Best Home Services - Plumbing Electric Air

On 3/19/16, a Best Service technician arrived at my home at 12:00 and he was responding to fix an A/C problem. He looked at the A/C and after 25 minutes, he knocked on our door to discuss the bill. NOTE: Much of that 25 minute timeframe was spent writing a cost comparison between 3 manufacturers of brand new A/C units which we didn't ask for and to uninstall a part that wasn't necessary for the A/C to operate. The bill for replacing 2 parts totaled 520.00. My husband and I were floored that he didn't knock on our door to discuss the price of the parts and outrageous labor cost before repairing the unit, especially since it was a 10 year old unit. Again, the repair included installing a capacitor and kick start switch. The kick start switch was not a part that was installed on the A/C when it was a new unit and the A/C operated without it for 10 years. Much of time spent at our home was installing/uninstalling a part that wasn't needed and writing an A/C replacement unit proposal which we didn't ask for. He was instructed to remove the kick start switch. As he was adjusting the bill from $520.00 to $271.00 (still an outrageous amount) so it reflected just the replacement of the capacitor, I went to see the parts he installed to get a better sense of what he was explaining. I took a photo of the kick start switch and noticed it looked as though it was a previously installed part. Upon a closer review, I noticed the date tag on the part was 2014. This service tech had every intention of charging us an additional $250.00 to install an older/used part. I reported the incident to Best Services and received a call from Phil (Install Manager) who said he'd adjust the labor fee and asked if I'd be willing to sign a Customer Survey which he told me was basically a statement stating I was satisfied with the fee adjustment and the matter was resolved to my satisfaction. I agreed. However, what I received wasn't a survey at all but rather a Hold Harmless letter. If I refused to sign it I wouldn't receive a refund. I wrote an email saying this tactic (buying my silence) wasn't ethical and Best Services could keep the money. I received a second call from Phil saying he'd refund the total amount of the service call and he sent this commitment in writing along with another Hold Harmless letter. I edited the Hold Harmless letter a.k.a Customer Satisfaction Agreement so it read that I was only agreeing to refund but wasn't agreeing to the rest of the text written into the document which is as follows: I’d agree not to post or author any detrimental reviews, blogs regarding the company in any form and wasn't releasing Best Home Services from claims, actions, judgments that may arise and that verbiage is written into their Customer Satisfaction Agreement. Jose, the office manager, emailed back to say they weren't going to accept the edited Customer Satisfaction Agreement so basically if I wanted money back I'd have to sign the original Customer Satisfaction Agreement. There was no evidence of ethics displayed by this technician and his deliberate intent to install a used part is wrong on multiple levels and it is disturbing. Another important issue surrounding the conversations between Phil/Install Manager and myself was that when he called me the second time he told me he had recorded our first conversation and the conversation was recorded without asking my permission and without my knowledge. That is a serious violation and one that the state of Florida takes seriously. If Best Home Services was truly committed to Customer Service they should agree to a total refund without their customers having to sign a Hold Harmless Letter, just like Sears Service has been doing for 40 years or better. Photos are available of the so called Customer Survey and of the part dated 2014 upon request. Julie

Great, very professional. Checked attic and outside , cleaned and serviced. Gave estimate of service to improve air conditioner.

