Paul Kelley (the owner) inspected my a/c compressor and immediately determined the unit was out of Freon and insisted the correct repair process was to refill it with Freon. I was with him while he attempted to diagnose and repair the system and questioned why he wouldn't identify and repair the leak and then refill it, given it's blowing warm vs. luke warm air? Again, he insisted this was the proper way to repair the problem. After he filled it, he mentioned he'd come back to add a sealer, as an added measure. I asked how this makes sense?...If there's a leak, wouldn't the Freon leak out before he returned?...He says, no, it will be fine. Paul came back the next day, added sealer and within 24 hrs the system was blowing warm air. I should also note, the system never brought the home to the selected temp after running 24 hrs - with or without the sealer. Paul returned to my home to inspect the system, noted the system was out of Freon and commented that he needed to return (with a second person) to run a test to identify the leak. Given he made the effort to come back and seemed sincere in his commitment to return, I made payment on my balance/the sealer job that I owed him. My gut did not feel good about this, and I was right. After the second payment was made he left a couple phone mails promising to return but it never happened. I made one final attempt, to get him to come back, calling him and leaving a message. I specifically requested a DATE and TIME that he'd be back to follow-up (I work from home, so, I'm available Mon - Fri, he was aware of this) and if I did not answer to leave a message...a week later no call back. I then sent him a registered letter requesting a full refund - given it's now two months later, I'm out $400+, my a/c does not work and I don't even know what's wrong with it? Ten days after I leave him my phone message he returns my call leaving me a message - mentioning he received my letter (it clearly sparked his response) and he says to check my receipt which when signed, states that I agreed to all services and charges and that he was done with the job. Following that exchange it was clear he wasn't coming back so I hired a different contractor to inspect my system. This contractor noted the system was out of Freon and he performed a pressure test to identify the leak, as Paul should have. This contractor charged me $130 (versus Paul's charge of $420) and determined the system would not hold Freon because of multiple micro fractures/leaks. He also noted Paul should have never filled the system as he did. I made an effort to share this info with Kelley Heating but they continued to deflect the issue - refusing my correspondence, making up numerous excuses for not providing proper service or returning as Paul promised. Among the excuses...they claimed they couldn't reach me to come back, I work from home, in the same town he resides in - enough said. They also claimed to have fixed the initial issue and that this had to be a new problem. How would they know it's a new leak/issue, when they never identified the leak to begin with?...They were clearly looking to deflect the issue/blame and not take ownership. I should note, I have ALL of this in writing. At the very least, a respectable company would make an effort to resolve an issue like this...come back, inspect the system as promised, etc...They never came close to wanting to resolve the issue, it was clear, they just wanted to keep my money. This company either ripped me off or Paul is completely clueless in his ability to diagnose and repair an a/c unit. I'll let you be the judge, but given he has 30+ yrs in this business I think we know the answer.
I should also note, some warning signs that I noticed after contracting with them...1) They screen all calls via an answering service - which makes it easy for them to ignore you after they cash your check. 2) Paul's cell comes up as private line. You would think a person in this business would want you to know he's calling <right>? 3) His business address is a PO box - no physical location. 4) His work order is a 3x5" receipt with a couple words scribbled on it. The other contractor I hired wrote-up a complete report, has an actual office and cell (you can call) and they answer their own phones.
Also, here are a few tips, IF you do business with him DON'T sign the receipt, he WILL hold this against you (as noted above) - saying you agreed to the charges and services. Also note, they charge for estimates (on new installations), are not bonded, and are clearly not eco friendly as noted on Angies list and via the fact that they recharge a/c units without identifying or repairing leaks first, causing Freon to leak into the atmosphere.
I have to say, I've built a number of homes in my lifetime, dealt with numerous contractors and I've never experienced ANYTHING like Kelley Heating Service. I'm posting this with the hope that I can save someone from becoming their next victim.