California Energy Consultant Service

Excellent experience with this company. They lent us a portable air conditioner while we waited for our new air conditioner to be installed. They helped us with financing the new system. All the service employees were helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. They even came out to help us after the office was closed. I fully recommend their company.

We solicited an estimate based on good reviews and a good word from our realtor. We had already redone the front of the house with wood windows to maintain the look and feel of an older house. For the back end, and less visible part of the house, we wanted to use vinyl. When Gary, the Sales Rep, heard what we wanted, he stated that we couldn't do it because Sacramento would not issue a permit for vinyl windows on an older house in the city. He indicated that fiberglass or wood were our only options. This seemed odd because there is a lot of construction in East Sac, both new and remodels, using vinyl windows. Ultimately, we went with another firm that saw no problem with getting a permit. The crew showed up today to start the new install, with permit in hand. I assume the Sales Rep was either uninformed or trying to up-sell us for a bigger commission (fiberglass runs about $600 more per window). I called the President of the firm to share my observations. He listened but transitioned to talk about how great a guy the Sales Rep is. He doesn't even work for the money, just loves servicing his customers. OK, fine. My lesson and advice: Always get multiple bids!

All in all, very happy with Gary the sales manager and the installation team, Gary is a great guy! They were quick t to respond and come out for an estimate, we got a total of three estimates. Once we committed to Gary and ordered, the window and door were ready before time promised and the install team was efficient and professional. In retrospect, the window/door quality are good, even above average...but at one time, we were thinking of a very expensive, maybe wood frame, but those prices were triple+ the amount we paid. So in reality, what we received and price paid through this company, we got a great job done and above average quality product. Yes, we would highly recommend and use them again!

They were on time, explained everything and got the whole job done in one day. One of the latches on the new window was not working right and they contacted the window manufacturer who then made an appointment with us to replace it with another one. They also cleaned up really well after they were done, and they provided an excellent warranty for the future should we have any problems. They were also our cheapest bid.

The company was very responsive and professional. The representative made a mistake in the window count (29 windows needed replacement but 28 were delivered) and he gave me the extra window at no cost. The installers did a great job, but broke an item in my home. The company committed to make things whole. I was very satisfied with the professionalism, workmanship, and quality of the product.

unknown

I researched replacement windows before hand so as to be as knowledgeable as a consumer can be. Our windows were each 92" x 77" (over sized).  We had numerous replacement window companies out for bids. ALL said the window companies they represented could not build the windows we wanted due to their large size. Then we called CECS.  Lance, the rep they sent out (in the past he owned his own window co), took measurements and made a few phone calls and said it could be done and at a fair price. He was very responsive to answering all our questions with all the right answers. He knows windows. What is really strange about this whole experience is some of the other replacement window companies who offered the same brand and model window as the ones we just had installed, said our windows couldn't be built. Lance knew who to call to get it done.

Since the windows were so large, CECS sent out Brandon and Omar, their 2 lead installers, for our job . They had them installed in a few hours and everything went perfectly. They answered all our questions politely and left the job immaculate. Really great Service !

My wife and I love our new windows and what a picturesque view CECS has given us.

unknown

The job looks beautiful we are so pleased with the quality of windows that we received although they were a bit pricey they were well worth the money we paid.  The house feels safer we cant hear any outdoor noise an overall amazing transformation.  The workers cleaned everything up and Omar was great very polite however Roger could work on his customer service skills and communicate better.  I felt he was not answering my questions and concerns clearly so I called Gary the sales Rep who talked to Roger.  Once Gary spoke to Roger he decided to explain what he was doing.  our blinds were not put back in their original position and couple were left off something I plan on working out with CECS just have not had the time.  Other then those two glitches I would recommend them to friends and family because the quality of windows and the workmanship shows we love the new windows and door!!!

I used to own a solar screen company in Las Vegas and needless to say I was picky on what company I would give my business to. I researched for a year and had 5 bids. CECS wasn't the highest bid and they weren't the lowest. The salesmen was Gary and was one of the most pleasant sales people I've ever dealt with in my life. I know from being in the window business that the installers are the most important part of the job. The two gentlemen that did the install were top notch from start to finish. I had a vacuum out to clean up after but the guys beat me to the punch. Cleanest work guys I've ever seen. Don't even bother shopping anywhere else because I did the shopping for you. The Windows and doors are perfect and way beyond my expectations. Again don't waste your time shopping. By the way this company has a showroom and the office staff is incredible to. Love this company.