We did obtain several estimates from different contractors but selected Best Home Services as the representative Matt made a very good presentation and was diligent in working up the proposals and going over the issues that we had in regards to the existing system, ductwork and dehumidification. He also did not like the way the existing dehumidifier was installed and was going to have this dehumidifier ducted into the new A/C system properly. Project contract cost $32,906. Part of this project also had to do with some of the electric connections that needed to be cleaned up, basically junction boxes that needed covers, some cleanup and installing some lighting in the A/C workarea. When the electrician and plumber came out, the electrician gave an estimate for almost $9000 for additional items (new electric panel, etc) and the plumber $5000 (water purification system, etc) that were simply not really necessary to get the A/C job completed. The electrician and plumber knew nothing of the A/C contract. Because of this, we decided to abort the entire project. We did talk with Matt and another electrician was sent (Steve Nix) who I believe was a supervisor who basically just reviewed with Matt what was needed and agreed upon an additional $3175 figure to have the necessary work completed. Pleasekeep in mind that the contract stated the price is the price is the price. The duct cleaning did not go well with a substantial amount of dust spread throughout the office. There were some other issues (damage to ceiling tiles, plumbing issues etc). We had our cleaning crew come in on Saturday/Sunday and paid an independent contractor to repair the ceiling. At any rate, the systems were not initially installed correctly on weekend #1, which was verified later by a Best service technician. One did not cool at all and the other was exhibiting a ?bucking? of the compressor. The next day (Sunday) they appeared to be functioning, but on that Monday during office hours, one of the units stopped cooling, then the other unit stopped cooling. Fortunately, the other unit started cooling again. Best did come out and we were told that the units were not installed properly, that the dehumidifiers were not ducted properly and I noted that the drain lines were improperly installed, hooked into the overflow instead of the proper drain. At this point, we were introduced to Nathan Roe, who was to mitigate these myriad problems. We understand that sometimes installations do not go well, and I would expect that the supervisor, Mr. Roe, would have been apologetic and make sure that any fixes were to be done properly. I have dealt with a number of contractors and supervisors in the past and Mr. Roe was, in our opinion, disrespectful from the outset. At one point, Dr. Gale tried to describe the type of patients she sees and the need for a comfortable working environment. Dr. Gale is a maxillofacial prosthodontist who regularly sees cancers patients with parts of the jaws removed. Mr. Roe was very condescending in his response to her. Upon my meeting him for the first time, he just looked at me, did not introduce himself when I introduced myself, he said very little to me and basically dismissed me. He later stated that we were only to call him and not contact Matt or anyone else at Best for any reason. At this point in time, our confidence in Best plummeted. There were humidity problems to the point that there was condensation and water dripping in some of the operatories. Later, I reviewed the situation with Mr. Roe and he said that the dehumidifiers were not ducted properly and they would be fixed. He told me and Matt that the dehumidifiers should be ducted return to return configuration and the makeup air should be routed through the dehumidifiers. This configuration was confirmed by another independent A/C professional. After the Aeroseal was completed, Mr. Roe stated that the ducting was completed, yet upon inspection, this was not the case. After the Aeroseal was completed, Mr. Roe stated that the ducting was completed, yet upon inspection, this was not the case. It is my opinion that Mr. Roe either lied to us, or due to his lack of direct supervision, simply assumed these things were done correctly but were not. I cannot think of any other reason and neither reason is acceptable. In fact, if Mr. Roe had done his job properly he would have noted the large leak from the access hole (Aeroseal access into a duct) that I discovered after the job was supposedly completed. Aeroseal is supposed to seal the ducts so there is no air leakage into the attic, yet they left a 6 to 8 inch diameter hole in the box that allowed cool air into the hot attic. Later, this year after I attempted to install filters, I discovered the filter cabinets were skewed to the point that proper installation of the correct filters was difficult. I called more than once and when someone came out, they knew nothing of the actual problem and just dropped off some filters. I had to physically show them the problem, which was then fixed properly I also contracted earlier this year with another company to correct the ducting issues. Which was fixed properly and improve the humidity problems. One of the dehumidifer units were ducted in such a way that hot air was coming out of an air conditioner return grate into one of the rooms.

very professionally run company !! toilet was not flushing ,tried the plunger ,baking soda and vinegar nothing works .they came out saw the motor was bad .replaced it .they were out the same day had half hour ahead call ,emailed a pic of the tec,shoe covers door mat ..treating your house like their own !! polite ,knowledgeable explained the problem and fixed it .would definitely recommend this company and use again . Naples Fl

The service was excellent, but like always the employees are required to sell another service or constantly find an error of some sort that requires additional expenses. One time they sold our unit fire alarms, but they didn't work when there was a smoke coming for the microwave oven. They claim I bought a cheaper model and should have bought the more expensive model.

