Sept. '22 I signed a contract with Semper Solaris to have a new HVAC system installed at my home in Fresno. Shortly after signing my contract, my assigned Energy Consultant left the company and I was never given a contact for a new consultant.
Between the contract date and installation in Nov, the Fresno branch was closed down, so the installation crew for my system came from Bakersfield (nearly 100 miles away). Installation was to take 1 to 2 days; however, it took double that. The crew only worked about 3 – 4 hours each day. When questioned, the team lead/supervisor told me they had to drive two hours each way and therefore were limited on time they could work.
After the installation was complete, the system did not work properly. The thermostat would call for heat, but the system would not start as it was supposed to. I reached out to the installation lead/supervisor who advised me he was no longer with the company and that the Bakersfield branch had been closed down. Now the nearest technician would respond from Manteca, more than 100 miles away.
From then on, 90% of my contact was with Vanessa at the office in San Diego. Vanessa was less than responsive, and unprofessional in most of my dealings with her. During, what turned out to be months of dealing with the system not working properly, I had asked numerous times to speak to a manager. Only once in December did a manager, Scott, contact me. He listened to my complaints and told me they would send someone out the following day. However, in the meantime, our heater did not work. It was December and the outside overnight temperature was in the mid-30s. Vanessa told me she had gotten approval from management to reimburse me for space heaters and suggested I purchase them, then submit the receipt for reimbursement. I purchased two space heaters, approximately $100 and to this day have not been reimbursed.
Sebino from Manteca was assigned to fix my system. Between November and March, he came and worked on the system at least six times. Only once did a supervisor or manager respond with Sebino to inspect the work, and that was because I demanded it. Scott came with Sebino once and I was told he would ensure the issue was fixed and follow up with me the following morning. He never followed up, and the system was not fixed. Sebino was the champion throughout this experience. He was professional and skilled, but I believe he was only doing as he was directed.
Finally, after months of asking to speak to management and begging them to resolve the issue, I was tired of being ignored and made to feel that I was a nuisance, despite having paid them $17k. So…I wrote an honest, but damaging review. Wouldn’t you know it, the very next morning I received a call from Kay Williams, Vanessa’s supervisor, and James Henderson, the Director of HVAC Operations. Both Kay and James were very responsive and professional. They both listened to my complaints and dedicated themselves to ensuring the issues were resolved. The very next day Sebino responded back out to my home to work on the system. Sebino was in direct contact with James and they were able to identify the ongoing issue and make the repair. It has been three days since Sebino fixed the system, and so far it is operating as it’s supposed to.
Both James and Kay have followed up via email and phone to ensure I am satisfied with the service and that the unit is functioning properly. I have increased my review from one star to three, but cannot in good conscious give a higher rating, as I had such a terrible experience for so long. I believe the breakdown and lack of care for me was at the employee and supervisor level, Vanessa and Scott. Although I had begged to speak to a manager, it is apparent that the first time management became aware of the issue was after my google review. Once management was aware, they worked quickly and professionally to resolve the issues and repair our relationship. For now, it seems the issue has been resolved and I am receiving quality customer service and care.