RED STAR COOLING & HEATING

Our old AC system was trash. The good folks at Red Star made it all better. Carlos, Amber, Joe, Jay, Miles, and Julio, just flat fixed us up. We needed their help and this company was there for us. Carlos took a personal interest in ensuring I and my family got the very best a contractor could offer. Their experience as a President's class Carrier dealer and service organization is proof positive regarding their extensive knowledge and ability as a premier HVAC contractor. No corners are cut, only quality materials are used, work is quick and efficient, and cleaned up neat as a pin after. Are these folks the cheapest out there? I have no idea and don't care. Red Star's pricing for the quality of work is competitive and the value is evident in the team's service delivery. I don't know yet what routine maintenance plans Red Star recommends, but I'll ask Carlos to advise what's best, he'll honestly answer any questions I have, and then I'll ask him to sign me up. Seriously - just use Red Star Cooling and Heating. If you have to spend good money, you might as well get the work quality and service you deserve.

Red Star has really outstanding service, installation and advice on air conditioning and furnace equipment. We have lived in Texas since 1981 and can fairly say that Red Star is the best cooling and heating company we have worked with while living in Dallas, Midland and Houston. The one thing that stands out is working with us to replace the 16 year old system we had in Houston. Joe took the time to explain the different hardware and the price ranges of the many options. We felt confident after talking with Joe that we knew what we were getting for the investment. Joe recommended a dehumidifier that has dramatically improved the comfort in the summer. It cuts the humidity in the house and makes the cooling more efficient. Also the variable speed fan on the condenser is very quiet and I have noticed a lowering of electric usage since it was installed. The removal of the old AC units and furnace was efficient and well done. The debris was cleaned up and removed. The installation of the new AC units and furnace was also efficient and quick. Joe was very helpful in explaining how to get the most out of our new units. This past winter was the first for the new furnace. It came through with flying colors. Even though we had very cold weather and ice storms the furnace efficiently heated the home. Our natural gas usage was down compared to other years because the new unit is more efficient. Since we installed the new system, the summer days have become more pleasant and the house is noticeably more cool. It is even more important that at night the home is cooler and less humid allowing for more restful sleep. This has occurred all while lowering electric costs. Red Star has followed up the installation with winter and summer inspections to make certain we are ready for the heating or cooling season. We highly recommend Red Star.

Eric came promptly to our house and checked thoroughly our A/C system. Gave us an estimate and told us we only had one damper to replace. They are very expensive. We accepted and they came the next day and installed it (they had to order the part). We had questions about the work they performed and they came back (Erick and Erika) and checked everything again and gave us a very logical explanation of what was going on at no charge.

After 9 estimates and countless conversations with HVAC companies RED STAR won our business. I encourage you to read all of this review because it will save you a lot of time. I consistently heard from quality engineers that a system will performance is majorly based on the installation. Below is how/why we selected Red Star. We needed a new system and upon further research decided to go with a variable system. I encourage some research on the differences of single, twin, and variable. Because the variable systems are more complicated and the installation takes special knowledge. I did the due diligence of selecting the right installer. After a couple of weeks of top companies qualified to install these types of systems we had 9 bids in our hands. My goal at this point was basically to send out a RFP for a specific system, make a round of calls to negotiate with the new bids, and then one last round of calls with the best and final offers. Most new system estimates have a lot of confusing jargon but it really boils down to this (depending on your situation): 1. Outside Unit 2. Blower/Furnace (Inside Unit) 3. Evaporator Coil 4. Thermostat 5. Media Filter 6. EVERYTHING ELSE- all required parts, whip, shutoff, surge, pad, pans, float switch, labor, etc. The "Everything Else" is where I noticed the most obvious inflation but all of these things are required and basically standard. The original bids were very different in price with the lowest and highest having an almost 6,000 difference. The highest price companies came down significantly in price throughout the process but my trust was surely lost. All companies came down in price and some got caught up in lies. It was a slow process of elimination but ultimately came down to two companies, Red Star and another. I was seriously torn but leaning towards the other company because of online ratings. With that said I didn't trust all of the reviews. I spoke with Drew, our salesmen/estimator at Red Star and ultimately with Joe the owner and trusted Red Star with the job because they were literally the only full honest company. I also should mention that their original estimate was the second lowest and ultimately the lowest. I told Drew and Joe they could start anytime as long as it was done before Thanksgiving. While talking with Joe on the phone about when to start he said, how's 9AM tomorrow? That next morning a crew showed up and removed the old system. Then a big Red Star truck delivered the system with another crew swopping in and installing it. The next crew came after that to tune and finalized the install. The process was truly amazing and operated like a well oil machine not missing a beat. Not only did they do an amazing job but they also went the extra MILES and took care of some additional issues and provided parts without cost. EXTREMELY Happy with Red Star, Joe, Drew, and all of the crew members. Thank you guys so much! Truly a company that focuses on the customer and quality. I highly recommend them for any type job. They are the best!