It was excellent they were well dressed and very professional. They solved my problem including one that they did not come for and took care of it. We usually have problems getting people out here and they did the service in our area with no issues.

Noah, electrician, did an excellent job. He was professional, friendly, knowledgeable. Would hire again!

Install went well. Installers did a professional job in tough condition. A return visit was required due to leak in refrigerator lines.

Had tune up performed, was told unit is worn out and need replaced. Got bid on price for service. New install performed immediately.

Called on Sunday, sent out tech right away did a thorough inspection. New unit required. Work done within 24 hours.

I didn't feel they were completely honest with me and they did not give me a good product. The product broke down in 3 or 4 years.

I feel that they stay on the target but they like to scare me and talk me into things that I don?t really need and I?m not happy about that. Even though I?m on this contract with them, I will use someone else because I just don?t like the fact that I ended up paying a fortune every time they come. Considering the trick that they used and I don?t appreciate that. I think that is fraudulent. The work that they have done is okay but only okay so I put quality in the middle range. They rescheduled me several times. I think I gave them a high rating on their form just to get them out of the house but I don?t really feel that way.

The experience was very good. They are very friendly and they cleaned up afterwards.

It turned out great. They were very prompt, they have a very good price, they did a great job, they showed up on time and got the job done. They were very polite and very professional.

It went very good. They were very good, professional and quick. They showed up quick and the job was done very quickly. I will tell others who wants to use them to go for it.

I have a contract with them. Very courteous. They back up there work. Always have a discount.

Not sure what the tech did but since he came I have had 3 dimmer switches not work, as well as my garage lights not working.

Called to get a Ballast changed for our light fixture ( a $30 part from home depot ) they charged us some ridicules charge of $262.28 for less than an hour work would have gone else where but needed it done. They also tried to sell us an upgrade to change it to LED for $352.50 don't think so!!! Suggest you go else where before being price gouged from this company.

Short version. In my opinion their technicians are in reality high pressure sales people in disguise (other reviewers have expressed a similar opinion). If you do use them (and I wouldn't after my experiences), always get a 2nd opinion. You have been warned! Long version. In October 2010 we called them for an A/C maintenance inspection in our new (13 yr old) condo. They also offered a 'free' electrical inspection at the same time. Following the A/C inspection we were given a list of 'issues' that needed fixing and /or upgrading to allegedly extend the system's life, e.g. crank case heater and UV lights - maybe some other small things, The proposal was approx $2,000. Being new to Florida, and since we were about to leave town and didn't have time for a 2nd opinion, we reluctantly agreed to the work being done, although it seemed expensive. It took less than 2 hours, and was competently done I assume. Now that I'm more familiar with the cost of A/C repair work in FL I estimate we overpaid by a factor of 2. By the way, the electrical inspection 'found' the 3 or 4 small things I pointed out to them which had been picked up by the recent pre-sale homeowners inspection. They kindly offered to fix them all for around $600. We declined (and subsequently had a local electrician do the same work for $200). They also tried to push us to buy a surge protection system for the whole unit (I forget how much that was). We declined that too. In April 2011 they returned for routine maintenance as part of the annual contract we had previously signed. This, inspection brought to light that we apparently had insufficient insulation in the attic, and they submitted a proposal to remediate that for only, you guessed it, $2,000! It was all I could do to not laugh in the technicians face. For the record, all the time we lived there our small unit's monthly cost for A/C during the summer months, when we were absent, was about $40. So maybe we would have recouped our $2,000 expense over, say 25 years? Anyway, we declined. That was the last time we saw anyone from Best Electric. The following October we switched to Coastal Cooling, and could not be happier. It's been almost 2 years, and they (Coastal) have not submitted a single $2,000 proposal - they do everything for a competitively priced annual maintenance contract.

