Having done a renovation to our home back in 2001, we had installed a split-level air conditioning…read moreunit that eventually conked out a couple of years ago. With Covid, never got around to replacing it until now. When Covid first started, we all were confined to our homes, and then like large household appliances, a/c units weren't shipped regularly to HI due to issues in the production supply chain.
After a couple of hot summers, we were moved to replace the air conditioning unit. A referral from a friend led us to A&R Electric LLC of Kailua, with one of their specialties in installing air conditioners. In business since 10/1/08, owner Albert (Mel) Gabuat (he uses his middle name of Mel to distinguish him from his dad, also known as Albert Sr.) named his business with the first letter alpha of he and his wife, Albert and Rachel. Graduated in 1987 from Kalaheo High School in Kailua, Mel had a deep interest in being an electrician because of his dad's good friend being an electrician, and immediately went for his licensure credentials. Rachel helps out Mel on the back end and is also a chef at Michels!
Mel then teamed up with Zack and Lonnie (semi-retired plumber, electrician, and air conditioner expert) in forming an awesome partnership to deliver reputable electrical services on Oahu. Mel and his team provides household and commercial electrical and electrical contractor services, no matter how big or small the job is, whether it be a new home, renovations, rewiring, or a simple installation of any kind of air conditioner. A&R Electric serves the areas of Hauula, Kaaawa, Kailua, Kaneohe, Aiea, Waipahu, Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Honolulu, and surrounding areas.
Prior to making an appointment, Mel asked to send him some photos taken on my cell phone to assist in determining the existing model and space requirements. Love the technological advances that make it easier for these workers to get item specifications without having to unnecessarily drive to your home to get them.
Mel and his team promptly showed up at an 8a appointment on a weekday. Each worked in tandem and replaced the air conditioning unit in about three hours. Watching them, they were super efficient and worked non-stop and quickly in removing the old unit and replacing it with the new unit (different brand). We could tell they were knowledgeable in what they were doing and focused entirely on it. They had no problem improvising, as installing a different brand sometimes does not match up exactly, and each job is not exactly the same. They cleaned up the area entirely and hauled away the old unit and compressor, as well as the cardboard packaging for the new unit. They showed us in detail how to use the remote for the new unit and explained the warranties.
They got along with each other very well. All three were very friendly, and owner Mel was at ease answering my questions about his business and background, as well as being funny. They were honest and had great pride in delivering high-quality services. They enjoyed what they were doing and had a great passion for it.
For Covid, all three wore masks to ensure safety. Hours of operation are Mon. to Sat., 7:30a to 4:00p.
A&R Electric will be doing a simple 2nd job for us in replacing an inoperable and old window air conditioning unit. They took measurements and will obtain a unit that will fit securely in the same space so that additional carpentry work need not be done.
We are very satisfied customers of their services and highly refer A&R Electric, a licensed electrician, to anyone needing home electrical services!