ComplaintsforCalfo Heating & Air Conditioning

• Initial Complaint

  01/02/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  2 years ago, Calfo installed a water tank for my father through a weatherization program because my dad is low income. In November 2023 this is how we found the water tank. A technician came out and determined the tank had failed, and that it was covered under warranty. However, labor was not, and quoted me over the phone a price of $2072.48, for labor! I scheduled the appointment to have them come out, and had requested MULTIPLE times by phone to have the owner call me to discuss this cost of $2072.48 . The owner HAD NEVER returned my call, all awhile the office worker Jackie would not explain to me this cost. She finally did, start rambling off numbers to justify the labor cost to include them to come out, them to do paperwork, them to return the tank. Once the technicians came to install the new covered tank, I was talking with him telling him how I couldn't believe labor was so much. He took it upon himself and called the manager to get some money off. They took $200. Off the bill. So now I'm thinking I will pay $1800. After the job was completed, I was told my cost was $2500! So originally, the bill was $2700! Mind you this is labor only! 3 days later, I see there's a leak on the tank, same spot as last one! They came out again, and it turns out that all along, it was a pipe above the water tank that had a slow leak! The first technician missed this and just assumed the 2 year old water tank was bad. Through weatherization program, I had no choice in who installed the much needed equipment 2 years ago for my dad. And I understood the tank to be covered by warranty, but would pay labor should it ever be needed. But $2700! And I want them to honor the quote I was given of 2072, with a $200 discount. They say the call was recorded, and tech didn't say that. He did. And my husband signed the technician phone when he was there, believing it was to acknowledge that the technician was at the house, not a quote.

  Business response

  05/24/2024

  In regard to the above complaint the consumer signed and received her estimate, approved job cost and new unit was installed. The dispute she was misrepresented is a complete and udder falsification, this consumer has already disputed her charges with her credit card, which was declined and sided with us, filed a complaint with the Attorney General, which was closed and sided with us, and furthermore now filed a BBB complaint which we are being asked to respond. All of which while this was going on we still answered all of the customers calls handled a complaint on the install which wasn't even replated to our install and made a free repair to the piping system to try to appeal to this customer and we still haven't been to appease this customer. Attached are the documents related to the charge back, the complaint and their signatures for review.

  Customer response

  05/24/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.]
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** *******

• Initial Complaint

  10/11/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Calfo Heating and Air? came to our house to replace unsafe copper gas line that was feeding into our dryer. A few days after the job was done, I smelled gas in the basement. We called the gas company immediately and it turns out that the tech had not tightened it nearly enough. Something that should have needed a pipe wrench to loosen, came right off with the gas company tech’s bare hand! So we had a gas leak, which could have killed all of us that was caused by a literal plumbing company!!! The gas company checked everything and made sure the house was safe with no more copper gas lines. My husband called them and spoke to a manager, who said he’d send us a gift card, which we assumed was going to be towards our next job with the company, in order to retain a customer. NOPE! We got said gift card today in the mail and it was a $25 Outback gift card!!! So, according to the manager Calfo heating and Air, mine, my husband’s, my 2 year old’s and my 7 month old’s lives are worth a whole $25!!! What a slap in the face and a disgusting way to do business! We’ve called them to express this and we haven’t heard a call back. The manager is a terrible human being, who does not care that he could have killed our whole family.

  Business response

  10/29/2023

  *** *** *** *********
                                      We are truly sorry to hear of the very unfortunate events that you may have experienced and we have tried to make every effort to correct them. We were at your home on the morning of Friday 9/29 to install a new gas line to your dryer. We were contacted by your husband the following Monday, October 2nd who informed one of our Customer Service Representatives (CSR) that at some point after our visit the gas company was contacted for what was presumed to be a gas leak. As per our protocol the inbound CSR contacted management immediately and asked how to handle the incoming complaint. Our policy is to always achieve 100% customer satisfaction, and we asked what needed to be done to correct the situation for you. Form your husband’s complaint that Monday of the 2nd and his responses on Tuesday the 3rd during our post works happy call, was that he liked the technician and our company, but the work had already been corrected and that it wasn’t about the money, but only that we needed told of the issues so that we could address it and not let it happen again. As per our policy for any complaint that comes in, we issue a standard gift card immediately. During the time of Oct 9-Oct 11, which on the 11th which you had called demanding a manager to talk to over your disgust in our gift card, I was at a training seminar with 3 of our technicians. Upon return on Oct 12th, your husband was emailed with our sincerest apologies for this and asked for times that you could meet to discuss the issues so we couldcome to a resolution in this matter. It was during this period that you took the time to leave us multiple negative feedback on Google, BBB, Attorney General, Yelp, Facebook, HomeAdvisor/Angie’s Lists, and several other sites. Still with no response to the email I sent on 10/12, you called our office on Oct 16th to voice your concerns over the issues of this repair work. You were asked to review the email that was sent and schedule a call as our management was trying to contact you and resolve your issues and offered a call the morning of 18th. Over the days of Oct 16th to the 23rd there were multiple calls from you berating our office staff, while at same time, I  had 3 conversations with your husband over trying to resolve this issue. As per my conversations with your husband he had said at this point he wanted a full refund. I explained to him there was zero issue in refunding this and had the original complaint come in asking for that it would have been issued that day as our policy is 100% customer satisfaction or its free. Part of the refund request is that my goal is to end complaints amicably, I want a happy or at minimum satisfied customer on refunds and ask that our online presence be updated in that manner. His response was that he needed to ask his wife but knowing her it was not going to happen. Our final conversation on Oct 20th again reviewed what the settlements could be and we were told that she was unwilling to retract your complaints so I closed the case at that point. If at any point in the future, you are willing to re-address this matter with me do not hesitate to contact our office and we will settle the complaint. Again, from all of us, we are truly sorry for the events that you and your family have gone through and are disappointed that there is no way to resolve the issue, and now we have lost a future client forever.
  Sincerely the Calfo Staff

