Heating and Air Conditioning
J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Contractors Inc.Complaints
This profile includes complaints for J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Contractors Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 17 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 6 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
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Initial Complaint
Date:07/09/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Better Business Bureau:
You may go ahead and close this case but I do not accept the response made by the business because their portrayal of the incident is not accurate.On 7/1, the technician was scheduled to come to my house to evaluate my hot water heater issues. He called me and said "I've already been to your house several times, I performed the diagnostics and repairs already. Your tank is under warranty and should be replaced." It was the technician's decision to not enter my home, and I do not appreciate the business making the claim that the homeowner did not allow the technician into the home.The case can be closed because my home builder called Sobieski management and told them to replace my tank. Sobieski deserves no credit or accolades in resolving my issue, other than the skilled technician who came and performed the work to replace the tank. Sobieski dragged their feet on resolving my issue and the many calls placed to them and this BBB complaint was the result.Regards,
Complaint ID: 23577727
Business Response
Date: 07/14/2025
Mr. *******
Sobieski plans to install a new Hot water heater on Wednesday of this week. I will include below all of the service history on your account and a note including the Spec's of the water heater itself.
Tech Visit
History:
**WARRANTY**
It consistently takes 2.5 minutes
(I timed it with a stopwatch) for water to get hot through all the faucets in
the house.
2/13/25 Technician adjusted the
water pressure to 80 psi and turned the temperature to 125 on the water heater
both issues resolved.
2) **WARRANTY***
It consistently takes 2.5 minutes for hot water in the
house. Plumber came recently, increased pressure but did not work.
2/25/25 Technician replaced both elements and
flushed water heater after getting approval from the builder, issue resolved.
3 **WARRANTY**
Homeowner was complaining, not
enough hot water Hot water running out.
4/2/25 Replaced both thermostats the upper and
lower. Replaced both elements upper and lower.
Tested Hot Water Heater, homeowner
said plenty of hot water.
4) **WARRANTY**
Homeowner states only 10 min of
hot water.
Sobi: We can get them on schedule
again. If we go out and find the system is producing adequate hot water, there
will be a trip charge associated with the ticket. I read through the history on
this house, and I agree this is a case of expectation management with the
homeowner.
Builder: we will accept the trip
charge if things are found to be adequate.
7/1/25 Technician
was here twice already, changed the temperature, and replaced the elements on
the water heater already, technician explained to homeowner that there's no
issues with water that he only has a 40- 50 gallon tank and he's running out of
hot water because after 30 mins in the shower, the tank has to heat up
more water, homeowner is reaching out to builder for a new tank, but technician does not see an
issue with the water heater.
Tech was not
allowed to enter the house unless swapping water heater for a new one –
explained need to perform diagnostics and involve manufacturer, homeowner would
not allow entry.
Plumbing
Service Manager note:
Per the chart attached, allow me to summarize. A
50 Gallon Electric water heater with the typical 4500-watt element holds a
nominal capacity of 45 gallons of water at 120 Degrees. The average temperature
of incoming city water around Mr. ******’s home is 55 degrees. This would be an
80-degree temperature rise. At this point the unit will produce 23 gallons of
hot water per hour. That is the recovery rate in non-simultaneous
operation. In the case there is simultaneous operation the rate of
recovery will almost double per the manufacturer specs.
Most faucets today run at an average of 1.5 Gallons Per Minute.
Most shower heads average a flow rate of 2 GPM. That equates to an average
continuous run time of 11.5 - 15.3 GPH. When fully depleted the unit will
reheat fully in an average of near 2 hours, you can have some usable hot water
after about 45 minutes. From previous notes this information was confirmed as
the existing operating conditions of the water heater that is installed on the
property today.
Let me know if you need any more information.
