Sila Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical

A few weeks ago, I noticed a drip coming from our central a/c unit. After checking Angie's, we called Sila. They sent out a technician the next morning. He was quick and efficient, found a minor blockage that he thought might be it (the unit had stopped dripping). Checked out our entire system (we've just bought this house, so it's new to us) and advised us on changing air filters, etc. When he asked about the motor (it seemed slow to him), I said we had noticed that it was getting louder), and he said it might be on its last legs. When asked, he told us it would probably cost about $300-$350 to replace but that Sila offers service contracts - this was not a hard sell, just offered as an option. So I bought a service contract (for $250) and paid for the service call ($89 w/ Angie's coupon). That was about three weeks ago. Late last night, we noticed more dripping, so I called again - got a call back early this a.m. and a tech guy was here by noon. He just spent about 90 minutes going through the whole system, found a blockage in a drainage pipe deeper in, replaced it (with a pipe that can be accessed for cleaning), and tested it. Of course, I'm wondering if the first guy didn't look deep enough -- but in the intervening weeks, it didn't drip, so I can't really complain. Plus, the first call got me signed up for the service contract and this visit took so long that it would have cost more than that initial $89 anyway! Overall, I feel like Sila is very responsive and very professional - and that the service contract is worth it! I may purchase their heating/boiler contract. This is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Nick came out and was extremely thorough with measurements and explanations of what was needed, provided clear and jargon-free answers to my many questions, and returned a written estimate within a day or two. There is a lot of paperwork for the Mass Save heat loan program, and Nick was quick to return any documentation we needed and was on time for appointments. The crew showed up as scheduled the morning of the furnace replacement and made sure the air return was installed in a spot that wasn't super visible in our living room. The installation was completed in one day, they left everything clean, and came back a few days later (as convenient for us) to go over how everything works including the new programmable thermostat. He checked the air flow, taught us about the variable speeds from the furnace, and brought us some filters. The price of the system was about what we anticipated, perhaps even a little below, especially considering having to move/install the air return. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with Sila especially their and response time and would definitely re-hire.

The service person, Peter, was very nice and professional. He got to our house punctually at the scheduled time. He not only did the maintenance on our AC units, replaced the AC filters, he also answered all our questions, explained things to us and showed us each component very clearly with great patience.

I would highly recommend Sila. It was easy to set up an appointment to get a free estimate (Nick V. came in less than 48 hours) and delivered a detailed estimate to me within 2 days as promised. They installed a new HVAC system (a 3 ton unit) in my 1450sq ft 2 bdrm apartment. The work was done in 1 day and the system works great. Very professional service from start to finish

I got an Angie's list big deal to do some maintenance on my central AC unit. I noticed some water accumulating below my unit. They came in and explained why it was happening and actually fixed it by slightly adjusting the way my unit was leaning, even though that wasn't technically part of the big deal. The tech was super nice and professional and I highly recommend them!

It doesn't get any better than Sila. I will elaborate when I have more time

This is a classic case of why homeowners should use Angie's List. In 2008 we hired D&S Plumbing of Medford to install a gas converter to our oil-burning Weill-McCain furnace. We assumed everythinig was OK until we decided to look into the Mass Save energy efficiency program. The tests performed showed that we had over 1500 ppm of CO spewing from the combustion chamber (maximum allowed is 100 ppm). Had we not had very good 'draw' in our flue, and carbon monoxide detectors, we might have been at risk for CO poisoning. We got Sila's information from Angie's List and had them come do an inspection, plus a comparative inspection from another plumber we have used and liked (NOT D & S). It was clear from the initial visit that Sila's technician John Bisesti has an incredibly in-depth knowledge of heating systems. The plumber who did the competing repair inspection did not know the details of heating systems and gas converter units. John discovered that the micro-regulator in the gas conversion unit had somehow been broken during installation, which was NOT reported to us by D & S when they did the initial conversion (bad, bad). John explained that the chemical corrosion caused by the incomplete gas combustion had hastened the deterioration of the combustion chamber, and showed us how bad it was (the Weill-McCain was installed brand new in 1999). The chamber walls crumbled easily in his hand, and the flange was obviously on its way out as well. Thank goodness we did the Mass Save energy audit. And thank you Angie's List for pointing out the best of the best for specific repairs. We feel confident that the job was done correctly this time. Highly recommend Sila for heating system issues.

Bobby from Sila Heating & Air called ahead of the appointment to ask if he could arrive a few minutes early. He was friendly and professional the entire time. Once he began to check the coils of our A/C unit, he discovered a large wad of pet hair that had been clogging our coils since the previous owner lived in the unit. He removed it and we all had a good laugh at the ridiculous size of it. There was an extra charge to have him clear the drain pipe of hair (not part of the normal service, I guess) and for the use of extra coil cleaning solution. Overall, using Sila was a good experience and I would call them again in the future.

everything went very well. We were able to get an appointment the next day and the Peter arrived at exactly the time he said he would. He was quick and professional, paying attention to those details that may seem small (like wearing booties to protect our floors when he came in and out). The problem was fixed quickly, and he took the time to explain other options and issues with our other AC unit.

I had used them before and was happy for some air duct work. When my AC broke, I called another company first to fix it. I should have called Sila first! Sila came in and fixed my AC (replaced motor) on very short notice after another company could not get it done. they were responsive and their price on the motor was 25% less than the other company. Their labor was also very reasonable- they did not round up to the nearest hour. All in all, I feel that they are a very honest and trustworthy company and their work is good quality.

