Message from the Service Manager:

We have seen an alarming increase in poor sales tactics from local HVAC contractors, specifically in the Manteca area. I have personally met a customer with severe third degree burns on the palms of his hands and his rear (yep, his butt) from being forced into using his pellet stove to stay warm (an 86 year old gentleman using a walker who fell onto his stove while it was hot).

The homeowner had originally called out a heating and air company (from Manteca) to light the pilot on his furnace – and when the contractor showed up, the technician decided to take it upon himself to dismantle the furnace (located in the basement), then carried up the heat exchanger to the homeowner and attempted to explain that it was defective, and that he needed a brand spanking new furnace.

The homeowner was shocked, and pleaded with the technician to put his furnace back together – and that he simply saw nothing wrong with the heat exchanger.  The technician refused, and walked the homeowner’s heat exchanger to the driveway, and left it there.  Apparently a recycling company had taken the heat exchanger shortly thereafter.

Having no heat, the homeowner resorted to using his pellet stove (keep in mind this gentleman is using a walker and has had a recent stroke, so he is not very mobile).  While the stove is hot, the homeowner’s walker became stuck on the bricks; he lost his balance, and fell on to the hot stove.  Panicking, he pushed himself up – turned, and sat on it.  There is no doubt - This story bothers me every time I think about it.

The bottom line here is: no matter what company you choose to have your furnace serviced, repaired or replaced, please keep in mind that some heating and air contractors have very poor sales tactics, with intentions only to take and bank your money, so please make a safe selection.  And as for the homeowner: he is doing good today, though he does have in-home nursing for his burns. And of course, Rod Johnson Air took care of him.

Ray L.
Service Manager