BEWARE of Albortz: **Sabotaged my HVAC to Create Repeat Business**…read more If you're in the market for HVAC services, I strongly urge you to steer clear here. Over the course of a couple of years, I've encountered multiple incidents that seem to point to deliberate sabotage of my heating and cooling system. I also have PROOF in my pictures. I'm somewhat handy, and if I was not, I would have been taken advantage of even more. Here's my story: **Incident 1:** It all started when my AC unit broke down during a heatwave. I had a newborn at home, so I needed help fast. Despite being on the pricier side ($500 for the visit), they were the only ones available quickly. The technician "fixed" the issue and tried hard to sell me a brand-new unit--despite the fact that my current one was still functioning. I brushed it off as a sales tactic. However, when the weather turned cold, I realized my **heat wasn't working**. I'm a bit handy, so I took a panel off to inspect the unit, and what do I find? The **gas line had been turned off at the panel**! It's important to note that the heater worked just fine before this service, so the only possible culprit was the technician. Had I not caught this myself, I would have likely been convinced that the entire system needed replacing--costing me even more money. **Incident 2:** Later, I did end up getting a new HVAC system (from a different company). However, my diverters (which control airflow) stopped working, blowing a fuse. Once again, no one else was available, so I had to call Alborz again. I was skeptical after last time, but thought maybe it was possibly an accident... This time, I was on high alert and watched him closely. He fiddled around and had me go check the thermostat downstairs while he "worked on the unit." Reluctantly, I complied. Sure enough, when summer arrived, **the AC stopped working again**. **Proof of Sabotage:** After some investigation, I discovered the technician **deliberately disconnected a wire** in my unit, which is why the AC wasn't working. I have photographic proof showing the disconnected wire and the work area, demonstrating this malicious action. --- **Final Warning:** It's clear to me this company has a pattern of **sabotaging equipment to generate more business**. These aren't simple mistakes; they're calculated actions designed to mislead homeowners into believing their systems need more work or replacement than is necessary. If you're considering hiring them, think twice--you may end up paying more than you bargained for, both in money and frustration.

Uriel came the same day and fixed the heater sensor issue. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The…read moreheater seems good so far.

i usually like to call for 2-3 quotes but only did 1 with with Renato and he seem like a fair…read morestraight shooter with reasonable prices so i just went with him. got my water heater replaced, he prompted me that my pipes have not been in compliant since i bought my condo, also recommended to install automatic shut off valve. all the recommendations makes sense so i went with him. he was out the next day and finished job same day. no issues so far so would recommend him if you are looking for a good plumber who knows what he's doing. i got my property inspected as a new unit and the house inspector did not make any comment on the proper pipe that should be installed on a water heater.

These folks are awesome! They came out and replaced my hot water heater the next day. The folks…read morewho did the work were nice. They were reasonably priced and knowledgeable.

Extremely happy with the services provided by James. He installed a 6 unit/2 compressor heat pump…read moresystem in our 150+ year old house in about two days, demonstrating superior knowledge of the system and suggesting actually aesthetically pleasing choices for ducting etc. that many other contractors ignored. Price was reasonable for the scope and system specs, and James was extremely responsive and patient throughout the whole process. We also really appreciate James's help coordinating with MassSave (including some truly terrible inspections), ultimately enabling us to claim our full rebate. I'd highly recommend working with James, and we will continue to reach out to him for all our HVAC needs!