Wonderful and if the price was in our budget, we may consider a new furnace in the future.

The technician was prompt, courteous and cleaned up after himself.

We purchased the Big Deal from Angie's List and called Sila Heating and Air Conditioning on 7/27/2011 to schedule the a/c inspection and tuneup. We expected we would have to wait for an appointment since we just came off of a heat wave in the Boston area. Much to our surprise the Sila representative was willing to schedule the service around our schedule and if we were going to be available the next day he could schedule it then. The appointment was confirmed for late morning the following day. At about 8:30 AM on the day of the appointment Sila called to say that Peter the technician had finished up a job and was on his way over for our appointment. He arrived at 9 AM. Needless to say we were impressed with the promptness, since we had called the afternoon before to book the appointment. The entire system was inspected and the lines were cleaned out and the condenser coils were cleaned. Peter made some suggestions for things we could do to help make the system more efficient. It has been about 5 days since the service was performed and we have noticed that the system is working much better and is not laboring to hold the temperature. Our experience with Sila Heating and Air Conditioning was very positive and we plan to use them again in the future.

Came within 24 hrs. of my call during a heat wave. Very professionally assessed the problem, priced the solution, performed the repair work. Did not try to just sell a new unit. A/C is up and running, all is good.

Tech was knowledgeable and arrived when scheduled. He was very professional. Did all the work specified in the big deal.

Tech was knowledgeable and arrived when scheduled. He was very professional. Did all the work specified in the big deal.

I moved into a new home during an extreme heat wave. I went down into the basement to find a one inch pool of water surrounding my AC unit. The condensate pump burned out and the PVC piping from the evaporator to the pump had cracked in multiple locations. I found Sila on Angie's List and called immediately. I expected to wait several days for an appointment since it was so hot, but I was pleasantly surprised when I was informed that someone would be out to my home shortly. About an hour later, Bobby arrived and replaced my pump and fashioned a new drainage system for the evaporator. No more water! Ultimately, I intend to replace my system as it is very old. However, I am confident my AC will last for the remainder of the summer and that my basement will stay dry. I was so impressed with Sila's service, that I had them give me an estimate for a new gas furnace and central AC. The bid was very competitive.

It was a good, efficient visit, and the technician was very clear about what the issues were and what my choices were for dealing with them.

The system that serves the bedroom floor of our house failed during the recent 100 degree plus heatwave, one month after being serviced under our AC service plan (this is the National Grid plan, now spun off and owned by HomeServe, but by and large with the same engineers). HomeServe was useless at helping us - came back saying we had a leak, and it would cost $165 beyond the service contract to find it, and even if they did they would not be able to fix it. I have a sneaking but unconfirmed suspicion that they damaged the system during their visit, but it was 20 years old..) I called Sila at 9.00am in the morning, a Friday, I believe . Their technician (John Bisesti) came that day, spent two hours, diagnosed and isolated the problem to our 5 ton handler, proposed an overall solution including some simple improvements that went above and beyond what I expected. He provided an estimate, and charged $89 for the visit, fully creditable against the repair if we had Sila do it. I called that evening to agree. John himself was at the house the following Tuesday, with the repair finished by the next day, Wednesday. The unit installed was far better than its predecessor, as John had told me it would be - more energy efficient because it was a newer 4 ton (versus the old 5 ton, which exceeded our compressor's capacity) yet supplying stronger forced air, with a soft startup variable speed motor (i.e. less intrusive noise). I could not be more pleased. The net cost may have been a few hundred dollars more than one competitor that visited, but I believe that would have been a false saving, since they would not have recommended the improvements to the system that have made a real benefit out of the failure of our system.

The service tech was punctual, professional and personable. Overall great experience.

They followed through with exactly what they said they were going to due when we decided to move forward with Sila.

The HVAC tech was polite and on-time, however, the end result of the entire experience was a virtual mugging. The tech was immediately aware of my complete ignorance regarding the HVAC systems; his assessment was a barrage of bad news and warnings of big problems. By the end of visit we were outside looking at where a new vent could be placed to accommodate the new HVAC system that he was recommending. The tech assumed that a follow-up, $350 inspection and complete diagnostic was the next step. I refused to schedule the visit and instead asked for a write-up of his findings. He complied but not before slapping $40 additional for his jotted professional conclusions. My wife's cousin is an HVAC tech, he came and filled up our Freon tank, and we're cold as Eskimos now. He agreed that our basement unit was old, but not in need of replacement.

The tech was polite and on time. He removed his shoes and was very thorough. Suggested I replace my filter and did not try to sell me some overpriced one out of his truck. Very happy! Saved a lot of $$ with this big deal.

Everything went ok. I have used them in the past and they have been great. This time using them I had a scheduled appointment with them and they had to cancel it on me. I wasn’t too happy with that because my compressor wasn’t working and that I’m a repeat customer. Overall, they are a good company I just don’t think they should have treated me this way.

I made arrangements twice for Sila to come to my house for a central AC check-up. The first time they canceled a half hour before they were to be at my house. I had made arrangements unnecessarily to arrive late to work this time. The second time Sila was to show up for the appointment, I got a voice mail a few minutes after the time they were expected to show up. Reliability is as important as quality of work to me. Both times I had to juggle commitments to be at my house for them. I would not call on them again.