  Customer response

  10/30/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I think it is ridiculous that we were/are given an ultimatum to update our reviews of this business that could have killed myself, my husband, my 2 year old and my 7 month old baby in order to get a refund by them. Also, I never berated anyone in their customer service reps, I actually commended them for dealing with me and my anger towards their boss. I also found out from one of them that he is blaming them for this situation and not himself or his tech. I do not believe it is good business to require updates on honest reviews in order to get a refund. It is disgusting and nauseating that he is holding an $1,100 refund over our head unless we change our reviews of the company that could have killed our whole family. Also, he conveniently forgot to mention that I did say that the only thing I would update is that he did eventually refund us, but that was it. Ironically, after my husband’s and my negative reviews, a multitude of 5 star reviews appeared on their Google page, probably in order to drown ours out, also sneaky business practice. These are my thoughts on this matter and this person that doesn’t take responsibility for his lack of actions towards a family his tech could have killed.

   
  Regards,
  
  ******* ********

  Business response

  10/30/2023

  *** *** *** *********
                                      We are truly sorry to hear of the very unfortunate events that you may have experienced, and we have tried to make every effort to correct them. We were at your home on the morning of Friday 9/29 to install a new gas line to your dryer. We were contacted by your husband the following Monday, October 2nd who informed one of our Customer Service Representatives (CSR) that at some point after our visit the gas company was contacted for what was presumed to be a gas leak. As per our protocol the inbound CSR contacted management immediately and asked how to handle the incoming complaint. Our policy is to always achieve 100% customer satisfaction, and we asked what needed to be done to correct the situation for you. Form your husband’s complaint that Monday of the 2nd and his responses on Tuesday the 3rd during our post works happy call, was that he liked the technician and our company, but the work had already been corrected and that it wasn’t about the money, but only that we needed told of the issues so that we could address it and not let it happen again. As per our policy for any complaint that comes in, we issue a standard gift card immediately. During the time of Oct 9-Oct 11, which on the 11th which you had called demanding a manager to talk to over your disgust in our gift card, I was at a training seminar with 3 of our technicians. Upon return on Oct 12th, your husband was emailed with our sincerest apologies for this and asked for times that you could meet to discuss the issues so we could come to a resolution in this matter. It was during this period that you took the time to leave us multiple negative feedback on Google, BBB, Attorney General, Yelp, Facebook, HomeAdvisor/Angie’s Lists, and several other sites. Still with no response to the email I sent on 10/12, you called our office on Oct 16th to voice your concerns over the issues of this repair work. You were asked to review the email that was sent and schedule a call as our management was trying to contact you and resolve your issues and offered a call the morning of 18th. Over the days of Oct 16th to the 23rd there were multiple calls from you berating our office staff, while at same time, I had 3 conversations with your husband over trying to resolve this issue. As per my conversations with your husband he had said at this point he wanted a full refund. I explained to him there was zero issue in refunding this and had the original complaint come in asking for that it would have been issued that day as our policy is 100% customer satisfaction or its free. Part of the refund request is that my goal is to end complaints amicably, I want a happy or at minimum satisfied customer on refunds and ask that our online presence be updated in that manner. His response was that he needed to ask his wife but knowing her it was not going to happen. Our final conversation on Oct 20th again reviewed what the settlements could be, and we were told that she was unwilling to update your complaints, so I closed the case at that point. If at any point in the future, you are willing to re-address this matter with me do not hesitate to contact our office and we will settle the complaint. Again, from all of us, we are truly sorry for the events that you and your family have gone through and are disappointed that there is no way to resolve the issue, and now we have lost a future client forever.
  Sincerely the Calfo Staff

