Over-Rated & Watch Your Wallet:\r
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We chose Environmental Systems Associates to examine problems that we were having with our heating system because of their good reviews. Things started out well. Terrence, the technician who was sent to examine the problem, did a good job. He fixed a minor problem and noted that the motor module needed replacement. He told us that part would be “easy to get locally,” and during the subsequent visit, we would not be charged for a service call, but just for the time for installation. \r
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The problem began when we received a call from Maureen the next morning. She indicated the motor module would cost us $ 530.54 and with installation the total cost would be $ 790.54. I was surprised by the high cost and mentioned that the motor module seemed like a small part. She laughed and told me that I did not understand, because it included a lot of complex computer parts. I then asked how long it took to install. She noted that it would be about an hour. When I asked why it would cost $ 260 to install, she indicated that it included the time to get the part which “was not easy.”\r
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The combination of her condescending/negative tone and the inconsistency with the technician’s comment about the ease of getting the part resulted in our seeking other alternatives. Several other contractors provided costs for the job. The cost for the part was somewhat less expensive from the other contractors but only by about 10%. The cost for the labor for installation was much less expensive with the highest being $ 130. Therefore, Environmental Systems Associates cost for installation was 100% higher than the next highest estimate we received. When the technician from the contractor we chose installed the motor module, it took him ½ hour. He apologized for having to charge us $ 125 as they had to charge their minimal hourly fee. \r
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We should probably thank Maureen for her attitude as it inspired us to call others and save a lot of money.\r
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