Here is a wholly positive review on a local company. I have received no "scratch" whatsoever for this review. I simply want to relay a great recommendation for a local company, and given the cost of doing a full-house system, decided to spend the time to do it thoroughly.
After moving to Texas and then purchasing a home in NB, we decided our HVAC system needed to be replaced in its entirety. We did a lot of research online and also asked for recommendations from realtor friends. We settled on requesting bids from QHR and two other companies. QHR was not the least expensive, nor the most expensive - but was absolutely the most thorough and professional. One San Antonio company "phoned it in" with a completely cursory inspection of our home. No surprise, they were the most expensive bidder. Another company (Austin) was professional but unable or unwilling to provide multiple choices for our needs, and also struggled with timely communication and proposal delivery.
Quality HVAC & Refrigeration was also recommended to us by our appliance installer, John Rodriguez, who commented on how honest these guys are. We found out that is true!
From QHR, we asked for two heat pump proposals to choose from including A) 1-1 replacement of existing 5 Ton Trane unit, B) 1-2 replacement with two 2.5 Ton units. We also asked for options for repairing/replacing/rerouting the entire ductwork system, and adding an Aprilaire whole-house filter, and adding a Remi Halo UV device.
From the first interaction, I felt the company was looking out for our interests. They crawled into every nook and cranny to understand how they might run ductwork, additional air returns and install the air handler(s) and condenser for optimum efficiency in our unusually constructed mid-century-modern house design.
After multiple proposal/review cycles over a week or two we settled on a plan, equipment, pricing and timing, and made arrangements to vacate ourselves and our pets for a few days. AJ Espinoza (Owner), Tino Rivera (Primary Designer & Installer), plus two helpers (Christian and Oscar), showed up exactly on time on install day with every needed piece of equipment, parts, tools and floor/carpet protection gear.
Over 3 days the team removed all traces of the old system (including having to dismantle an ancient heavy air handler/coil in the attic to get it down our interior steps), and installed the new system. This included moving power wiring, new coolant lines, a new condenser pad, several new air returns, and a new Nest control system. The existing galvanized drain pan and condensation drain plumbing were reused.
After running-in the system a few days, Tino and Oscar then returned to "tune" the house, including installing two upstairs volume dampers and one additional air return to balance the whole house flow. All at no additional charge. (BTW, the competitive pricing we received from QHR was further reduced by offer of a veterans discount AFTER we had agreed on a price. Tino noticed my US Army license plates, thanked me for my service, and then volunteered the additional discount.)
Net: We are very pleased with the new system. The house feels cool and dry and smells fresh, even with pets, humidity from river proximity, and NB's quarry dust challenges. QHR did everything they were asked, and did it efficiently and with zero drama. We highly recommend AJ and Tino. read more