Sincerely,
Plumbing Service ManagerInitial Complaint
Date:06/09/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
**In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
I was under the understanding that I had 5 business days to reply to Sobieski's response so I am requesting that this case be reopened as Mr. **** conveyed some fabrications in his response to MY not my wife's BBB complaint.1. Mr. **** stated that we were "kept in the loop" regarding parts. That is a complete lie. We called them on May 28th, 2024. They sent a very uninformed technician on May 30th, 2024. My wife found what the code meant from Reddit before the technician could call to figure out what the problem was. He said the parts would be ordered, and then tried to charge for the service call despite my wife having a coupon from their site saying that if they didn't come in 24 hours from the call it was free. We heard NOTHING from them until Icalled around June 14th, 2024 for an update as we had not heard anything in two weeks. We were told someone would call back, they did not. I called again the following week, around the 21st almost a month from their original visit. They finally called back and told my wife that the parts were ordered and they didn't know when they would get here. We heard nothing more until my wife filed a BBB complaint. They FINALLY came on July 2nd and installed the new motor. We spent all of June with no AC and no indication of how long it would be. We ended up having to purchase portable AC units as it was over 85 degrees upstairs. 2. We discussed signing up for a service plan, but no one would ever call us back. Which is a problem that began with them during COVID. We tried for six months in 2020 to schedule service, and no one ever returned our calls. We did have a deep clean service post 2020, and installed the recommended surge protectors, and drip sensor in the attic. Nothing but problems after that. When we did have people come to service, they had no idea that we even had two systems, and seemed woefully uneducated on our system. I am not concerned about their warranty as they will never be allowed on my property again.3. The motor that was installed August 8, 2024 was manufactured May, 2022. The motor installed in July, 2024 is obviously a new model. Within 6 months of the August installation, the 2022 motor needed to be replaced again. Refurbished is the same as used. We had to wait 5 weeks for the new motor in July, yet ***** ran to the shop and brought this motor from there that day. My wife even asked why we had to wait 6 weeks for the first motor, if they had them in the shop. If it was a new motor, why wasn't it installed when we called in May since it was manufactured in 2022 and they had it in their shop? The tech from Fletchers was shocked that the motor that was replaced was in the condition it was in. There is no possible way that was a new motor. I can resend pictures if necessary. The manufactured date is on the motor. Additionally, my wife asked ***** why this was constantly happening and his response was it might be "the house". Sobieski designed the system, they installed the system. If it is an inappropriate system for our house, then that is also on them. They are supposed to be professionals. 4. Mr. **** did not address why we were charged for 12 lbs or gallons whatever the measurement is for freon when our system only holds 9.8. We were never shown the removed parts or the replacement parts despite my wife being there the whole time. Plus we had to pay more for a service charge because their tech **** had to come out a second day. The first day was during the freezing cold snap, and he showed up improperly dressed for the weather including a lack of gloves and said he couldn't stay because it was too cold. Completely unprofessional.5. They do not charge market rate. Fletchers charged us less than half of what they wanted to charge us and did more than Sobieski was willing to do. I asked what their hourly rates were and was told they don't have hourly rates. Additionally, the price increased from the original quote to when the part came in.6. They are never available for honest dialogue and collaboration. They only respond after we go to extreme measures like filing BBB complaints, and posting negative online reviews. Mr. **** is incredibly rude in texts, and to my wife on the phone. There is a complete lack of respect for us and our home.I would like the money back for the obviously fabricated amount of freon that **** claimed to have put in. We don't even know if the coil was leaking. That total was $1800 in work I don't believe was necessary, but they couldn't find any other answer, as it stopped working again within 2 weeks from ****'s visits. I also would like what we had to pay another company to come fix the obviously used/refurbished motor for a total of $2200.Thank you,
Regards,
Complaint ID: 23445341
broke again in early Feb 2025. Said it was the motor that was installed in Aug 2024, which we now know was an old used part not appropriate for our system (again have pictures). Said they would no longer honor their parts warranty because we hadn't had the system serviced, except we had every year because it broke every year. Then said it would be around $780 to replace the part they shouldn't have used, called a week later and suddenly it was almost $900 replace the same part. They are scammers who put used parts on our system and lied about the amount of freon to over charge us. I want the money back that the charged for the freon, I do not believe they used they parts they should have, and what we had to pay to have the new company fix the problem which was $420.75 which we would not have had to do if they had used the proper parts. New Fan Motor pic was installed on upstairs unit 7/2024, Used Fan Motor pic is what was installed in 8/2024, obvious difference between the two.Business Response
Date: 06/10/2025
******* *** *******
While we
understand that every business encounter may not be perfect, we strive to
uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service in the
HVAC industry.
