DEMBER HEATING & COOLING, INC

AC stopped functioning within parts warranty period (less than 2 years). Original assessment was "someone stole the freon". When a leak test was requested we were told "that will cost you extra". After servicing freon unit still did not work. Diagnosis was "a blockage somewhere". When asked when this would be resolved we were told "we are working with the factory(Carrier) and it would be before the end of the month (August)". Temps were 95-100 and no emergency service or temporary unit was offered.
When pricing replacement systems we realized elderly parent paid almost double what she should have for original installation.


UPDATE:
Filed complaint with Virginia State Contractor Licensing Board. In addition to very poor service discovered job required city permit which was not procured and finished work violated city code.

Ruling resulted in FINE and ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Troy and Greg were recommended by a friend.  They are great.  I lost my A/C Memorial Day afternoon.  Of course no one was in the office, but I left a message and at 9:00 the next morning my phone rang and they said they would try to work me in that day.  They arrived by early afternoon.  I was certain I would need a new unit, but they insisted that they give the unit a good checkout first.  Very quickly  they determined that the capacitor for the compressor fan was bad.  Since my unit is not very popular they had to go out and find a replacement.  The whole process took less than three hours.
During the work, they told me that there was always a strong possibility that a blown capacitor could result in damage to the fan motor itself.  About a week later the motor did fail.  I called in the morning and they were here by noon.  Sure enough, the motor was bad.  This time, none of the local suppliers had my motor in stock and it had to be ordered.  They estimated that the new motor would arrive around 1:00 Friday afternoon.  My phone rang at 1:15 on Friday and my A/C was running an hour and a half later.
These guys are exactly what I was looking for.  They are prompt, efficient, courteous and small enough that you don't get lost in the shuffle.  I've purchased a service contract with them (something I usually shy away from) and , while I may have trouble with my heating and A/C in the future, I'm sure it will not be a problem getting repairs.