I previously left a 5-star review for Nick, owner of Under the Hat HVAC, based on my first experience with him, but after more recent interactions, I feel obligated to update it.
I hired Nick for an A/C tune-up this spring (2025). He only inspected the outside unit and skipped the furnace-side components, saying he didn't need to check them since I had just changed the filter. As it turns out, that meant he completely missed a very dirty evaporator coil--the actual cause of pressure readings he misinterpreted.
Based on those misreadings, he told me the system was overcharged with coolant and recommended removing 1-2 lbs of R-22 refrigerant, charging $150 for the service and disposal. Thankfully, I got a second opinion. That technician confirmed the system wasn't overcharged at all--it was slightly low, likely due to Nick bleeding refrigerant unnecessarily--and that a quick brushing of the dirty evaporator coil brought readings back to normal.
Nick also failed to replace a valve cap on the unit and later told me the condensate drain couldn't be accessed (which is incorrect, it's a standard, easily accessible setup).
When I followed up, he refused to take responsibility, claimed he had offered "every option," and told me to find someone else for future service. He also refused to return to complete the AC tune-up that I had paid him for.
Sadly, I now believe I was misled. I'm out the cost of the original tune-up and am now paying another company to do what I already paid Nick for. I do not recommend his services, and I hope this review helps others make an informed decision.
Update: Nick has since refunded the full cost of the service. I appreciate the refund, though I still believe the concerns I outlined here are important for others to know before hiring him. read more
