Potomac Services

Potomac Services cleaned all the ducts of my HVAC system in my 3 bedroom condominium. They quoted me a price and charged me that price without trying to sell anything else during the cleaning. After reading about duct cleaning scams I was happy that they were so professional. They left my condo clean after the work. The only problem I had was that they had to reschedule once because a technician had to have emergency dental work. However, they called promptly to reschedule and explained that they could send out another technician, but they did not feel comfortable sending him alone since he did not have a lot of experience. I appreciated the honesty and was happy to reschedule.

Excellent experience and I would definitely recommend Potomac Services again for any of their services. Purchased the Big Deal coupon and everything was perfect. The person doing the work (who I think was the owner?) was very nice, on time, respectful of the house and keeping it clean, quick and took the time to explain and show me things as he did the work. I am VERY pleased with this and commend them on running such a great company.

It all went well. Did as advertised.

The initial communication was bad after leaving a voice mail no return call. The second time I called I did get a response and they were easy to schedule and they did the work well.

The person arrived early, was courteous and professional, had no problem with my dogs saying hello to him (which always makes them happy :-) ), and was very efficient with the job. I told him of a problem I have always had in the past that other companies could not explain. He told me what was causing the problem and how to resolve it ... then showed me how to do it. I was impressed and pleased! Thank you!

we used this company based on Angie's reports. Scheduling was easy. Two techs showed up during the time windows they said they would. My husband walked with them to each of the vents in our 3 levels home. They used a big truck with big vacuum. Work was done well and clean up well. Both guys were pleasant and professional. Overall a good job.

We initially used a coupon from Angie’s List to have Potomac Service clean and inspect our chimneys. They made a recommendation for video inspection of one of the chimneys. This showed some real safety hazards that had not ever been pointed out to us in two other cleaning / inspections. We then hired Potomac Service to cap the chimney. I would highly recommend them on their expertise and level of services.

Overall they did a good job. I found them through a Big Deal, but it was a little difficult to schedule an appointment...this is mostly my fault, because I can't use my cell phone at work. On the day of service the tech was running early, so he called to ensure it was OK to come on by. He finished up in no time, and left no sign at all that he had been there. Since this is a new home, and I've never used the insert, he showed me the basics on how to operate it. The only issue I had was the price for cleaning an insert was $95 more than the Big Dea (which was $90)l...I guess the Big Deal price was for regular fireplaces only. I didn't realize that, having never owned an insert before. No big deal (no pun intended), and I would recommend them. I'll use them the next time I need this service.

When he cleaned out the dryer vent the cap that I use was replaced with a cap my condo board will not accept. I asked if they could paint over it so the cap would match the others. I have spoken with a few people from Potomac and they have not done anything. I went out of my way by purchasing the paint so they wouldn?t have to replace, and they have ignored me. I do not feel that purchasing the paint was my responsibility, and would like them to replace the cap.

Jason was prompt and courteous, and he cleaned up after himself. This was part of an Angie's List promotion and the first and only time I've bought one of those offers. It was a positive experience.

Excellent job. Fast. Polite. Showed up on time. Cleaned up after himself.

Our dryer had been having problems drying clothes despite getting very hot. We determined that the dryer vent was likely clogged. Based on the positive reviews on Angie's List, we contacted Potomac Services and they were able to send someone out on fairly short notice. The gentleman who handled the booking was very nice and helpful and he called the day before to confirm. The technician was running a bit late the morning of our appointment, but he called to let us know, which is really all you can ask for. Once he arrived he was efficient and thorough and our dryer is back up and running.

We found Potomac Services through a Big Deal and had a great experience with them. He was punctual, professional, friendly, helpful, worked quickly and made no mess at all in the house. He took the time to point out some things that were helpful for us and, without trying to sell us, pointed out that our chimney cap was gone (good thing to know!) We highly recommend Potomac Services and will use them every year.

Angie's list was offering a special on this company -- $90 for a dryer duct cleaning. Our dryer had not been working well and we thought maybe that was the problem. The technician KJ was 10 minutes early for an 11 a.m. appointment -- always appreciated. He immediately pointed out that our transitional pipe, which runs from the dryer to the metal pipe that vents to the roof, was not up to code and was a fire hazard. (It was sort of like a slinky wrapped in some kind of plastic). He went to the roof and checked that pipe first and it was clear. Then he checked the transition pipe I mentioned and it was completely clogged with lint and torn in spots -- definitely creating a fire hazard and cutting into the dryer's efficiency. After cleaning the pipe out, KG cut away the torn portions, reinstalled everything and gave advice on how to make the final repair. It was $90 well spent.

I called on Monday Nov.1 to schedule a chimney inspection and sweep. I spoke with Jason who said he had an available time tomorrow at 1. I told him I would be home all day so if he was running late or early, give me a call. He called at 10am the day of the appointment and said he was running early if that was ok. I was thrilled to get it out of the way. He showed up promptly. He was very professional, efficient and clean. He gave me tip to fix a little spot in the chimney. This was a great service experience. I would not only recommend them, I will absolutley use them again!!!!