Could, and should have been better.
Subcontractors:
HVAC--Placer Heating and Air
Insulation--Gold Star
Windows--mostly in-house.
Lessons learned:
 1. Put everything in writing--no verbals or phone call contractual or post-contractual agreements. Use email for documentation after the contract is signed. 
2. Hold back final monies until all work is done. 
3. Do not rush the work or allow the contractor to rush the work. 
4. If it's in the contract, insist on it and withhold payment until it's done.
5. All parts are the contractor's responsibility.
6. Inspect all work before the next phase, distribute a punch list, and don't approve and/or pay until you are satisfied.
7. Ignore suggestions that faulty equipment is due to the customer's lack of understanding. Contact the manufacturer if something doesn't seem right.
8. Insist on good quality finish work.
9. Insist that all materials be as specified in the contract or standard (check the standards when in doubt).
10. Be wary of companies that subcontract HVAC.
11. Make sure all work is permitted; read permits carefully; flag errors.
12. Check model and serial numbers in contract with manufacturer's website to ensure the grade/series you are paying for is physically the same.
July 7-9
Contract was signed on June 25, 2015. Work started July 7 and continued for three days total. Old HVAC equipment was removed, ducts removed, some insulation removed, new HVAC equipment installed, new thermostat installed. Insulation removal said to be complete.
Problems:
?Subcontractors both stated that insulation was completely removed when it was not (twice).
?HVAC sub and contractor implied homeowner was incapable of operating new wifi thermostat. Three wifi thermostats malfunctioned, leading homeowner to contact manufacturer's rep to resolve the problem. They advised another thermostat that did not read the wall temperature rather than the air temperature.
?Apprentice attempted to obtain side work replacing air registers.
?HVAC sub tried to get homeowner to buy control parts for whole house fan installation.
?HVAC sub dragged feet and stalled on doing contractual work on water heater. Homeowner had verbal agreement with contractor's sales rep to install in two steps; contractor denied agreement. Homeowner removed it from contract by mutual agreement.
?New intake return cutout cut beyond boundary into ceiling.
July 15
Windows installed 8am to 3pm
More insulation removed.
Problems:
?Wrong windows ordered; only two could be installed.
July 22 
Punch list and connect whole house fan to controls
Problems:
?Whole house fan motor burned out on install; wired incorrectly.
?Ceiling fixture not reinstalled properly.
July 27
Remaining windows and patio door installed.
More insulation removed.
Problems:
Window trim not caulked on outside.
Some trim cuts not even with other pieces.
Windows not cleaned after install.
One piece of original trim recycled instead of replaced.
Homeowner paid contractor paid about 2/3 of the contractual amount. The rest held until all work completed.
through end of July, August, September
Punch list work completed on windows, HVAC. Thermostat replaced. Whole fan wired correctly to dedicated circuit. Whole house fan hanging location shifting to optimum location. Duct work straightened. Damper installed on one duct to balance air.
Insulation was blown 8/27/15.
Problems:
?Heat pump cycling on for 30 seconds accompanied by buzzing noise that gets louder.
?Whole house fan not permitted.
?HVAC sub scheduled to work but did not show up; on another day, sub called several times but never showed
Test out, code inspection
Test out performed 9/15/15, Code inspection 9/22/15 and re-inspected for whole house fan permit failure on 9/30/15.
Problems:
?Test out failed on air leakage. Did not meet SMUD HPP specifications. Rebate not available. Contractor offers to refund the difference.
?HVAC and window work passed inspection, but whole house fan was never permitted. Contractor pulled the permit, provided hard copy, inspector reinspected on 9/30/15.
SMUD rebate preparation
Contractor prepares JRT (job reporting template) for SMUD HPP and sends to homeowner for review. (9/18)
Contractor prepares SMUD rebate application for homeowner (9/24)
Problems:
Some calculations incorrect on the JRT. Contractor resolved.
Some rebates changed in the four months the contract work spanned. Contractor made up differences.
Final Payment
Homeowner made final payment on 9/30/15.
SMUD rebate receipt
Homeowner receives rebate check from SMUD on 11/5/15.
Problems:
Total $150 short of JRT. Inquiries with SMUD revealed that contractor revised JRT after last version was sent to homeowner. The latest JRT did not include the whole house fan in the project. Homeowner not informed. SMUD made arrangements to rebate the whole house fan.
Takeaways:
Sales rep made a good professional, technical, and personal impression without hard sell or scare tactics. One issue with verbal agreement. Scheduler at the contractor very responsive, efficient, and flexible. HVAC sub skilled, but sometimes unreliable and choice of apprentices unwise--made a bad impression of the company. Window snafu annoying. 
Too much homeowner time spent on this contract: over ten days of visits, two no-shows, two code inspections, one test out. Too many emails to count. Final rebate prep never shared with homeowner. Test out failed air leakage test.

unknown

Had great contact and responses from project manager Gary Lee, felt taken care of.  he and co. spent time with my questions and concerns and always did right. The windows are wonderful, get complements; i definitely note the difference in insulation -temperature and sound. wish i had done sooner. felt the workmen were quality and well supervised. Most seem not to be subbed , except the sider , and he appeared very careful and competent. Good jobs all around.