First, I want to note that the $750 dollar price that I mentioned above DID NOT include the service charge for coming to my house. Best Air did respond promptly when we called them and said that our central air had stopped blowing cold air. The Best Air technician looked and talked professionally and told us that our unit was frozen because we were 3 pounds low on refrigerant. He took the panel off the side of the air handler to expose the coils and used one of our portable fans to blow hot air onto the frozen coils to de-ice them. While the coils were thawing out, the technician turned into a salesman and tried to sell us surge protection plans first for the whole house, then for the main panel, and then for the unit. He also tried to sell us a maintenance plan for the air conditioner, plumbing and electric and when we said no, he tried to sell us a maintenance plan for just the air conditioning. By the time he was done with his sales pitches, I felt like I had been on a vacation where they try to sell you time shares the whole time. After the technician put the 3 pounds of refrigerant in at a cost of $509.40, I asked if there was a leak. The technician said he didn't think there was a leak and didn't see any when he did a visual inspection of the unit but if we wanted him to perform a leak test it would cost us an additional $700.00. There was a $249 charge on top of the service call charge and the $509 for the refrigerant. The air conditioner ran fine for 3 weeks until it froze up again. We called a different air conditioner company since we didn't have faith in Best Air. We did not tell this air conditioner technician that Best Air had been to our house just three weeks earlier for the same problem because we wanted to hear his unbiased evaluation of the problem. This technician told us that you should never need to add refrigerant to a central air unit unless there is a leak because the units are self-contained. This technician told us we were 2 pounds low on refrigerant and that there must be a leak that he couldn't see. He told us that the refrigerant (which was the same type used by Best Air) was $40 a pound (not $509 for 3 pounds like Best Air charged us), and that a dye injection leak test would cost us $149 (not $700 like Best Air wanted to charge us). This technician found the leak and fixed the problem (which he told us was mostly covered by a factory warranty even though we had recently purchased the house and did not have any paperwork on the air conditioner). We feel that Best Air gouged us on the price and didn't even fix the problem!!!

I used Best Air about three years ago. It is $100.00 a year for two checkups. I would give it an 'A'. I would use them again in the future.

Fixed everything in a timely manner. I was disturbed that I was talked into an annual contract with them because I would save 10% on current bill. Seemed expensive for what he did but it was done well and in a timely manner.

They were very professional in installing the items listed above. Beware of their NO INTEREST financing. Upon finishing the job, I saw a 5% UP FRONT interest charge on the paperwork. They said this is a standard charge. (so how can they say no interest for 12 months). The reply I got is that there would be no MORE interest if paid within 12 months. They claimed they had always charged this way. Just another way to screw the customer in the interest of getting a little more profit. I am sorry to say that this is a trend in businesses nowadays to pry a little more cash out of the unknowing customer. I called them about the 5% interest charge and they removed it. They replaced the heating element at no charge to me. Bottom line, I will attempt to find a new vendor for my Electric and A/C needs.

Prompt, Courteous, and simply the best experience I have ever had with an A/C or electric company. I will use their services again and recommend you do the same!

Apparently thieves have a new stealth apparatus that allows them to break into cars without setting off alarms or causing damage to the car. A few weeks ago my friend Miranda's car was broken into this way. they stole her camera and all of the Christmas toys she had hidden from her three small children. To top off this horrible act they defecated on her back seat. Best Electric told me on the phone that there would be a $39.50 service charge to come check out why my lights kept blowing in my lanai ceiling fans. Two men (two men for this small job?) came to my home, looked, did not touch my fans and told me that there was a $174. diagnostic fee. So that would be $213.50 just to open the fixture to see what was wrong. I was shocked. I paid them the $39.50 and they left. They did not touch one thing in my home. So the way I see it is that the same thing happened to me that happened to Miranda. The only difference is that I let them in and paid for it.