Scam - HVAC company recommending unnecessary replacement/repairs.
I filed a claim with my home warranty company who contracted AirNow! Heating and Cooling to diagnose my heating system for a 3amp thermostat fuse that kept popping. After an initial failed attempt to find the cause, AirNow! sent Riley to return a second time. Riley advised me that he tested my system and found a refrigerant leak, and stated that my HVAC system had less than 17 psi in it and that I would need some major repairs. Riley left my house without any heating capability in the days leading up to a major winter storm when there was heating before he showed up. Two more reps came to my house that day, one to get the auxiliary heat strips working again and another project manager to discuss repair costs. Due to parts no longer available, my 410a system would have to be upgraded and the functioning compressor would also need to be replaced due to the fact it is not be compatible with the new equipment, and that I would be responsible for the cost of a new compressor and $3100 for modification and labor costs. I was told by the owner, Steve, that I was getting a good deal only having to pay around $5k for a new $12k system after my warranty company covered some of it. AirNow! Heating and Cooling failed to respond after two separate requests to provide a detailed breakdown of costs. I opted to hire another HVAC company to give a second opinion about unavailable components leading to required upgrade costs and that HVAC company diagnosed my system with completely opposite results. No leak detected, and the system was fully charged reading about 75 psi which they said is normal for the colder months. My heat has never stopped functioning other than when AirNow! came to my house. They were perfectly happy to charge me $5k and my warranty company the rest to completely replace a functioning system during a winter storm and freezing temperatures leaving my family with small children in a very difficult and expensive situation.