HOUSTON AIR SYSTEMS

We originally contacted Houston Air Systems after seeing their half-page ad in the local Yellow Pages. The dispatched a contractor the same day and said we needed a new thermostat. The charge was $209, which we paid by check. The next day we realized that the A/C was still not working properly so the same contractor returned to our home. This time, he said that we really should replace our entire HVAC system and that if we chose to do so, he would credit us back the $209 we just spent for a new thermostat. We agreed to have the new system installed, which we were told would be a Luxair/York system for $4,275 and would also entitle us to a $800 tax credit. (We have since learned that this was a low-ball estimate, an exaggerated tax credit and a completely unrealistic quote.) Foolishly, we paid a deposit, which was cashed the same day. We were told that the system was being purchased with our deposit and sitting in warehouse in Humble waiting to be installed. After stalling for several days, which turned into several weeks, we realized there was no unit, no warehouse and the contractor had no intention of ever furnishing us with a new HVAC system. Upon realizing that we had been robbed, we contacted the main number for Houston Air Systems and spoke to a Mr. James Edgar who apologized for our experience. However, he explained that the man who had defrauded us was only a sub-contractor for the company and Houston Air Systems was not responsible. We have since called and emailed Houston Air several times to ask them to at least credit us the deposit towards a new system (the "real" cost was almost double what we were quoted), but they have failed to return calls or emails, which has left us with no choice but to file a law suit in small claims court. In summary, this is not a legitimate company, so buyers should beware!