The sales experience was very good, he was very personable, provided a reasonable estimate, and then allowed us time to get financing, without repeated calls.  Honored the price quoted, though the time from quote to purchase was almost 2 months.

Installation was smooth, and went without drama, but the clean up, was not as good as the rest of the experience, I still have plastic remnants in my driveway, and we found glass from when they removed a window and must have broken it, all around one side of the house.  The main issue is this is very near the hot tub pad, and we walk through that area with bare feet. 

One other item, is one of the installers seems to be bit heavy handed with the new windows, our screen door seems to have a bit of an out of round wheel, due to carelessness setting it down just before installation.  More care needs to be taken with the new equipment, we have to live with it for a long time.

Overall, I am very happy with the look, and installation of our windows, and would use them again for other products they sell.  I trust their sales, and will go back to them for additional items for our home.

Went with company based on previous reviews and the fact that they are on the PGE contractor list.  Originally met with Lance for estimate and potential needs.  Had an energy assessment through an outside vendor which showed my house wasn't as leaky as I thought it would be.  Turned out that windows were the biggest bang for my buck.  Lance was very helpful.  Got windows ordered and scheduled install pretty quickly thereafter.  Roger was the primary installer.  Had a small oops with one big window because apparently the measurement was either incorrect or transcribed wrong so that had to be reordered.  Scheduler thought it would be an all day install but only took a couple of hours.  They were very professional and friendly.  I work from home and was on conference calls during the install.  They were really pretty quiet overall. Cleaned up everything and the windows looked great.  The other window was reordered.  Roger came back a few weeks later and installed the final window.  I would definitely use them again.

unknown

I called and Lance came out and measured and described what would happen and how long it would take. I had several other bids and to be honest while CECS was not the lowest Lance gave me the impression that they knew what they were doing. When the windows were ready to install they called me and set up an appointment. The day we picked was the big Sacramento rainstorm the crew showed up and Roger the crew chief advised me that it would not be a good idea to install the windows that day. So we rescheduled and the guys installed all the windows but again the rain showed up and they could not install the french doors. Success the next week sunny day and the french door went in. The very next day the guys showed up to plaster around the french doors. Lance even showed up to check everything out and to make sure I was a happy camper..I love the windows and I would recommend these guys to everyone I know.

My project was huge and it took nearly 5 months to complete.  As with any project there are bound to be issues and of course there were issues along the way.  However Cal Energy were always very straight with me and resolved these issues in a timely manner.  I would highly recommend this company to anyone needing windows, siding, or both.  Their prices were lower than competitors and the products they recommend (Simonton Windows) are a great value!

We were really impressed with the installers (Shawn and Mitch).  Both installers were very professional, cheerful, courteous, and prompt, if they were not able to make their scheduled time, we were given a call as to when to expect them.

NOTE 2000 The same California Energy Consultant  Service's Installed dual pane windows for our entire home.

unknown

I should begin this review by stating I don?t normally write reviews.  I believe good service should be a given; however ever so often a company goes so far above and beyond that I feel the need to tell others.  That has happened with CECS.  My wife and I bought our home in November of 2013, and immediately realized it needed some help.  It was so cold in the bedrooms that we purchased space heaters for night.  Apparently when our house was built in 1958 insulation in the walls was an upgrade, and we had none.  Plus, the siding was deteriorating, and the drafts were terrible. 
Fast forward a couple months, and my wife and I were walking through the Sacramento home show.  We met Bryan Gore from Cal Energy Consultant Service, who was engaging and knowledgeable with all aspects of home improvement.  During our meeting with Bryan, he told us about the Energy Upgrade California program, which provides rebates for energy upgrades performed on your home.  Bryan thoroughly explained the testing processes, and told us we would be an ideal candidate for the program due to the age/condition of our home.   
When we had the initial test-in, I knew the results would be bad.  How bad, however, was a little shocking.  Our AC ducts were leaking at almost 65%, and the air infiltration was through the roof.  After the test, we sat down with Bryan again to discuss the options for our house.  He explained that we would see the biggest gains from installing new AC ducts, air-sealing the attic, blowing in new attic insulation, and installing insulation when we re-sided the house.  I have to admit, I was a little hesitant at first.  The costs were fairly high, and I was concerned with the idea of using sub-contractors.  To me, sub-contractor often means sub-standard.  However, that couldn't have been further from the truth.  The HVAC contractor, the insulation guy, and the siding team were all extremely knowledgeable, professional, and willing to work with me on timing due to other
projects I was working on around the house.  
Now that the work is done, I honestly can?t believe the changes in my home.  We installed a whole house fan with the other upgrades, and it is amazing how little we turn on the AC.  Earlier in the summer the AC would be on by 10am.  Now we will often not use the AC until 2 or later.  In fact, we had no AC usage for the last two weeks in September.  In Sacramento.  We had the test-out performed, and our building leakage dropped from 3400 CFMs to 1875, and the HVAC duct leakage dropped from 64% to 5%.  Plus, we received rebates from SMUD and PG&E to cover almost 25% of the cost!  I can?t thank CECS, Bryan Gore, and all of their sub-contractors enough!