I had Duct Cleaning services done by Potomac Services. They cleaned my duct work and cleaned the coils of my heat pump. Overall my ducts and coils were cleaned but there was a lot of unexpected clean up to be done that wasn?t done by Potomac Services. Potomac Services came in to clean my ducts. The lead crewman initially came in, looked at the return vent in my entrance way and said he usually cuts around the grate and I may need some touch up paint. (This was never mentioned during the multiple phone calls I made to Potomac Services about their duct cleaning.) I questioned him about this and he said it was because the grate was usually stuck to the wall because people paint it in place or put it back on with wet paint. I knew this was not the case in my home but he wasn?t going to check first. He was just going to do it. I took off the grate myself to be sure he didn?t do damage to anything. The vent cleaning seemed to go well in the main part of the house. When they went to the basement for the last part of the cleaning, things changed. I was told they would make 2 holes in my duct work for the cleaning. They in fact made 5 holes. Then when it came to cleaning the supply vent, the dust and dirt started coming out of my duct work onto all of my stored canned, boxed and paper goods as well as other storage items such as luggage, paperwork and books. As the two workers watched this occurring, they said they don?t usually see this happen and they proceeded to show me all the dust being collected at the base of my heat pump. They did not care that the same dust and dirt was going all over my basement. They did not offer to clean up the dust and dirt from my basement nor did they clean up the small sharp metal debris that fell to the floor from cutting the duct work. This was the experienced crew that was sent to my home. In the main part of my house, there was some cleanup of dust and debris from accessing the return vents. They did offer to clean it with my vacuum because theirs was dirty from cleaning a chimney prior to my house. I feel that they should carry a second vacuum just for these situations, especially since they know when they will be cleaning chimneys on the same day. When I researched the company, the representative told me I would not have to clean anything when the job was finished. They also told me that there would not be any dust or debris to clean up and it was not necessary to cover anything. In reality, I have lots of cleaning to do. I contacted the company about this and the gentleman I spoke with told me he would speak to the workers who did the job and call me back... I never received a return phone call. Overall my ducts and coils were cleaned but there was a lot of unexpected clean up to be done that wasn?t done by Potomac Services.

I was surprised that Potomac called ME instead on my having to call THEM to set up the appointment. They were very nice over the phone and arranged the appointment for my day off. Although the technician was caught in traffic and delayed a bit, he called to let me know when he'd arrive. Casey was friendly and helpful and did the job quickly. He pointed out that the plastic vent at the dryer was out of code and offered to change it at a later date. He also showed me how to do it to save the charge! The dryer times are much shorter now and it's a relief knowing that the job. The service was quick and pleasant and Casey was very accommodating. Good outfit.

This is a copy of the complaint that was filed with the BBB. To this date the company has not responded to the BBB regarding this complaint. We contracted with Potomac Services for Chimney Sweep services on or about September 23, 2010 via an advertisement through Angie's List. We paid $90.00 to Angie's List via Amex card. An appointment for this service was made with Joe from Potomac Services and was scheduled for the morning of October 5, 2010. A man from the company identified as Joe called and indicated that do to high volume, Potomac Services could not come on 10/5/2010 but could reschedule and come on 10/15/2010. On 10/14/10, at about 7:00 PM in the evening before the second scheduled appointment, Joe called and said that Jason (the company's primary Chimney Sweeper) had contracted Pneumonia and our scheduled appointment would have to be canceled and rescheduled again. My wife found this particularly curious because no less than two hours earlier (approximately 5:00 PM) on this day, the company had called to confirm the appointment with Jason on 10/15/10. I then called the company and spoke with Jason in the evening of 10/15/10 to express my disappointment with the service and I called Angies List to file a complaint. Jason indicated he was fine and that he felt bad for all the mix-up and would make it up to us by performing the service for "free" on the next Monday (10/18/10) at 11:00 AM. I said alright. The company (Jason) never showed up on Monday and when I called Jason, he at first did not acknowledge our discussions but later indicated that he meant next Monday meaning 10/25/10 not 10/18/1010 which was the next Monday following 10/15/10. I believed this was the run around but said OK see you on the 10/25/10 then. Well on Monday 10/25/10 guess what - another no show. This time when I called Jason to confirm the appointment, he pretended that he did not know who we were again and then said that he was expecting a confirmation call from me to reconfirm the appointment. I indicated to Jason that I had confirmed this appointment on 10/18/10 of last week and this morning at about 8:15 AM as well - these comments were met with no response. In sum, this company has repeatedly and consistently acted in bad faith. Moreover, the company's lack of integrity and bad business practice needs to be formally addressed and recorded through this complaint.

Only one person showed up. His helper was ill so it took twice as long. The technician was very professional, courteous and explained everything he was doing. I was very pleased with the work and would recommend them.

Jason was on time and very professional. He performed the sweep and inspection in about an hour. It was a very positive experience and I would use Potomac Services again.

It was very easy to schedule the appt. The gentleman that did the wokr was runninga bit late. They communicated this in a timely manner and gave me the option to reschedule. The technician was knowledgable, informative and professional. They did an great job and lef thw owk area clean.

Chimney cleaning went well. Service man was professional, answered all my questions, and left no mess.

If the cleaning had been performed, I am confident Jason would have done a good job. Unfortunately my situation prevented an immediate cleaning, but the price of the "inspection" was disappointing. I wish they would have given me a discount. That would have ensured me using them for the actual cleaning after having the insert removed, but I don't think I will use them now.

The technician (Casey) was not only prompt, but arrived early. He thoroughly explained how he planned to clean out my dryer vent duct, and answered all my questions. He did a great job, and also discovered a clog in the dryer vent duct, and resolved it. He was polite, respectful, and worked quickly and professionally. I would use this company's services again.

Ryan worked very hard and was nice. He showed up on time and worked incredibly hard so we were very happy with him.