Fri., Apr. 30, 2021 my 19 yr. old AC seemed to be working, but not blowing cold air. Given the age of my unit, I presumed it had run out of refrigerant. Hours later, an hvac tech told me my compressor was dead, my furnace was outdated, and I needed a whole new hvac system. Wanted a second opinion. Discovered a nearby company called Expo Heating & Cooling and gave them a call. They sent a tech that same day. Rather than presume the worst, the Expo tech tried a new capacitor and cooled the compressor with a hose. He checked components in the attic. Because the Expo tech took extra steps to be sure I needed a new unit before relaying that bad news, I believed him.
Both verbally and visually on his notebook, the Expo tech then explained what options the company could offer. The information was well organized into option/price packages for different brands. I had not heard of Bryant brand before, but was attracted to the options for it. While the tech agreed my furnace was old, he said replacing it could wait, as the immediate issue was the AC. He added that replacing the whole system would cost less than doing so separately. Knowing my hvac search meant gathering several bids to compare apples to apples, I thanked the very nice tech for his offer. Soon afterwards, I received by email a written estimate of the options we discussed. Online, I compared brands and learned of different types of hvac. At my request and despite being very busy, the tech returned Sat., May 1, to patiently answer many questions I'd come up with. Later, after more research, I had even more questions. Despite Expo being closed on Sunday, questions I emailed that day were promptly answered by Expo's owner.
With temperatures already rising to upper 80's, I set a Tues., May 4 deadline to choose among 7 estimates received. Some bids were lower than Expo's, but for brands I did not want. For brands I wanted, Expo's bids were best, plus they offered the most financing options. They never tried to upsell to deluxe models - never even mentioned them. I asked about them after discovering them during research, and received an amended written estimate reflecting those options. After thinking through all my choices, I chose Expo and also the mid-range, mid-priced complete hvac system option they originally thought best for me. (It was.) On the day I'd set for making a choice, I let Expo know I accepted their offer. They scheduled installation for the very next day.
Wed., May 5, Expo's installers arrived just before 8 AM. The entire furnace/AC removal and new installation process was completed at 3:30 PM. That entire time, four workers stayed focused on the job, stayed off their phones, and stayed on premises for brief breaks. They had rolled floor protection over areas they would tread. Both indoor and outdoor premises were left same as when they arrived. They carried massive, very heavy furnace equipment both down and up stairs, yet left not a single scratch anywhere. As the installation neared completion, Expo's agent, the original tech I met, arrived. He did not let the crew leave until he personally inspected their work and tested functionality. Then he remained to demonstrate how the new thermostat worked, even programmed it as I wanted. The hvac brand I chose was Bryant, and its longest warranty requires product registration within 90 days. Before the tech even left, I received by email registration confirmation from the manufacturer - Expo already had taken care of that for me. The next day, the company owner himself called to ask how the new hvac system was working and how my experience with Expo went.
I do not write reviews, but made this one exception not only because Expo earned it, but also as a way to help others. Many contractors seek the most profit for the least effort, so it's hard to trust anyone or believe ethical business practices still exist. Expo proved to be exceptional in every aspect. As a senior citizen, I was pleasantly surprised by the polite, respectful and patient manner in which Expo's agent, a young man, treated me. Instead of listening to recordings when I called, a real person answered. All emails and texts were promptly responded to. I never felt put on hold, ignored or dismissed. Product and installation quality matter most, but Expo's outstanding customer service on top of that is what makes it an exceptional hvac company. Anyone taking bids for their hvac needs owes it to themselves to include one from Expo for the honesty, fairness and customer care Expo offers. read more