My experience with Powerful AC, LLC (DBA: We The People A/C), subcontracted by Roof Doctors, LLC to replace an AC unit on my mother's 1,100 SF house in Tucson after storm damage, was highly disappointing and unprofessional. As a Phoenix-based company, they were too far to provide timely service, a concern I raised with the General Contractor from the outset, though the GC assured me they would deliver top-quality service. While their installation work was initially satisfactory, their follow-up service was inconsistent, only occurring when they were already in Tucson for other jobs.
The installation of the new 3-ton AC unit was poorly executed. They installed a new breaker box inside a closet, which was an addition for the new installation and not present in the initial AC installation a few years prior. This violated National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for panel access due to the size of the closet. Despite being registered as both an HVAC contractor (Jesus Moron - ROC 324631) and an electrical contractor (ROC 337953), they falsely claimed to Roof Doctors, me, and Pima County Inspectors that the breaker box was an existing condition to pass the electrical inspection. They admitted to me in multiple conversations to not knowing the electric codes and rerouted electrical lines to suit their preferences, disregarding NEC requirements for space access for electrical panels. Additionally, they ran the condensation line through a closet, leaving an exposed 3/4" PVC line vulnerable to damage from items stored in the closet, which violates AC installation codes. As a registered finish carpentry contractor (ROC 337935), they should have ensured the line was properly protected to prevent future issues. Their claimed ignorance of electrical, HVAC, and carpentry codes is unacceptable for a company with their credentials. This incompetence caused a year-long delay in inspections and left us without a proper inspection report, which could complicate future home sales.
The initial inspection also failed because they neglected to install locking nuts on the new unit to prevent unauthorized access to the freon valves. While this was an easy fix, they were supposed to contact me, the property owner, before accessing the property, as I have tenants living there. Instead, I only learned the repair was completed when Roof Doctors informed me after the fact. We The People AC trespassed on the property without permission or notification, entering without informing anyone.
I also requested, through Roof Doctors, to relocate the AC unit from the roof to the ground to avoid future storm damage. We The People AC agreed to perform this for about $2,000. However, instead of coordinating payment through the general contractor, they demanded direct payment from me, despite being subcontracted by Roof Doctors. Alarmingly, they refused to leave the premises until I paid them immediately, threatening to involve the police. This coercive and unprofessional behavior was deeply unsettling.
The cost of the AC unit was also exorbitant--$10,000 for just the compressor 3-ton unit (half the unit only), when an entire full replacement (including air handler and heat strip) typically costs around $10,000. This suggests they are over charging, taking advantage of insurance claims. We The People AC's poor workmanship, dishonesty, code violations, trespassing, and aggressive tactics make them an unreliable choice for HVAC services in Tucson. I strongly recommend avoiding this company. read more