Central Home by Central Services

I posted this complaint because I feel I was manipulated by Central Services into 1) choosing a more expensive option and 2) paying twice what I’d agreed to. I’m currently distracted by grief. It’s possible I made a mistake but it doesn’t feel like that to me. I think they took advantage of my grief and distraction to manipulate me. I’m posting this because if this kind of behavior is actually a pattern with Central Services, I want others to be aware. Hopefully if anyone else experiences this pattern of behavior, they will also post their experiences.
In early March my heater broke. I called in Central Services because they have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau. I was charged an initial $ 1400 and was told it was a deposit.
After looking at my heater and before giving me a choice of estimates, the technician showed me the water filter which was terribly gross and gunky looking. He then gave me three estimates, the middle of which included cleaning that filter. Having just seen the gunky filter, I picked that middle estimate, which is where I think the manipulation came in. If he hadn’t shown me the filter, I would have picked the cheapest option.
So the total was, as told to me, $ 1442. When I, weeks later, received my credit card statement, I saw two charges: the $ 1440 deposit and the $ 1442 «total». I went back and looked at the statements I’d signed from Central Services, the total did list $ 2842. So, yes, I did sign it. But that is not the total we’d verbally agreed on. I was told the total was $ 1442. The technician never said $ 1442 plus the $ 1440 that I understood to be a deposit. Granted I should have looked at the numbers more closely, but I was grieving and distracted. I didn’t. Still, I feel that the technician telling me the total was $ 1442, when that was actually the additional payment, was manipulative. He could have easily said «for a total of $ 2842.» He didn’t. I think that was manipulative.
Karla, the owner, and I did have an indirect conversation through the Better Business Bureau where I filed a complain against Central Services.
Karla will tell you that I signed a paper for the full amount. This is true but that is not the total the technician and I discussed.
Karla will also tell you I had a choice of six options and didn’t pick the cheapest. This is half true. I had a choice of three options and I did not pick the cheapest, but I would have if the technician hadn’t shown me the filter. So I feel I was manipulated.
Karla will also tell you she tried to contact me and that I never returned her calls. This is also half true. Given that I was grieving and had already, by my count, been manipulated by her company twice, I was in no mood to speak on the phone. I replied by letter. She never replied to my letter. I was willing to have a conversation either by mail or e-​mail. She, apparently, was only willing to resolve this issue on the phone.

I love Central Services! I’ve used them for 2 different heating/​cooling emergencies. In both cases, calls placed Sunday morning brought a smiling serviceman to my door mere hours later. Their technicians are considerate, thoughtful, and articulate. They respect both their customers (by clearly explaining the problems and options for fixing it) and their belongings (wearing booties, cleaning up after themselves, etc.). In this latest emergency, Phil helped me address a flooded basement, recommended multiple solutions, and scheduled someone to fix it on the only day I was available between two trips. And while this isn’t important, it doesn’t hurt that every technician that has come to my house is extremely easy on the eyes. Even the folks who answer the phone and schedule service are a joy to talk to. I highly recommend them!

Trustworthy and effective… they’re three for three. Installed my new HVAC a few years ago. Worked w Carla to get the right unit in place. In July, Carla came back at my request and walked thru the house w a thermographic camera that showed air leakage in the walls. The solution was a new blown adhesive substance to plug and seal throughout the system. It was accomplished cleanly and in one day. A clear winner. Then a few weeks later, Phil H came and did the maintenance call. All Central personnel have been polite, professional, and knowledgeable. The best part is what they do works to make the infrastructure and the house better. I’ve tried Furr and they’re maniac up sellers. Central presents as pros and their results make them top of my list.

Had a tech come out from a different company, he couldn’t find any issues with my Ac, so naturally he tries to sell me a new one. I wasn’t going for it.
I called these guys, they sent me Phil who was great!
He found the issue within minutes (which was a fairly small and inexpensive fix compared to replacing the entire unit) would definitely use them again.

Phil and Gene (in training) did our annual HVAC checkup. Super nice guys, went about the job efficiently and professionally. Gave me a complete overview of the operation of our systems, and recommendations for cleaning, additional work. etc. Explained the options clearly and concisely. We’re big fans of Central Services.

We called for assistance on Thursday night and Phil was at our door by 8am the next morning. He was helpful and quickly diagnosed the problem with little hassle. He immediately explained the multiple options I had to fix the problem and was patient with me as I made my decision. He wasn’t pushy at all and was very personable throughout the whole experience. I would highly recommend this team!

Had Central services out today for my spring AC check, Phil and trainee Steve showed up right on time! They were very courteous and professional. I’ve never had a technician that wasn’t top notch! Thanks again for coming thru Central, looking forward to a cool summer

Phil H was able t find the problem with my air conditioning unit, and get it resolved very quickly. Awesome customer service, courteous and very friendly. I would Highly recommend.