They are very good and good pricing with good workmanship. They are professional and friendly. He did the project in intervals at a time.

My compressor had stopped working. They showed up on time and were able to find the problem quickly. It was a bad capacitor. They replaced it with one he had in his truck and things were working again in a matter of 20 minutes total. He did not try to find a lot of other things wrong and up-sell me as other A/C companies have done which I really appreciated. He was professional and answered my questions as he worked. My only complaint is that it cost more than I expected for such a short trip and a relatively inexpensive part.

Tech was punctual and professional.

They came out and tried to sell me a new heating unit. In talking to the gentleman that came out I mentioned that I knew some people that work for Goodman Manufacturing and that kind a changed the whole tone of the whole thing from them wanting to sell me a new system to “ well am sure your friend can get you a better price than we can but we will be more than happy to help you anyway we can and thank you for keeping us in mind." They were willing to come out on new year's eve.

after my old provider said only new a/c would solve problem, i contacted two other a/c companies for second opinion and estimate of new a/c. estimates were $8,000 to$ l5,000. red star found cause of problem and repaired it for $300. my unit is ten years and a few months old. i am very glad i found red star.

The estimate and quotation went well. The installation went very well.

Good. Drain is unclogged. He installed two PVC valves that weren't needed, but helpful for future clogs, but I didn't know it was going to cost $200. It was probably $15 worth of materials. I had a coupon for a $45 service fee. So one hour of labor and $15 of materials = $150? He really should have warned me they charge outrageous fees for PVC. Basically it cost $200 to pressurize the line and clear the clogged drain. I wouldn't recommend them only due to cost. A+ on everything else.

Originally, my house had the HVAC installed by the builder's A/C guy. I started having health issues 9 mos after moving in. 3 years later, I learn about the fresh air damper (no one told me I had one!). I called the original A/C company, they said that the damper was controlled by the thermostat. I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I offered to pay them to come over and tell me how. They said the guy would be there between 12-5. He finally showed up at 5:20pm as I was leaving to get to a 5:30pm appt! I told him to forget it and not come back because I had already called Red Star. I called Red Star, hoping for a 'second opinion' regarding the installation. Joe explained to me how these things work and I felt comfortable that he knew what it "should" be like. Nicholas came ON TIME and gave me an estimate after I learned that my damper was set to open whenever the heat or cooling was on (at my house 6 mos out of the year, neither heat or cooling is on and therefore no fresh air). Nicholas returned for the $150 job to run the wire to my new ecobee so that I can have the damper open periodically (whether heat or cooling is on) and not be open the entire time that the heat or cooling is on. The job was a bit more complicated due to the wall structure. Then, the Ecobee wasn't controlling the damper. He called Ecobee to try to get this fixed but it wasn't fixed, despite following the wiring instructions. After many hours of this, we were both disappointed. I did more research, realized that the damper actuator wasn't the quality that I wanted. Meanwhile, the next day, Joe called Ecobee to speak to them about why this wasn't working and got new instructions. I also asked for a new actuator that I could trust. Nicholas' schedule was rearranged so that he could return the following day to install the new damper+ actuator. He got me one that was really a step up from the old one and something that I could easily see whether it was opened or closed and didn't have the issues the previous one had. Installed properly for $175, including the part itself! YEAH!!!! He then tried to fix the ecobee. After several calls, he FINALLY got me Ecobee working! My system finally works the way I needed it to! Let me be clear - I bought the Ecobee on my own, yet Red Star went the extra mile to make it work so that my system worked the way I wanted it to for my own sanity. They didn't sell the Ecobee to me and they could have said "Look, you're not paying us for hours of debugging an Ecobee!" - particularly when they followed the wiring directions and Ecobee support was very confusing (I called them myself, you get different answers from different folks!) I told all of my coworkers about the efforts of Red Star and they remind me that others would have charged alot more for this much support or would have given up. I am truly grateful for a company who really went the extra mile to help me get the situation fixed because I know that most other guys would have given up. And not only that - Red Star actually shows up on time! I know it sounds silly to mention it, but showing up is a really important part of the service! I had a third A/C company who said they were too busy and one week later were wondering if I still needed help. I also told them that I didn't need them because I had already called Red Star. One more thing, there are many expensive ways to fix my problem, but Red Star really encouraged me to try the smaller fixes first. Nice to experience some honesty these days. I will definitely be calling Red Star for my regular HVAC maintenance.