After a 3-yr search and MANY bids for a new HVAC, we settled on James Wu, who installed our system…read morelast month and proved the research paid off. Below are things I wanted to know before choosing a contractor; maybe it will be helpful for you. Our situation: 100+ yr old home with current boiler in basement. We recently insulated our walk-up attic - that would both freeze and melt items stored there - with closed-cell spray foam (more research there), added drywall and will use it for storage. This is where the air handler and ERV (for ventilation) went. Our upstairs is now ducted, with one vent running through a closet on the 2nd floor to 1st floor. We also added a Mitsibishi floor mount unit and a ceiling cassette on 1st floor. So, we had a VARIETY of equipment installed, requiring a contractor experienced in not only ducting, but mini-split installs with both a ceiling cassette and floor mount unit. We did not want the large wall mount mini split units. Our walls/ceilings are PLASTER, (metal wire mesh and cement-based): cutting them is a JOB. And, we wanted the floor mount unit RECESSED. COST - James was in-line with our other bids, which came in between 27k and 39k, largely depending on equipment recommended, with ceiling cassettes costing more. Many contractors simply would not install them, and wanted to run ducts in the corners of all upstairs rooms to first floor, which to us was a last resort. COMMUNICATION - James is very responsive to texts, emails, and even more importantly, he is a fantastic communicator. He is very calm, not pushy, explains things in an easy-to-understand way that clearly shows he knows his business. I actually told my husband after he left for the first time, "I think we may have found our guy" just based on his personality and knowledge. He's likeable, which isn't a requirement, but definitely helps. EXPERTISE - This is what truly sets James apart. Our needs were fairly complex, requiring interior ducting, 2 outside units with exterior line sets, and recessed ceiling units, but also RECESSING the inside floor unit into an interior wall. We've overseen several renovation projects recently and could tell these guys knew what they were doing. Also, they were perfectionists, and paid attention to details you don't often find with contractors. DEPENDABILITY - Not a single missed appt. Showed up on time with clear communication. The job took a week. He also helped with Masssave paperwork. They cleaned up after themselves each day, which we appreciated. KNOWLEDGE - Extremely versed in Mitsibishi equipment. He's a Diamond Contractor, which extends our warranty, but we'd have chosen him regardless. Every question I had about these units (cassette and floor unit operation, air handler, ERV, outdoor units, thermostats...) he knew the answer to. When I researched anything specific online, from multiple and trusted sources, I found the info he'd given me to be correct. I trust his knowledge and I don't automatically do that. One example: our ceiling cassette has an internal thermostat and it's off by several degrees regularly. I researched it and found we likely need an external thermostat separate from the unit to measure the room's temp. I texted James a photo showing the inaccurate reading and his immediate reply, "you need an external thermostat. I'll install one." That's what I'm talking about. INTEGRITY - Example: After the permit inspector left, James explained his philosophy on inspections. Each city apparently has different requirements. He learned several years ago how strict one particular city was, requiring a blower test to determine air tightness and the passing score was 4% or less. He got 4.1% and city wouldn't pass it. This required a lot more time/energy to go through everything and another test and more $$. So, now James says to his guys, "We install to the strictest inspection every time, regardless of the specific city's requirements, so we don't ever have to redo anything." In our case, the city didn't need a blower test but if they did, I feel confident we would have passed! I don't often take time to write reviews, esp this lengthly, but I felt it was warranted here. Finding an HVAC contractor is HARD; it's time-consuming and complicated. And a lot of money. Three years of research finally led us to James and now, looking back, it was worth the wait and headaches in research. I would highly recommend anyone in the market for a new HVAC, especially if it involves Mitsibishi and especially ESPECIALLY if it involves recessing any equipment like ceiling cassettes or wall units, to consider James Wu. He and his team are uniquely skilled in their work.

I wouldn't use this plumber again. He spent a large chunk of the time for looking for stuff in his…read moretruck - which he charged me for. I was very clear about what I needed - a standard sink mount. He worked at a pokey pace. I did not get a sink mount - but cheap metal brackets you can buy for 97 cents each ($60 parts). One of the brackets is installed incorrectly and wiggles - it's not tight. He also drilled into my kitchen cabinets - unnecessary if a proper sink mount had been used.

The best plumbers around! Fair, honest and fast too. Highly recommended! I really can't speak…read morehighly enough.

Had an absolutely amazing experience with Max Heating and Cooling! My old steam boiler developed a…read morecracked heat exchanger, and Max Heating was prompt, informative, and willing to do the replacement during the New Year holiday. Dan and Sam have been stand-out with the depth of their answers to my questions. I appreciate that immensely as a demonstration of how much they care about the subject matter, and how much they care about ensuring I'm properly informed on what is happening. Sam and his crew were out all day yesterday dismantling the old boiler and installing the new one. They were friendly and engaged the whole time letting me observe the process. Sam called me over throughout to show me up close what had corroded in my old boiler, and to explain to me how it happened. He did the same during install of the new boiler to demonstrate all the critical aspects for maintenance--including letting me unscrew and rescrew a piece to practice for future cleaning. The new boiler is running smoothly right now. I feel like I understand its pieces. Sam even took an interest in diagnosing why my bathroom heating panel (which has never worked) wasn't heating. He cleaned out its vent and it has heat now. My cat is very happy to be warm right now. From the way Sam and his crew talked through all the aspects of the work they were doing, it was clear they take pride in the quality of the work. This wasn't just a job to get over and done with. And what's more, they did it for $2k cheaper than my competing quote. Max Heating and Cooling will be the first people I call for any plumbing projects I have going forward.

I would give MAX 6 stars if I could! Our central AC died at…read more1am on one of the hotest nights of the summer. The next morning I started calling a few places to see if they could help. I was brushed off, delayed, and ignored by all EXCEPT FOR MAX! They sent out two of the techs and within a few hours had my AC running again. Their price was reasonable, the techs were super competent and nice. I highly recommend them!