  Customer response

  10/30/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  You are correct, I am unwilling to change/update any of my honest reviews and it still sounds like you are giving us an ultimatum to do that or else we won’t get a refund from the business that could have killed myself, my husband, my 2 year old and my 7 and then sent us a $25 Outback gift card to try to make up for it. It is unacceptable that you considered my daughter’s lives were worth $25. Also, I never berated anyone in their customer service reps, I actually commended them for dealing with me and my anger towards their boss. I also found out from one of them that he is blaming them for this situation and not himself or his tech. I do not believe it is good business to require updates on honest reviews in order to get a refund. It is disgusting and nauseating that he is holding an $1,100 refund over our head unless we change our reviews of the company that could have killed our whole family. Also, he conveniently forgot to mention that I did say that the only thing I would update is that he did eventually refund us, but that was it. Ironically, after my husband’s and my negative reviews, a multitude of 5 star reviews appeared on their Google page, probably in order to drown ours out, also sneaky business practice. These are my thoughts on this matter and this person that doesn’t take responsibility for his lack of actions towards a family his tech could have killed. I won’t beg or plead with you. You just let me know what you are willing to do for us, with the exception of more Outback gift cards. But I will not be taking any negative reviews down, the most I will do (if you refund) will update that you eventually did give us the refund we begged you for. That you eventually took responsibility for your business. You’d think that when working on a gas line in a house that is a mile and a half away from the house that exploded in Plum, you’d at least be more mindful.  I’m honestly just so confused how someone could be so heartless to not put himself in a mother and father’s position and still not take any responsibility for the lack of accountability. That is all I have to say on the matter as of right now.
  
  Regards,
  ******* ********

  Business response

  10/30/2023

  We have been trying for multiple weeks to resolve this complaint and take ownership of the issues. Please feel free to contact our office in the event you are willing to work with us towards a resolution in this matter.

  Customer response

  10/30/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I have made my stance clear on this topic. You are very clearly still holding a refund over our heads, in exchange for taking down our reviews and I will not back down. The reviews will stay up, no matter how many “5 star” reviews you have people put on the platforms to try to drown ours out. You have proved yourself to be a sneaky and heartless person and many people over the years will see what you almost did to our family and how you did not handle it at all. If you are willing to give us a refund, you can contact us or go through the BBB. You have both of our phone numbers and emails. We will not be coerced into taking anything down though, ever.
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* ********

  Business response

  12/11/2023

     I have made multiple attempts to make a resolution to this customer at this point which I believe are more then fair, they have no documentation photo, print, or digital, there is no result of any other company being there other then just accusations of this customer. The husband in this complaint is mire then willing to work through a situation however the wife as stated by him is difficult.

  Customer response

  12/11/2023

  I thought this case was closed. If I was incorrect in thinking that, then please close it. I will not go back and forth with this disgusting, soulless man anymore. 
  
  ******* ********

  Customer response

  01/22/2024

  This is new information sent to the BBB. 
  ******* ********
  10:06 AM (4 minutes ago)
  to me
  
  Attached is proof of People’s Gas coming out and fixing a gas leak, which Calfo Heating and Air caused in my home, which could have killed my family.
  ******** ********

  Business response

  01/22/2024

  As per the last response, the consumer has stated that she no longer wished to have any further dealings with our company or the BBB, the business has made every possible effort to resolve the situation or come to an agreement with the consumer, in fact the husband was more than willing to make a resolution and where the wife was unwilling to settle the situation. The consumer was serviced on 9/29 of 23' and never called us to report any further issues with the system until 4 days later, and still did not ask for any resolution(s) from our company. If anything is to change from the consumer, we would be happy to work to a resolution with the consumer's husband please reach out to us by email at [email protected], This is our last response to this complaint.

  Customer response

  01/24/2024

  My husband has reached out again twice via email and this business owner is still unwilling to refund our money unless we take down our very true negative reviews of how his company almost killed my family, even though we’ve provided all the proof of the gas leak that they caused and made it clear that we would be willing to edit the reviews saying that they did the right thing with a refund, if they had provided one. But they still have not. It is extremely unethical and very bad business. Other people/families need to know the danger they are in if they use this company and the lack of respect for the lives of our 2 very young daughters and my husband and myself. Please close this case out now.

• Initial Complaint

  02/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  C**** came in 02/09/23 to fix problem regarding my furnace. The guy riggeed something to get it going but overnight it has stopped working.