We went to 4 A/C companies to find a solution to our air conditioning problem. These guys offered a common sense solution to our problem, then executed the solution in a timely manner. We would highly recommend them.

I noticed that my downstairs air conditioner quit working on Thursday.(May 7, 2015) On Friday (May 8, 2015) the first company that came to look at the problem charged me an additional $98 on top of the $49 coupon I got from Angie's list just to tell me that I had a Freon leak. So the all the $49 coupon from Angie's list got me was a warm body. Later that day I was given an exorbitant quote for replacing the coil on the downstairs unit. On Sunday I found out that my upstairs unit was not working either. On Monday (May 11, 2015) I called Red Star and talked to Joe Diaz. I had used them before on a couple of occasions for A/C problems. This time around I am not sure why I did not call them right away. But I am glad I eventually did call hem. The weather on Monday (May 11, 2015) was bad and there were traffic delays. But Joe did show up a little after 5 PM and worked till 10 PM to get both units going again. On top of that his charges were very reasonable. I got good work, reasonable charges and staying late (beyond the call of duty) to get the problem fixed. What else could I ask for? I recommend Red Star highly with no reservations.

Joe is amazing at what he does. We have used them a few times in the last couple years. He is VERY trustworthy, efficient, dependable and helpful. We will never call anyone else for our cooling or heating needs.

They replaced my old central A/C Compressor and Condenser in a timely and professional manner. The overall price was lower than their competition in my area.

See above. This is my first review! ;-) We will be installing a generator in our new house and I will be calling them for that service too!

Considering how badly large projects can go, I hesitate to mention anything, but since you asked for details and it all turned out beautifully and we are extremely happy, I will share. One mishap was when trying to drill to put a thermostat in my dining room (which badly needed cool air), they missed and made a small hole in the ceiling beside the wall. They promptly repaired and painted (cannot tell anything happened). Also, instructions were given for the men to put a hole inside a guest bedroom closet for access so they could replace the awkwardly placed air duct (this is a contemporary house which means a couple of the air ducts are in awkward locations). Contrary to Joe's instruction, the closet hole was put outside the closet wall. That hole was promptly and beautifully repaired as were the small old thermostat holes. All the workmen were neat and considerate. The painter who filled the holes, however, was difficult to converse with regarding paint color for the large area yet to be painted. I surmise the summer heat has them hopping, so I'm not upset about that...but will be if it isn't painted by the time our guests arrive July 17th. I say we should call the company and remind them of this small detail, but my husband said they'll get to it when they can...so. It took most of a day to install the pull-down steps because of the gas line and shoring up the rafter to the roof beam for support. Another day for the one air conditioner, heater, that duct work etc. and the third day for the second air-conditioner, heater, duct work etc. and a few hours a fourth day for the holes and painting. Oh, and the guest bedroom thermostat was misplaced on the wall so it was properly moved to a proper location, hole filled and painted. This house is a challenge and they met the challenge promptly, professionally and we sit here in cool, low humidity blissfully typing this. Oh, that?s another thing, my husband treated our bathroom like a sauna, steamy, steamy. No steam since we have the zoning. Love it!!!!!!! Humidity hovers around a low 51%. Joe has informed us he will be back every six months to change the 4" filters in the two units. Yay, no more air-intake filters to buy or change! Very happy with Red Star and I am telling all my friends about them!!

