Ductless Mini Split Installation in San Diego

I recently had my HVAC serviced by ASI and I can’t tell you how happy and relieved I am. Weeks earlier (back in March) I had my system HVAC serviced by Mauzy. After Mauzy left I found the cover not completely seated/installed back on the outdoor condenser unit and a screw laying on the concrete. Additionally, James L., provided me with a list (estimate via email) for the following: 1. Perform condenser coil wash $777.68 2. Remove and replace 40-amp contactor $686.86 3. Install a surge protector (SPD) $994.28 4. Replace HVAC ignitor $362.16 5. Replace flame sensor $362.16 6. Add (to the HVAC system) an extra UV (bulb) system $1,348.74 a. Grand Total = 4,531.88 Back in October 2021 Mauzy billed me $614.06 for 3 to 6 Lbs., of R410A. Back in November 2023 Mauzy billed me $2,345.89 for a new thermostat. Also, during our interaction, he was really pushing for the SPD and indicated the other components will soon fail. He made a statement that some of these SPD’s have an “expiration date” some only good for three years. I told him I have a Surge Protection Device at the main service PNL however he stated this was not good enough. As a certified CA., State WA., State Journeyman electrician I know this was not true and he was comparing an SPD to a carton of milk, very concerning. I then knew I was dealing with a technician with no electrical/HVAC knowledge – he only wanted to sell something. Shortly after he left, I started receiving TEXTS from Kaiya B., (from Mauzy) who was attempting to schedule the recommended service by James L. This is when I notified Kaiya B., that I found a cover loose and a screw on the ground and how disappointed I believed the service was. She got right back and stated she will forward my message to the General Manager however as of this writing I have not heard from anyone at Mauzy. I then contacted ASI and scheduled a full heating and AC service and inspection to ensure nothing else was left incomplete. That’s when the ASI technician discovered two refrigerant caps were missing. These are the caps they remove to measure the R410A refrigerant during operation (discovered by ASI) and are only accessible after removing the condenser cover. These caps were present last year during the service as I observed the service. Additionally, this is a 2025 California Plumbing Code requirement. In closing I I’m really disappointed. As an Army Veteran, 40+ years as an electrician, former building inspector and presently a plans examiner for several jurisdictions in California I feel this is a case of taking advantage of elderly people and over pricing services. The ASI technician could not believe the Mauzy price for coil wash, which was completed by ASI as part of the service call today for $87.00. The additional (other) items on the repair list from Mauzy, ASI stated were not needed looked brand new. I would like to thank the technician Jack Ryan (and ASI) for their honesty/knowledge of the system/thoroughness of the inspection/maintenance and transparency pricing. Additionally, I received a coil wash as part of the system check for a savings of $777.68 dollars. Thanks, Jack, for all your great work, honest pricing and not attempting to take advantage of an Army Veteran 😊. Scott Humphrey San Diego (Crest)