J.M. Htg,A/C,& Com. Ref

We have used J.M. Heating & Air Conditioning & Refrigeration several times. Two technicians have been to our house: Jerry and Mike. The pattern has been Mike is quick and <$200, Jerry is slow and >$600. Here is what happened . The heating and cooling company was summonsed by my wife to fix our furnace that was not coming on. I had switched the system off for 30 hours while we were out of town and upon returning the heating did not start up. The electronic thermostat appeared fine but the heat would not come on. The technician evaluated and diagnosed an ignitor problem which he replaced. However, when it still would not work he then discovered that the thermostat malfunctioned and said he was going to get another one. At no point were costs discussed. My wife grew concerned when the repair (including his going out to get a new thermostat) began to drag for many hours (final labor charge 3.5 hours). She was mortified when she received a bill for $631.35. I called the following morning to complain that such an expensive undertaking was performed without warning us so that we could have gotten a second opinion. Either the technician was incompetent or the problem was unusually difficult. I do not know. But I am furious that I was not given the opportunity to seek a second opinion (with quote). I expressed my thoughts and asked for a 50% reduction on labor and a 10% reduction on parts which would make it $437.63. The technician refused. What would you do.?