Joe arrived with equipment, supplies, parts to complete the job. He had to jump over painters who had their equipment at the front walk and front door, but did so with deft steps and good humor. He went to work immediately and interacted with me in an appropriate and respectful manner. He left when the job was completed. Since he knows me personally for several years his office emailed me an invoice for the cost of the complete job and I returned my payment by check shortly thereafter.

The lady that answers the phone is always very friendly and helpful. They got me on the schedule within a few days. The technician was on time, worked quickly, and was very friendly. We have used Red Star for several years for all our ac/heating needs and have recomended them to many of our friends and will continue to do so in the future.

He went above and beyond. He's an excellent business man. He got in an accident right before the work and still came out to service me.

They made a commitment to complete what ever was necessary to complete the job. They fulfilled their commitment. I would use them again.

I received 12 quotes from 10 contractors for just the coil -- ranging from $1500 to $2900. Many contractors pushed whole AC systems ($5K-$7K), and some pushed whole HVAC (including furnace), as a "better" solution ($5K to $12K). Since system is barely 10 yrs ago with no issues with the blower, the furnace quotes were definitely overboard. With proper maintenance good systems are reliable for 15 -20 yrs. RED STAR Joe arrived at the appointed time and inspected my downstairs AC system, inside and out, and provided me with a couple of quotes. One was for an all aluminum American Std (good brand) box coil and the other was for an Aspen (lower grade) copper box coil. Both quotes included the auxillary/secondary pan and float switch, that were needed. The warranty on the Coil was std mfg wty: 10 and 5 yrs respectively. The wty on Labor, however, was 2 yrs rather than the typical 1 yr that the other contractors offered. (Though I am not sure of any added value from this. Any Labor issues would be seen, just after install, or at the end of the coil's life.) Reading between the lines, I am guessing that he planned to use the existing plenun. (Not the best choice, since the existing plenem did not have collars/dampers to adjust airflow, but acceptable depending on individual preference and current air balance situation.) However there was no mention of installing a transition from the furnace to the coil. This was needed. But since the builder's installation did not have one, I am guessing that is why Joe did not include it in the quote. (We did not discuss it.) Since the openings of the box coil and and furance typically do not match up perfectly the transistion allows efficeint use of the whole coil, rather than just the middle of it. (Coil's opening is larger than the furnace's.) These were two of the three lowest two quotes I received. I appreciate that Joe did not try ot oversell me on replacing the condensor and/or the furnace. However, the lack of a needed trnansiition in the quote, gave me pause. I am sure he would have included it, if I had asked; but I do not believe it is my job as a non-professional to know what is needed. This raises concerns for me that other corners might be cut. Joe also recommended that I replace the coil on the upstairs AC at the same time. He "guarnanteed" me that it was leaking (even though the aux pan was dry) and needed to be replaced. The original was a poorly designed builders coil; he had seen and replaced many just like this. Kudos to Joe on this call. Three months later it gave up the ghost (sprang a freon leak) and needed to be replaced.

I have used this company a number of times. Very friendly, on time, professional. Have referred them to friends. My AC went out another time and they came out that day to fix it. Always a good job, well done.

I called Red Star at around 8:30 on a Thursday night fully expecting to just leave a message. However, Joe, the owner, picked up. I told him that we might want to go ahead with his previous recommendation to replace our furnace and perhaps condenser too. However, we were leaving the next day around 2:00 and needed to meet with him before then. Even though our job was not a sure thing, Joe agreed to meet with us the next morning at 7:00. He was great. He explained every possible scenario several time until we really understood what he was saying. We decided to go ahead and do the entire system. The next day was New Year?s Eve. So, we scheduled the work for the following Wednesday (1-5-11). Joe and his team showed up and worked all day. They were very courteous and professional. They put down tarps on all the areas where they would be entering the house and working. When they were done they cleaned up and you would never know they were here. We are very happy with the work performed and our new system. We will continue to use Red Star and recommend them to our freinds.