ComplaintsforBellows Plumbing, Heating, & Air, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  09/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have a leaky AC unit. On 8/23/2023 I paid Bellows $1476 to install a drainage pipe that didn't fix the problem at all. This isn't including the $300 I paid for previous visits that also didn't fix the problem, or the money I'll have to pay to repair the hole they cut in my ceiling. They've been very evasive when we've requested they give us our money back. They sent someone else out to take a look at it and he basically said he had no idea how to fix it. Then today, someone else was supposed to come out to look at it but they never showed up.

  Business response

  10/09/2023

  We sent a technician onsite 8/4 who was familiar with the system homeowner had. Unit is very old and rusted out and our recommendation was to replace and we provided an estimate. Homeowner was hoping for a temporary solution that might buy them a little more time before having to replace. We offered a solution that we could not guarantee to fix the issue and homeowner approved. The drain for the condensate was clogged with rust. We cleared the clog and the unit was operational. 

  The clog returned so we sent the same tech back on 8/23 and homeowner was insistent on a temporary fix. We provided the following bid and homeowner approved:

  Bellows is not responsible for any drywall repair. We propose to cut an access hole in the hall ceiling to see where the existing drain line runs to. Upon inspection in the ceiling, if unforeseen items arise, we may have to re-evaluate the bid or possibly not continue at all. Cut drain line and run an extension through the ceiling into the washer/dryer closet. Run a flex pipe down and around to the drain behind the washing machine. Secure flex pipe to the wall. Clean up and remove all job related debris. 

  The repair went according to plan and drains properly into the laundry drain.
  The tech set the drywall to the side so hopefully it could be pieced back together by homeowner.

  9/13 we returned per homeowner request and the same technician provided the following notes:

  The drain pan, from the manufacturer, is tilted from the middle down on both sides. The customer put a level on it. The drain we installed is as low as it can go and it does work better than the original which will be great to attach to the new one.
  The whole ceiling will have to be cut open for access and I really don't think there is going to be more room to drop the drain pan down. The whole design is bad.
  Customer put in a makeshift hand pump to pump up the water in the opposite end of the pan. I didn't want to mess with that at all so I did not remove the cover. I can't get to the drain connection any way.
  
  We should not go any further with this unit. We tried to replace the drain and we should stop there. Customer said another unit just had theirs replaced and it leaked within the first week! I just replaced the drain which was an issue, but the units are a bad design. Nothing we can do about that.

  We would be willing to put the repair cost toward a new unit installation.

   

  Customer response

  10/09/2023

   
  Complaint: 20597199
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  03/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Contractor filed a mechanic's lien reflecting the incorrect amount owing. The lien was filed on 3/6 in the amount of $7,205 while I was still in the negotiating process with the contractor (i.e., unhappy with the finished product of the tracking line for the mini split system...poor workmanship, etc.). I paid an additional $4,385.00 on 2/16 and am withholding 10% of the total contract amount until Bellows finishes the job. Bellows stated that the unit is working and that is all they will do. I have provided photos of the poor quality and workmanship of the tracking, along with a video, and Bellows will not do anything further. Thus the reason for my retaining 10% as I will have to find another contractor to fix/remedy the shoddy job that was done.

  Business response

  03/23/2023

  We did respond and this has been resolved through BBB.

   

  Customer response

  03/24/2023

   
  Complaint: 19522246
  
  I am rejecting this response because: no release of the mechanics lien has been filed per the claimant's response.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  04/03/2023

  Hi,

   

  The lien cancellation is in progress.

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  02/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Contract signed w/Bellows to install a mini-split system on 6/29/22. Work commenced on 7/8, partially completed (tracking in master bathroom unacceptable). Bellows returns on 1/16/23 in an attempt to rectify the poor workmanship, sloppy work of the tracking, however, they are unable to at that time. I was informed by ***** that they would have to custom make the tracking. I received emails from Bellows requesting final payment as in their eyes "the unit is working" and were not going to look into the tracking any further. I told them that I was not satisfied with the finished product. In numerous email communications, I paid an additional $4385 on 2/16. The office reached out to me to see when I would be paying the remainder. I informed them that I have paid 90% of the total job and was withholding 10% to have them properly install the tracking. I go to my mailbox to find that Bellows filed a mechanic's lien against me on 2/6 (even though we were in communication regarding payment) and the poor workmanship. The mechanic's lien was filed in the amount of $7205 with the County of San ******. I called the County to inform them that the mechanic's lien was prematurely filed given I was in communications with Bellows all along to have them complete the project to my satisfaction. The County stated they could not help me, but to file a complaint with BBB, and CSLB, and to contact Bellows' bonds company.I also have a video of the tracking, but was unable to download.I am hoping you can assist me. To date, the project is sloppy, with poor workmanship, etc. Thank you for your time.*************************

  Business response

  03/14/2023

  Work was completed 7/8/22 and customer had an operational HVAC system installed as designed.

  After multiple failed attempts to collect payment, a lien was placed on home. Customer ignored us for several months.

  We made multiple visits to address the customers complaints and new complaints were being added.

  We wrote off the remaining balance as a loss so we will remove the lien. 

  Thank you,

  Customer response

  03/15/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me, however, the facts stated are inaccurate.  

  I accept the fact that they will be removing the lien, and will follow up with the Courthouse in San ****** County within the next couple of weeks to ensure this has been done.  Otherwise, I will refile the complaint that the contractor has not followed through.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