Get matched with top window a/c unit service or relocation pros in Redding, CA

"Keith came over for an estimate the previous Friday, took one look at our old tank water heater, and let us know what a liability it was.  We were then persuaded to go with a tankless water heater -- I have to say that I wasn't hot on the idea initially due to cost recovery being nearly impossible on them due to high installation costs having to rejigger the plumbing, add electrical, and update the venting.  However, we had decades of code violations which would have added up to a monstrous cost (especially for the vent) to replace with a normal water heater.  The NPE-240A that we were persuaded to purchase uses PVC venting, which is routable through older metal vents -- thus is a cost reduction over installation of new, up-to-code metal venting.
Note that Gallagher will have a promotional first-visit price.  If you don't sign the dotted line to purchase a major service from them on that first visit, the price may increase by several hundred dollars on the next visit.  That is a little bit of a pressure tactic and we would have done a bit more homework had we known of it.  However, in this case, we had a potentially disastrous situation on our hands with that 23 year old water heater and didn't much feel like tempting fate by checking with other contractors for their costs and quality of service.
 After Keith left, I began to do some additional research.  I came to find that flush valves are a huge convenience with tankless water heater.  They allow you to easily isolate the house plumbing from the tankless water heater, connect two hoses to the heater and a pump, and circulate a lime scale dissolving solution (such as house-hold vinegar) to remove the scale from the heater exchanger.  I was worried that the install wouldn't come with these flush valves.  I called Gallagher at 9am on a Saturday morning and asked if they would be installing flush valves.  The initial answer from the on-call plumber was no.  Fortunately, Keith provided his personal/work cell phone.  I called to verify the no answer.  He assured me that the flush valves would be installed (and yes, they were -- and high quality valves too; single ball-valve, cast in Italy!).  Thanks, Keith, for taking my call on your off day.  That saved everyone a lot of grief :-)  So my nerves were soothed and I waited patiently for Monday to get that old, possibly leaking, tank water heater out of my house.
 On Monday, two technicians came out on time (Travis and Chad).  I don't recall which one was the experienced plumber, but one of them was definitely new and needed the experience (we all start from somewhere).  Both set out to do their work and were fairly efficient.
Only one mistake of note was caught.  The lesser experienced technician did accidentally cut a hole through my gas furnace vent cap, believing it to be the water heater vent cap.  The mistake was caught, and some sheet metal was cut and the cap was repaired with some mastic and water repellant stuff.  I don't know if that's code but I suppose I'll find out when the code inspector visits to close the permit... certainly the last thing I need is CO entering the house because the cap was reinstall or repaired incorrectly.
The copper pipes were completely reconfigured, and even shortened (which is always good for water pressure and heat retention).  The PVC outlet vent was installed through the old vent and spray painted black.  It can hardly be seen from the highway.  The experienced plumber ensured that the system worked well at full firing.  He didn't have a Manometer that worked with the unit, so we didn't get our gas pressure tested.  He said that the inspector should be able to do that; should I have made him come back to test the pressure?  Well, it seems to work with the gas stove going, but I haven't had a chance or a cool day to test the furnace plus the water heater and the oven.  Backing up a bit, they did install an outlet into the water heater closet, tying into the bathroom electrical on the other side.
The final result looked nice; the valves were mostly positioned in an accessible way.  The hot water flush valve is a little hard to access with the gas trap in front of it.  But everything got insulated, and a bit of PEX tubing was installed for the condensation line.  That was also insulated, so UV degrading the PEX shouldn't be a problem?   The heater was installed in an exterior water heating closet with a vented outside door.  The condensation line was linked up with the A/C condensation line.  The A/C condensation seems to still make it out.  Bonus that the PVC was extended off my patio, but the condensation does now exit just behind the A/C unit. I've read that the Navien produces somewhat acidic condensation so I'm only slightly concerned that large amounts of condensation could cumulatively affect the A/C metal footings.  We'll see what the inspector says (I'll update this review after that is completed).
Overall, the experience was nice, and we were not bothered too much with the Gallagher membership plan like last time.  The techs were personable and willing to explain what they were doing.  They even let me see what a bad idea it is to have galvanized piping interact with copper piping.  Yuck!  It is nice to get rid of all those corroded galvanized stub outs between the old tank water heater and the main service to the house.  They didn't mind that I was looking over their shoulders the entire time; personally, I hate when others do that to me, so good on them.  The experienced plumber graciously repaired some of the busted out dry wall with some of my left over dry wall, which was great, and helped complete one of my DIY items.  Only other thing that comes to mind is, ensure that the techs clean the cold water inlet filter after testing the tankless water heater.  I had to do that myself (per the install instructions that came with the unit) and it had some debris from the performed work.  The tech did explain how to clean that out as it is regular maintenance for tankless water heaters.  He also let us know that there is an inlet air filter that is easily cleaned.
Good experience overall; a few minor (?) issues cropped up.  I'll update this review when the inspector checks on the work.   The heater works great, even without a recirculation line.  I'm much happier to be serviced by a tankless water heater!