CECS was very prompt in giving me a fair and complete estimate on the replacement of all the windows in my 25-year-old home.
A neighbor had used them this summer and was extremely happy, so I asked for an estimate. After accepting their bid they did all the proper paperwork, permitting, etc that was necessary and placed the order for my project. After only a couple of weeks they called to schedule the installation. On installation day their crew of 3 arrived, explained in detail what would happen that day and the following day, and proceeded to do the work. The representative from the company also came over to check on the installation and my satisfaction. When finished they cleaned and vacuumed inside and out and explained how to operate the new windows. They were efficient, polite, and professional in every respect and I would not hesitate to work with them again. I highly recommend CECS.

This relationship started with new energy efficient windows in 2010.  We had another company install half of our downstairs windows.  Nice job but expensive which is why we are converting in phases.
When we were ready to complete the rest of the downstairs windows in 2012, we met Sales Manager Gary Lee from California Energy Consultant Services (CECS) at the energy Expo at Cal-Expo.
Gary not only quoted a better price, he scheduled and completed the same product windows in less time and a good savings to us.  
This year we wanted to be pro-active and replace our 25 year old HVAC system before this summers heat and drought.
In March we travelled down into Sacramento Counties SMUD Energy Seminars and were glad to see Gary at the CECS booth.  We made an appointment for the next week where we talked and signed a contract that day.  He walked us through the equipment options and outlined the PG&E rebates for us in Placer County.
CECS was very informative throughout the entire process. Jamie (Office Manager) kept the schedule and paperwork up to date and was the true lynchpin throughout.
HVAC Contractor Sean and technician Mitch were the most courteous and professional workers we have ever had in our home.  Their attention to minor details and explanations of what they were doing and why during the entire install process were gladly answered and their work attitude couldn't have been better.  Their superior duct sealing helped us get additional points for a higher than quoted PG&E rebate.
The install had some minor setbacks but Phil Isaacs (CECS Owner) stepped up to the plate and solved them all.  His co-ordination and mini-meetings and conferences with equipment representatives and industry installers solved what could have been a major loud sound issue that turned out was not their fault.
He and all of his staff took our concerns as their own and have been a pleasure to work with.
I heartily recommend CECS for any window upgrade or HVAC refit or install.  They will be the company we will call when we are ready to complete our upstairs windows for maximum efficiency.
CESC bends over backwards to go the extra mile to do the job right. Thanks to them all.  And take the time to discuss dog rescue and fishing with Gary.  He delivered us some fresh caught Alaska salmon after returning from his recent fishing vacation.  
Thanks again, Mark and Margaret

Provider uses outside personnel to install windows. While the window installer was very personable, his caulking skills were way below par, creating a mess around the windows. I emailed Bob, RHS Construction, (window installer's employer) but he did not respond. After sending in an evaluation to Ca Energy Consultant Svc I received a phone call from Phil, the owner. I had emailed pictures of the windows and he readily agreed that some work needed to be done to correct the situation. I can't say enough good things about Phil, who insisted that the job needed to be done right, even though it wasn't his company that installed the windows.. He arranged with RHS Construction, the installer, to have someone come out to try to fix the problem and I must say that the person who was sent was very professional and with Phil's suggestions he was able to turn the situation around. Phil then followed up with me to make sure that I was happy with the work done. We are now very satisfied with the appearance of our windows and extremely impressed with Phil, his ethics and excellent customer service.

Gary, the sales manager, is a very swell guy. He lives and breathes customer service. He is truly  an asset to the company. Part of the service is for Gary to come out after the installation is complete to answer any questions the home owner may have and to see that the customer is happy. This is a very nice service to provide. He came out after the installation and there were a few issues  I pointed out to him - nicks on the vinyl patio door, chip on the frame for my shutters. These are being fixed. The installers were punctual and professional. It was a 3-member team and they worked quickly. In addition to what I already mentioned, the nicks and the chipped frame, there were a few other things. One, the installers didn't always make clean lines with the caulk. This made it difficult for the painters who painted the exterior of my home to know where to paint to. Also, the installers were to remove the iron security bars I had on my downstairs windows - bolts and all, so that the painters can easily reinstall them after they finished painting. They removed all of the bolts except for three on one window. This created an inconvenience for the painters, but they were able to remove the bolts. The windows look great and the reputation of the window manufacturer and the warranty they provide are excellent. CECS offers an excellent product and excellent customer service, and I would strongly recommend CECS to anyone.