  Business response

  06/05/2023

   

  C**** technicians were at *** ****** on 2/6/23 for a no heat call, Where there was a no heat call with errors on the unit. It was Diagnosed on 2/9/23 as a bad thermostat and the manufacture was contacted to see if there was any warranty left on the unit. On 2/10/23 we installed a new warranty thermostat with a charge for labor and warranty processing. He has a future visit for maintenance with us on 7/12/23

   

  Tim C****
  
  C**** Home Services

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  We contracted on 9/19/22 with Calfo Home Services to perform the external utility installation work at our new construction homesite at **** ***** ***** ****** ***** *** As of 1/27/23, the work had not been completed as agreed upon. We contacted the owner (Tim C****) on 1/27 to make him aware that his services were no longer needed at our home. We have since contracted with a new plumber who will be completing the work this week. See attached narrative and supporting documentation of our five month interaction with Calfo Home Services and their team (Tim Calfo, Ryan K*** *nd Jackie).

  Business response

  06/05/2023

  Please see attached for email communication showing the homeowner confirming them and the municipality were handling the street permit as it was outside our scope or work. Email chain as late as 25th of January showing the homeowner saying their entire process of permitting was outrageous and still did not have it, although the husband choose to hire another provider who would do the work with out permitting, all work quoted with out this process or needing permitting provided by Calfo was completed, the homeowner still has a current outstanding balance with our company for 17K and has yet too make payment term on this.
  
   
  
  Tim C****

   

  See Attachments

  Customer response

  06/27/2023

  We were contacted by Calfo through email and have provided them documentation of what we believe we don’t owe. It is on their team to respond to us.  
  
  You can close this complaint with the BBB. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  12/13/22 Routine service with initial discussion about dehumidifier. Price was $4000 including installation, and would connect to my thermostat or external controller in living space not basement. $2000 down-payment made. 12/28/22 Installation started, tech returns to office for part upon returning tells me I need to pay an additional $1500 to complete the work as described in initial sale. Agree to pay but unit still not working. 1/4/23 2nd tech to resolve issues with installation. Leaves unable to make it work other then with A/C not what I required. 1/7/23 Unit was continuously running with humidity level not changing. I raised the humidity level on the unit. The blower in the furnace stopped but the dehumidifier continued to run. Finally unplugged the unit. There continues to be a humming noise coming from the furnace that was not there before attempted installation. 1/16/23 called to speak to owner. Not available 1/17/23 called to speak to owner. Not available 1/20/23 call from tech to say $800 thermostat to solve problems. What started as a $4000 offer now ends up as a $6300 solution. Work still not completed. Prior to this event all work performed by Calfo techs was first rate. Sadly its come to this.

  Business response

  06/05/2023

  
  Tim C****
  Sun, Jun 4, 3:18 PM (17 hours ago)
  to me
  
  Customer had new dehumidifier installed in Jan 4, Jan 5th we returned to find out if the thermostat he had would be able to do a dehumidification during a heating cycle and not just cooling, Customer did not want to purchase a different controller that was to operate the way he wanted. Customer eventually agreed to cost and it was installed and working correctly on March 1, 2023. We have since been back for his preventative maintenance on 4/17/23. Please see job bookings below

   

  See Attachment

• Initial Complaint

  11/26/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Work was done starting the last week in October and lasted into the first week of November. I paid $517.92 upfront and financed $11694.03. I was told I would receive the $517.92 back because I had that amount rolled over into the loan. I was charged twice for a VIP plan that cost $199. I was told the duplicate charge would be removed. I don't want the plan because they have not returned my calls or helped me with any issues I have had since the work was completed. I have no water pressure in my shower since they completed their $1400 job they did for a dripping bathtub faucet. I was told my fence would be put back and I still have a fence post with the cement anchor leaning on the fence. The guy who came had to use my tools to ratchet the fence in place. He told me someone would come to replace the cement anchored post.

  Business response

  03/07/2022

  From: Tim C****
  Sent: Monday, January 31, 2022 4:05 PM
  To: ***** ** ***** ***************************
  Subject: *** ******* ***************************** ********
   
  Customer is having main line issues on the sanitary and not related to the lateral work that we had replaced, we are and have been in contact with Munhall Sanitary but they have not addressed this issue, We are attempting to help her out but as this is the boroughs property and not her own we cannot do any further work to this.

  From: Tim C****
  

  Sent: Monday, January 31, 2022 3:24 PM
  To: ****** ******** ****************************
  Subject: *** *** ******* ******* ***** * *** ****** *********
  
  Customer issue has an issue with the main sewer line in the road, her entire lateral is brand new as per our stated work to the property. We are trying to help her through working with the Munhall sanitary authority but this is not something that we can fix as it is the boroughs issue and property.

*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. ↩