Business ProfileforBudget Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Stay away from Budget Heating and Cooling. Awful service and business practices - paid $69 service fee to an incompetent tech and then they sent a $129 diagnostic fee bill to collections after telling me it was waived. I suggest getting all communication in writing. We have a mini split unit and the pump had failed. I called Budget because they put it in 5 years ago. Despite having a few hiccups 5 years ago during the installation by Budget, (all of which were quickly resolved), I inquired about a tech to come look at the pump that isnt working and probably needed replacing. I was told there would be a $69 service charge to get the technician to the door. I agreed and asked that the tech to be prepared to replace the pump. The tech who arrived the next day had no idea what he was doing. He wanted to look at my AC unit and I had to explain the problem was with the mini split unit, not my AC. Without turning on the unit, checking the lines or touching the unit at all, he diagnosed the problem as needing a new pump costing over $900. And now that quick visual assessment means Im charged a $129 diagnostic fee. I questioned how he could make that diagnosis without even turning on the unit or checking for a clog in the condensate line. I then showed him how to turn on the unit, where the lines were and outdoor unit. It was apparent the tech had no idea what to do. I said I was not comfortable going forward with any repairs. He asked for payment - $69 service call + $129 diagnostic fee. I said that I was not told about an additional diagnostic fee and do not feel I should pay that considering he did not even turn on the unit. I paid the $69 service fee to the tech and he said I can call the office to waive the $129 diagnostic fee. I called the office, told the receptionist about the subpar service and asked for the $129 diagnostic charge to be waived. The receptionist said she would put in a request with her manager and call me back. She did call me back within an hour and said that it would be taken care of. Fast forward a month, a collection agency called to collect the $129 bill. When I called Budget to inquire about the miscommunication, the only thing they had on file was a waive request that was denied. In the end, it was not worth the time, phone calls, he said she said claims and potential hit on my credit for $129. I paid it, but very unhappy with my entire experience with Budget - tech service, customer service and business practices. $189 in total paid to Budget for absolutely nothing. ****** learned - get all communication in writing and just buy the $150 part and replace yourself!