** Update post-Inspections **

After waiting a few weeks, and inquiring Gallaghers about the permit, and then receiving it shortly after that inquiry, we had the City inspector over.  He found that the tankless water heater did not have a properly sized gas input.  He caught the fact that the gas line reduced down to 1/2" somewhere after the house furnace.  For some reason the old water heater and adjacent stove had 3/4" pipe connected to that 1/2" pipe.  The installers did not notice this as a potential problem.  The inspector was concerned that if the house furnace were going, there wouldn't be much left over for the house tankless water heater.  Thus he wrote up the install as needing 3/4" pipe all the way to the water heater.  He also detected a hint of natural gas smell in the water heater closet.  We pointed out that the house furnace roof jack had been damaged and repaired.  The inspector took a look and wasn't so sure that the mastic would hold up to the vent's output heat.  So the jack/bonnet would have to be replaced.

It took one night to get a plumber out to fix the gas leak.  It took 3.5 weeks to get plumbers out here to fix the inspector's red tag items for upsizing the gas line and replacing the vent bonnet.  We had called Gallaghers many times during those weeks and were told they would get the installers in touch with us to schedule repa"

We have a single mission: Complete Customer Satisfaction! We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience.\nYou will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details.\nOur reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\nWe look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

I'm a HVAC TECHNICIAN. I been doing HVAC for 10 years. I live in Northern California.\n

"We own a home-based business which relies heavily on our computers operating efficiently. We have had a service contract with another computer repair business for several years. Recently when we were having problems with our computers, we tried contacting our service contractor multiple times. He never responded. Feeling frustrated, I contacted James at North Alabama Technical Services and explained our situation. He instantly came to our rescue. He "cleaned-up" our computers and took care of all the problems we were experiencing. He went above and beyond to help us in our dire time of need. We would strongly recommend James and his company for computer service needs. We have now retained him on a service contract and are looking forward to working with him in the future."

"Finally an honest Solar company!! I went through several companies trying to get quotes for one of my properties, either they were ridiculously expensive or they didn't return my calls. A friend of mine referred me to Mega Sun and I have to say I am very pleased. Within a couple days from the initial phone call I already had an estimate and once i decided to go with them the installation was completed in one week. Its been a little over a month since they completed the install and everything is working smoothly.

I was amazed at just how great the customer service was. I just want to say thank you to the whole team who helped out, I really appreciate all your hard work. Now I know you guys are the ones to call for all future jobs."

"After having countless issues with our A/C and heating unit, John fixed it during his first visit to our home and we have yet to experience anymore issues with our A/C and heating. Thank you for your service!"

"David Flores.Ontario.CA. - Our sales guy Daniel was personable and informative. He was easy to get along with. I chose NRG because of the price and the customer service. We got 4 quotes from different solar companies and NRG stand out the most because they were more family oriented and also been in business for a long time. Tiffany whether it was email text or phone she immediately got back and answered all my questions to my satisfaction. Installers were professional and installed 16 panels and panel upgrade in one and half day. Robert came to my home and checked the quality of work from the techs and gave me useful tips on how to use my solar efficiently. Great guy and shows great customer service skills. I would recommend this solar company to anybody trying to get quality work done."

We here at Infinity Heating and Air are experienced service providers, and we started this business with the sole purpose of providing excellent service at reasonable rates. We service all HVAC systems, from Residential to Commercial, and can help you stay comfortable all year. Call us today for all of your HVAC needs.

"AHS is ok. They cover repairs of most everything under the roof of your house. The companies that contract with them are not always the best. You call AHS with the issue, they send a fax to the repair company and give you the contact info. If they don't contact you within 24 hours, you call them. Sometimes they answer, sometimes they don't. When they arrive (usually three days or so later), they service the item. if it has issues within the 90 days, you call AHS again, they are sent out with no charge. If the serviceman decides the unit is unrepairable, AHS will allow you to choose a replacement from their listing (usually not as good as what you have) they will install and remove your old item, or give you wholesale amount to buy and install your own. Prices vary on what you want covered and what you want the copay to be, plus where you live. For me it is 49.99 per month with a 75.00 time of service order. You can have more than one item serviced at the same time under the same fee. If you have a SEAR product the repair guys are great. Not that wild about the other ones they send out. But it is a big savings compared to calling someone on your own. The cost of service is only the 75.00 copay."

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.