My heating system was no operating properly. Their technician Phil came out to my home. He arrived on time and took great care to cover his feet before entering and cleaning up after the repairs were completed. In less than 30 minutes the system was up and running. Thank you for your service.

I had some issues with my furnace not keeping my house warm, so I called Central Services. They were one of only a handful of companies with consistent reviews and ratings!
Phil H was my service tech, he was knowledgable and very personable. He diagnosed the issue with my thermostat but took a look at the whole system. Phil found a small fracture in our heat exchanger that could be causing harmful CO to enter our home. Phil wrote up several options to fix our current system. But with that serious of a problem I told Phil we wanted a new furnace.
Everything went extremely well and now I know what everyone on Unilocal brags about! Thanks Central!

The technician was able investigate, identify the plumbing issue, and present options quickly.
Once we decided on plan, they sent someone out to do the work within a couple days. I’d have preferred quicker, but the work was professional and thorough.
If we have other plumbing needs we’ll call them back.

This was my first experience with Central Services, as we recently moved from the West Coast to No. Virginia. We had Central come out for a second opinion to evaluate our heating system. (Another HVAC company recommended replacement of our existing unit). Phil from Central Services came out and performed a thorough and informative inspection of our HVAC unit. Turns out, we simply needed some minor repairs. Our unit should have 5 – 10 more years of life.
Phil was very professional and knowledgeable. Pricing was affordable. We will continue to use Central Services Heating and Air for regular maintenance and future service needs.

New HVAC system installed by Central less than 1 year old. Had AC issues and a tech come out to diagnose… said the outside compressor needed new motor ($ 3K to repair– labor only, parts were under warranty) or I could do a $ 1,300 holdover which consisted of adding Freon. I chose the $ 1,300 and contact Carrier directly about their product. Spoke with Carrier, they contacted Central Services and come to the conclusion after speaking with the tech that I did NOT seed a motor. Thank god I did not choose the $ 3K fix, mad I even did the $ 1,300. BEWARE! They also charged me $ 300 for an air filter, which I could have gotten at Lowes for $ 40. Took several weeks to return the «platinum» membership which was rolled up into the $ 1,300 package.

We have used Central Services for years and appreciate their care of our units.
When I call in I’m greeted by the sweetest ladies – usually Victoria. The whole office staff is helpful and fun to talk with.
Phil is our usual tech and puts you at ease from «hello». You never have questions that are dumb and he answers completely and clearly.
Josh has worked on our units and lives up to all our expectations.

Was referred to Central Services by a co-​worker. The AC unit wasn’t as cold as it should have been. The tech, Phil, fixed all that up for me. Great service and he also gave me good tips to keep my unit in better shape.

I’ve been a long-​time customer of Central Services (close to 23 years on 3 separate homes) and have found the annual service contracts (on which I have done comparisons) to be reasonably priced and they stand behind their work. A customer service person calls me to set up the appointments for Spring and Fall maintenance so it’s one less thing for me to remember. They also follow up the day before with a reminder and about 30 minutes before the technician is due to arrive within the window originally scheduled. Josh just performed my Spring maintenance, was courteous and polite and, more importantly, knowledgeable. He evaluated the system, came to me with well-​explained recommendations for the needed work, and completed the work in a reasonable amount of time. No company is perfect and any issues I’ve had with this company over the years have been minor and resolved quickly so, they get the 5 stars or «As good as it gets!» from me.
One note… the canned greeting really is a little cheesy and I’ve heard it enough times and from enough different people to know it’s canned. My only recommendation to management would be to simplify that and let the already very polite and helpful customer service folks do their job.

Unit stopped cooling and called Central Services. They were able to dispatch a technician to my door by 8:00am next day. Technician was courteous, provided useful explanations and tips, AND was able to resolve the issue to my satisfaction!

A few weeks ago, we came home to a cold house. We cycled the furnace and breaker furnace ran for just a few minutes and turned off. We also noticed the «OK» light was flashing, no red on the «FLAME» light and no blue flame in the combustion chamber. Contacted Central Services, a tech was in my home the next morning, diagnosed the problem, overnight shipped the parts and repaired the next day. Heat on — all well. Thanks!

I’ve been using Central Services for about 7 years and have found them to be consistently professional and prompt (within the designated arrival window).

Never, ever use this company. They installed a furnace in my house in 2004 and have been servicing it since then. I recently reached out to them to get a quote to install AC. Not only was it very hard to get in touch with them, after I finally reached somebody it took 2 days for them to get back to me and tell me that they wouldn’t even come out and look at the system because they didn’t want to be bothered with a new install.