I'm writing this review for W.B. Steward and Son. A couple of weeks ago our central air conditioning unit stopped working. So naturally we called a repairman based on reviews. The repairman advised that the unit needed to be replaced (it's 16 years old) or it would cost a few thousand dollars to repair it. This of course was right in the middle of a heatwave in July. So, we decided to replace it along with the furnace as the AC sat right on top of the furnace. Our hope was to get a more efficient model. We ended up calling several HVAC specialists to get quotes. All provided great presentations and comparable quotes. However, we ultimately decided on W.B. Steward and Son for the job. There were several factors that played into this decision. These include, W.B. Steward and Son were a local business which I wanted to support. They explained in detail what the job would entail. They offered a longer warranty. They did not require me to pay a monthly fee right away for a yearly check-up, although the first 2 check-ups would be free and I can decide later if I wanted to pay for a monthly maintenance service. They asked very detailed questions about air loss and possible causes to help gauge the specific issues that my house was having. They provided links to details about the different systems I could choose from right within the proposal. I was able to click on these links and read about the systems they offered as well as doing google reviews for comparison. They even advised of the 0% interest financing with South Jersey Gas. However, the ultimate difference that help seale the deal was that they offered at no charge, an in-window air conditioner for us to use while the work was being done during the heatwave.
Once work started, they asked my permission to complete the furnace on a different day and they were able to get our air conditioning up and running on the same day which was a Friday. They even showed me how the builder had the old compressor sitting on 3 bricks instead of a concrete pad which W.B. Steward and son provided. Don, the owner, checked with me afterwards to see if I noticed a difference particularly in the master bedroom that I advised was the hottest room in the house during the summer since it's located partly over top of our garage. Surprisingly, I didn't have to run my ceiling fan for the first time in order for the room to feel cool. However, Don told me that he was going to do more to make it even better.
Employees Mike, Dan, and Ryan came back on Monday to replace the heating unit. Mike explained what needed to be done from start to finish including getting my permission to properly run 2 pipes to the back of the house instead of the side. Upon completion Mike thoroughly explained what work was completed and showed me the job and answered specific questions that I had. He showed me the new filter, how the pipes were run inside and outside, the new custom duct work to fit my existing duct work. He also showed me a failsafe if the condensate pump should ever fail. This would prevent a build-up of water on the basement floor. Since my hot water heater was still working but old, I also paid for a failsafe to be installed on the hot water heater which would also prevent a flood in my basement. Mike also explained this in detail and showed me the work that was done. Mike tagged everything and showed me where I can find more specifics in the instruction booklet that was attached to the system.
Finally, Don sealed some floor registers where the builder left wide gaps. He then went in the attic, found where the upstairs return register ran in the attic and sealed around the drywall and joists in the attic. He even explained how the black soot on the fiberglass insulation was an indicator of air loss. Then he went to the wall registers which are supposed to suck in hot air out of the room and return to the system to be cooled. He did a paper test in which he put a sheet of paper to the register to see if it sticks. (He did this same test before installing the system. The master bedroom wall register failed this test with the old system). To my delight the wall register in the master bedroom passed the paper test as well as all the other wall registers. Don asked me if I wanted them to test my furnace now or in the Fall as they would have to run the heat for a good 20-30 minutes since it was summer time. I chose to have it done now. So, they ran the heat and after it was running for some time, took measurements and advised me that it passed. Don then ran the air conditioner and did a test with a device to measure air flow for each room and basement and advised it passed.
The last thing that Don explained and with pictures of past jobs, is a common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning from HVAC systems and hot water heaters. He even explained that most carbon monoxide detectors on the market have a higher threshold for levels of detection that may not be good for small children or seniors and that there are other models available for purchase with a lower threshold for those who'd like more protection. I took him up on this offer for my parents who are senior citizens.
All in all, thus far, I am extremely satisfied with the level of detail, professionalism and thorough work that Don and all of his employees have provided my family with a new and more efficient HVAC system. I would highly recommend this local company for any HVAC needs as their level of knowledge and willingness to answer and explain in detail (even with pictures) every single question I had, was outstanding.
