected >> RJ (one of the owners) checks on the work on location regularly >> RJ indulged me when I asked for the technicians to redistribute insulation in the attic (after he crawled around up there and took pictures for me) >> All materials used were first rate >> No short-cuts were taken >> The technicians cleaned up after themselves each day (they were here for a week or more) >> RJ correctly diagnosed the air-flow problems in the house and had them corrected - no more hot (or cold) spots! Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Durham & Sons to my best friend! RJ, I know you check on these reviews regularly: Thank You! There was not a single corner in the house this summer that was too hot and I am toasty warm everywhere in the house on these rather chilly mornings of December 2010!

They are usually pretty responsive to our request. They do a good job.

I would definitely recommend them. They installed a highly efficient air conditioner, which is important in Florida. They had to replace a lot of the work, and they did even more work than was included in the contract. We felt like we were in good hands. The two guys who work for them are top notch.

The job was handled in a very professional way.All aspects of the contracted work were completed as required.The level of service was exceptional from planning to installation.I especially appreciated the attention to detail that was adhered to throughout the job.I would highly recommend this company to others.

I have had this company out to repair my unit on several occasions over the last 10 years. The service has always been reasonably priced and very high quality. My old unit finally gave up. I was given quotes for four different units, while decideing what to do, a temp. unit was installed at no charge! They had my house cool the same day of the inital service call! I was assisted in aranging financing,and was met on a Saturday,when the business is closed,to make it convienient to do my paper work! I could not be more satisfied with the unit and the treatment by everyone I had contact with from Durham and Sons.My house has never been more comfortable and my electric bills are less than half than with my old unit! The owner, RJ ,gave the estimates,explained the differences between units to me ,and did the final inspection on the job! What a refreshing idea! My son and I know several other people in the a/c business, they even commented on the high quality of the job! The only way this job could have been better...if it was free!

If I could give an A+, I would give it to Durham. I called for a service call and within 20 minutes, Terry was at the door. He was very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. I have never had a service call acted upon so quickly. I am so impressed with the professionalism of this company. Terri, from the office initially took my call. She told me she had to check something and would call me right back, and she did, within 2 minutes. This morning, Tammy called to confirm. Both were professional and friendly. The service rep, Jerry was very efficient and thorough. Our problem could have been complex, but he solved it easily. At least for him it was easy. Thank you Durham & Sons. I'll call you again!

They were very professional and talented workers. They were also very knowledgeable and helpful explaining everything. Overall, it was an outstanding job.

Everyone from RJ to the installers have been a pleasure to deal with. Quality and professional service! Very knowledgeable and trustworthy.

The job went great. This included pre inspections, descriptions of work to be done, actual Air Duct replacement, site work team, post work inspections and all corrective actions required. Mr. Durham is hands on and always available to answer andy questions. His team are absolute professionals that were a pleasure to work with.

Do to the heat and additional duct work required it took a little longer to complete the work (4 days). Three temporary Portable A/C units were provided at no additional charge for our comfort. Each day?s work was cleaned up before departing. Workers were very helpful and courteous at all times. At least two follow-up inspections were performed by the owner to insure the system was working well and as planned. We are most impressed and satisfied with the completed work and true professionalism of Durham & Sons, Inc. I would highly recommend this contractor to all, as they are simply the best.

Can't say it went well, as we never even heard back from them.

From start to finish, this was a professional job, beginning with the hands-on approach of the Senior Vice President to the extraordinary skill of the three installers. The installers were punctual, polite and worked full days - AND cleaned up after themselves. They are great company representatives, as was the office staff that was knowledgeable and helpful. I will recommend Durham's every chance I get.

Serviceman arrived promptly as scheduled, quickly found the cause of the problem and performed the repair. Likeable, friendly and professoinal servceman.

Excellent work and response from Durham & Son, Thanks.

R.J. and his installation crew did an excellent job for us. The system he installed is working beautifully! The installation crew was superb and a pleasure to have around the house. They took great care with our home, and this was much appreciated. R.J. Durham does a great job all the way around. We have and will recommend him whenever we have the chance. Working with him and his company was one of the best things we've done.

It went fine. They gave me a really good price and the work was done quickly and without any hassle. I have used Durham & Son's before with good results and they have always been honest. Jeff Sanford Rockledge.

They are responsive are friendly. Both the air conditioning department and the electrical are good. We did get estimates for the re-do of our AC and found Durham and Son to be better

This company did an exceptional job in all aspects of the upgrade installation. I will only consider this company in future requirements.

I had 13 estimates all by profession Air Conditioning professional contractors. every one stated they could not put the addional vents in the family room to balance the air. RJ was the only contracted who said he could do this. RJ Durham himself came to do the estimate, he spent 5 hours with us explaining everything. RJ was MORE than professional. His level of expertise is amazing. He was always available to answer all questions without hesitation. The Service professionals (Troy & Matt) were wonderful. These are 2 employees who enjoy what they do. They are well educated in their job. They did a perfect installation & did not leave until we knew how to work everything. They cleaned up everything & used cloths to protect our property. They displayed integrity & honesty & I had no problm leaving them in my home & attending to other duties. They showed a sense of excitement in the knowledge they have, something you never see today. Durham & Son's brings me back to what service used to be. This is by far the best company I have ever done business with. The amount listed as spent was before all rebates & tax credits.

I called to make an appt for an annual service call on my home A/C system and received an appt within 2 days. I thought that was very responsive considering we were in the ?busy time? of the year. The appt was between 8am - 1pm; the techs arrived around 12 pm. They immediately began troubleshooting and found several leaks in the 14-year old evaporator coils. I inquired if it could be repaired and they said it was not cost effective to repair and recommended it be replaced. The techs called and said there was a coil in stock and would cost $950. I asked the technician while he was on the phone with the service manager, if they could provide a military discount, he said they would take off $75 . While one tech went to the warehouse to retrieve the new coil, the other removed the old one. However there was a problem, the inventory was incorrect and there was not one in the warehouse. When the technician returned to the house, he apologized and offered to reinstall the old coil. I told him not to bother as we could use fans for the night. They said they would be at the house around 2:30pm to install the new coil. The next day I waited until 4:00pm and had not been contacted, so I called. They said that there was a delivery problem and the part would not arrive until tomorrow. I was a bit upset that the office had not called to let me know what was going on?I thought they should have been more proactive in keeping the customer informed. They we apologetic and again offered to come install the old coil until the new one came in?again I declined ? however I did suggest that an additional discount would be nice. The scheduler said that if she had not called me by 12 pm to give her a call. I called her just after 12 pm asking the status. She said that the coil did indeed arrive and she would have the technician out there around 1 pm; he arrived around 1:40pm and installed it quickly and did a professional job. When he was finished I asked what the total was, and he said it was $875 the same price as the first day (with the $75 discount). I paid him and let the technician know that I had expected a little more of a discount as I was 2 days without A/C and had not been promptly informed when the status of the coil changed (delivery didn?t happened as planned) on the second day of service. He said he was sorry and didn?t make those decisions.. Shortly I got a call from the office manager who said she had heard that I wasn?t happy with the cost of the service. I explained to her the situation about waiting for the coil and not being promptly informed and I felt I had saved the company money by not having them come back out to install the old coil when the new one didn?t arrive as expected. She gave me an additional 10% off.- I was thankful. The techs were professional and courteous. I appreciated the office manager understanding my situation and applying an additional discount. I would recommend and use Durham & Sons again.

professional job would recommend to anyone

I will update on this company as we go through the process