Kumar came to our home after we were having trouble with our garbage disposal and fixed it in no…read moretime! A+ service all around.

We needed an estimate on a heater and water heater replacement and Dave was fast, efficient, and…read moreresponsive. He gives competitive estimates and also follows up after to see how things are going. That's top quality customer service that has earned my trust. It's no wonder they have such a great reputation. Thank you Dave!

Jason serviced my 22 year old furnace. He was great and explained everything involving the…read moredifferent parts that would most likely need to be replaced within the next year or so. He also gave an estimate for the parts and for a new unit.

I met Jason, after an AC failure on of the hottest days of Summer. Jason contacted me promptly,…read moreprovided all the details and was upfront about everything including his service fees. He was at my place at promised, and got to work. He explained everything as he motored on and worked the problem. He came fully prepared with every possible part monitor upgrade and suggested only what was required. He was very pleasant to work with and was very easy to talk with. I would definitely recommend using Donovan Mechanical and request for Jason if he is available.

I am always skeptical when trying to find someone new to do work on my house. I do not take the…read moretime to write reviews often but he deserves it. He came out to look at boiler, changed a part and got it fired up. Identified that it was cracked and had to be completely replaced. Out of sympathy he just charged me for the part he replaced. He gave me a quote of what it would cost to install a new heating system. I called a few friends that are contractors and they agreed it was a very reasonable price. Dave came out the following day and installed it with his technician. Very professional and efficient, he even took a few hundred dollars off the price that he initially quoted. He checked in the following day to make sure everything was running fine. Great guy that knows how to run a business!

Sent a request out, and the owner David was very quick to respond and responsive throughout the…read moreprocess and scheduling. He was able to get someone out the next day, even on a weekend! He sent out Michael, who did a great job fixing a difficult AC unit and was a pleasure to work with.

I had what I consider a small job: replace two non-working shut-off valves from my kitchen water…read moreline, and one for the toilet water line. I must have called eight different plumbers or companies. Three would not provide free quotes or estimates, and they would have charged outrageous service call fees that one has to pay regardless of whether one accepts their quotes. Three companies offered free estimates and quotes. One quote was so ridiculously high, and when I questioned the price they described that the price included "Isolating water supply to unit by means of water main; relieving the pressure...." and the list went on and on, including a ridiculous list of normal steps for any plumbing job, including checking for proper functioning and leaks, as if these were the reason for the high costs listed on their estimates. It was a bit insulting. Petros was the last person I called, and he was refreshing. He asked for pictures of the valves in question, and before he gave me any quotes over the phone, he explained the options for repair and recommendations. He described the cost of the different types of valves (spoiler alert---they are not that expensive)--and explained his fee. No, he was not cheap, but I so appreciated the no-nonsense explanations and upfront pricing. I knew what the job was going to cost me, and exactly how much of the cost was going to materials vs. labor. Old fashion-business model and transparency that I appreciate. When he came to the house, he was friendly, efficient and professional; he explained and showed me what he did and what was wrong with the valves that were broken; and left the premises clean when he was done. He is a two-man company/team, so I cannot attest to how it would work calling him for larger jobs or emergency jobs, but I will definitely use his services again in the future.

I had my 75-gallon gas water heater replaced and had a very positive experience with this company…read more From the initial quote through installation, everything was handled professionally. Communication was clear, scheduling was straightforward, and the team arrived on time. It is most helpful that Mr. Floros uses text messaging to communicate. It makes the process so much easier. He explained the work in detail, including the equipment being installed and what to expect during and after the process. The installation itself was efficient and clean. They took care to protect the surrounding area, removed the old unit without issue, and ensured everything was properly connected and functioning before leaving. It was evident that they were experienced and followed proper installation practices. Overall, this was a well-managed, professional job. I would use them again and would recommend them to others looking for reliable plumbing work.

I am a new customer and found them to be an amazing company. Excellent customer service with great…read morecommunication skills. I was dealing with "Thermoil in Belmont, MA" and got zero answers from them with back and forth nonsense about an electric water heater that I needed replaced. So after a few months of nothing from "Thermoil", I texted 128 Plumbing in Wakefield on a Sunday, got a response and had an appointment for the beginning of the week. They had a person come over to look at the work I needed done and the next day they had "Tony and Santos" come over for the installation of a new electric water heater. They have great service plans for their customers, giving you the top products offered in the field for your piece of mind on longevity and durability. You know who you are dealing with when someone comes over to work in your house with company vehicles. Not someone in a beat up personal vehicle that looks like they are having issues. If there were more star ratings I could give for 128 Plumbing it would be a 100% star rating. Charlie Boyd Chelsea, MA

Quick service and the technician was prompt. Price was on par with other competitors but I feel the…read moreservice was above and beyond.