We take all
feedback seriously and welcome constructive criticism that allows us to
improve. However, some of these statements are 100% inaccurate and do not reflect
the situation or our business practices. These remarks not only impact our
reputation but may also mislead others in our community. We do not and have
never installed used parts, our pricing is well within industry standards, and you
were kept in the loop regarding the manufacturer’s back ordered parts.
We believe in
open and respectful communication and have always kept you updated each step of
the way. We have addressed each issue
directly and worked toward a resolution each time. Yearly maintenance could
have allowed us to catch problems before they arose and would have maintained
your warranty and kept costs down. Maintenance is not the same as servicing a
problem, so if we come out to fix your thermostat, the problem is repaired the
system has not been maintenanced. Our goal is always to ensure the satisfaction
of every client and maintain positive relationships within our professional
community.
Our door is
always open for honest dialogue and collaboration.
Sincerely,
Client Experience Manager
Sobieski Services IncBusiness Response
Date: 07/02/2025
Mr. **********, we respectfully disagree with your
statements.
Sobieski did not replace both of your Outdoor Fan Motors, only one. The 2nd motor we replaced was your indoor Blower Motor. Purchase orders for both are provided to not only show they are in fact
new and not used parts as you claim, but also to show that your statements are
complete fabrications. The Purchase orders are dated and have all the pertinent
info on them. You state that the motor
we replaced in August of 24 was manufactured in 2022, but you included pictures
of your 2 outdoor motors and in 2024 we replaced your indoor motor not outdoor.
As for your Service Plan, you use Covid as the reason that
you could not maintain your unit. Covid lasted one year, and we did work during
that year and maintained services throughout, although on a slower pace than
normal due to the state of the country. You could have had your unit serviced
that year and any year after to maintain your system and warranty (the manufacturers
would and have made dispensation for that 1 year). It is not an excuse for
skipping 4+ years of maintenance.
Our pricing is created and maintained by a 3rd party Flat Rate standard across the industry and is comparable to all companies
our size. Any company can choose to give you a break to earn your business, but
will that company be there for you in a few years, or will it have been
purchased by a conglomerate or retired? We create value behind our service and
the stability of over 35 years in business.
The refrigerant: you were charged to pump down and re-fill up to 12 pounds of 410A (clearly stated on your invoice). Refrigerant is charged
for in blocks – 1-3 pounds, 4-6 pounds etc.
Mr. **********, as far as the phones go, we have several
Customer Service Reps (less during Covid) and a 24-hour overnight emergency
service line. Our phones are always answered, and Voice Mails returned. You and
your wife have had my personal cell number for several years and we have had
honest dialogue with you and your wife many times.
In closing and with respect Sir, we find your claims
inaccurate and damaging to our Professional reputation. Please find another
provider.
Sincerely,
Sobieski Services Inc.Initial Complaint
Date:11/06/2024
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Better Business Bureau:
The heater was installed 4 years ago, brand new heater and have issues, I do required inspection every year. This b/s is brand newI have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
**In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
Regards,
Complaint ID: 22523855
ry yearBusiness Response
Date: 11/07/2024
Hello Mr. ******
We are sorry to hear of your experiences. It appears that we were able to fix your heater each time it failed and seasonal maintenance may prevent or prolong those types of issues from occurring. We (and most companies) do offer service partner plans where that seasonal maintenance is done. We have reached out and scheduled this repair for early Monday morning and hope all goes well. Our Tech did recommend replacing the Inducer motor as well due to worn bearings, so that should be something you have looked at soon.
Thank you
Sobieski Team
Business Response
Date: 11/07/2024
Hello Mr. ******
We are sorry to hear of your experiences. It appears that we were able to fix your heater each time it failed and seasonal maintenance may prevent or prolong those types of issues from occurring. We (and most companies) do offer service partner plans where that seasonal maintenance is done. We have reached out and scheduled this repair for early Monday morning and hope all goes well. Our Tech did recommend replacing the Inducer motor as well due to worn bearings, so that should be something you have looked at soon.
Thank you
Sobieski Team
Customer Answer
Date: 11/08/2024
Better Business Bureau:
The heater was installed 4 years ago, brand new heater and have issues, I do required inspection every year. This b/s is brand newI have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
**In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
Regards,
Complaint ID: 22523855
J.F. Sobieski Mechanical Contractors Inc. is BBB Accredited.
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