We hired Devoe Heating and Cooling to install a new ductless mini-split system. Initially, we were…read moreimpressed with Brian and his team. They seemed hardworking, responsive, and committed to getting the job done. He asked us several times to leave a positive review, and we said we would as soon as everything was fully installed and working correctly. Unfortunately, our experience deteriorated after the installation was finished.
They only tested the system in fan mode after the installation. When we tried to run it, it would not run in heat or cool mode, and was displaying error codes. Devoe returned multiple times, replacing parts and ultimately concluding that the manufacturer was at fault and that the compressor needed replacement. They referred us to another HVAC company at our own expense, saying they did not have the tools to replace the compressor.
The technician from the second company discovered that the equipment was fine, but the system was not working because Devoe's team had left the refrigerant service port closed after installation. Once corrected, the system operated without needing to replace the compressor.
However, we then discovered a second problem: one of the units was leaking water down a bedroom wall. When I contacted Brian about the leak, his response was disappointing. He said, "Do I get a five-star review if I come fix it?" He also denied responsibility for the leak. When I said I could not promise a five-star review, he said he would not fix the leak, minimized how serious it was, and repeatedly asked for a five-star review.
We had the second company come back, and their technician found two installation-related drainage problems causing the leak, which they corrected. We ended up paying $850 in total to the second contractor to fix issues related to the installation.
Everyone makes mistakes, and I understand that troubleshooting complex equipment can be challenging. What concerns me most is not that problems occurred, but how they were handled. The combination of installation errors, refusal to take responsibility, and repeated pressure for a five-star review left us with little confidence in the company.
As an addendum, I left this review on Google last week, and Brian replied; instead of apologizing or taking accountability, his reply focused on how we had previously said we would leave a positive review. He stated he could share photos of our installation (photos don't show the leak), reiterated that he is committed to high-quality work, said he doesn't like electric heat pumps, and then concluded, "But you go on your rant if that makes you happy at the end of the day." Brian has since taken down his reply, but I won't forget how he missed a chance to make things right.