Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing

Rachel N.

We called Dayton for a second opinion when we were having AC issues. Their technician found an obvious problem within minutes of arriving which the previous company had missed. They did a great job getting our AC up and running again.

However, these guys are not cheap for refrigerant. They charged me approximately twice as much money per pound as previous companies. Ouch.

Vickie B.

My experience with Dayton A/C & Heating was so terrible that I filed a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The TDLR Enforcement Division considered the complaint significant enough to open an investigation (ACR20170023315). As of the writing of this review, the investigation is ongoing.

I filed the complaint with TDLR because, when I questioned the quality of Dayton's installation work in process, Dayton became hostile and threatened me. Also, I had the work inspected by several experts who said the work does not comply with standards, and it violates building code. Details are provided below.

During the first day of work, Dayton employees began installing the line sets for the proposed HVAC equipment. After that first day of work, they did not return for a week. During that time, I examined their work, and became concerned over quality. I called to voice my concerns, and Dayton employees became aggressive, including Winston Coy Dayton, the company owner (TACLB00010288E). When he threatened to put a lien on my home, I ended the call. Coy immediately sent me several texts that claimed: I have no legal position to defend myself; he owns a large company with many lawyers who have never lost a lawsuit; and I cannot have an inspection performed on the work so far. Ironically, he even accused me of being a bully.

In the days following, I had the work inspected by two inspection companies, the lead instructor at a local HVAC training and certification school, and a professional engineer. I also discussed the work with various individuals representing the manufacturer, relevant regulatory agencies, reputable HVAC service companies, and legal counsel.

Those who personally inspected the work onsite described it as "unprofessional," "poor workmanship," "not educated," "messy," and "unskilled." In addition, numerous contractors for other trades were onsite for our renovation project, and they invariably said the work was terrible.

While the professional engineer was performing his inspection, he observed writing on the lines that was not relevant to this job, paint smears, along with the extensive damage. He wondered aloud whether these lines were not new but rather old material salvaged from a previous job.

The various experts made the following claims: the work was not performed in compliance with manufacturer specifications or industry best practices; the work commits numerous building code violations; if the installation were completed, the system will not operate properly, and the lines will leak condensation water inside the drywall, causing property damage and creating a health risk; the only viable correction to the installed line sets is to completely remove and replace them. Also, Dayton's planned method for installing drain lines would not comply with building code. In addition, the way Dayton chose to install their line sets makes installation for other components difficult to comply with building code, requiring more complex and expensive solutions.

After receiving written reports from the experts, I sent to Dayton a letter that contained a summary of events, photos of the work, and the 56-page report by the professional engineer, which referenced the other two inspection reports. I provided those documents to TDLR for the complaint process.

As suggested by my lawyer, I included with the letter a release that Dayton would sign to terminate the agreement and prevent him from harassing me further.

A couple of hours after receiving the letter with expert written reports, Dayton signed and returned the release. One of his employees then called to ask when Dayton could come over and show me how the lines were in fact NOT damaged, and when his personnel could come take down the lines "so they would not be damaged."

Shocked at this outrageous behavior and anticipating that Dayton would treat other consumers so badly, and also fearing that Dayton would reuse these lines in yet another job, I filed the complaint with TDLR.

Note that this work was performed in The Hills, TX. Unlike Austin, The Hills does not require permits or inspections for this type of work. Coming from Austin, Dayton knew this and apparently took advantage of the situation by sending unqualified employees to do unacceptable work.

Christopher P.

I wanted to give more stars but I can't as I feel a bit ripped off. First off, the staff were very kind from Denise, Michelle (I may have got this name wrong) and the two gentlemen who came out to my residence. The issue I was having was resolved which why those 2 things combined is why I give this 2 stars.

I called with hopes to get a plumber to my house because a hair clog in one of my sinks causes my A/C condenser drain line to backup and overflow. To avoid this happening I wanted a plumber to just remove the clog. Thinking as I could have bought the 20-30 dollar metal snake and pulled it myself I wanted re-assurance that someone who has seen it before got everything. Originally I scheduled for 6pm on a Wednesday of which I was called and that was cancelled by the company (my A/C has been off to avoid overflow) the time was rescheduled for the next morning at 10am. I called the company at 10:50am as I have not heard anything from them as to their ETA. Upon arrival no estimate was discussed until the job was already underway at which I was told the pricing was 180. 15 minutes later the job is complete and the clog was easily removed. I'm dumbfounded as to where the logic that this job is worth 180 dollars. I personally feel ripped off as this was AT MOST a 100 dollar job, if that even.

As I said, the company has nice employees which speaks a lot for them but make sure you get pricing for anything and everything up front before a job starts.

James C.

Dayton wanted $950 to replace inside blower motor. Let's see, motor costs $240. So they wanted $700+ for a 30 minute job. They also have a $89 service fee that you'll be stuck with if you decide to get another quote.

Found someone else to buy and install new motor for $200 plus parts ($240).

Edward W.

Virgil was the tech that arrived to fix our air conditioner. We had used them previously because the company that installed our system originally had overcharged the freon and Dayton informed us of this mistake. I'm sure anyone can imagine the frustration of having a new system installed where you have spent thousands of dollars on it only to learn they overfilled the system. This time when we had problems with the cooling we called them immediately. They were not even open yet but called us back to say they would send a tech to fix is ASAP. Virgil was the tech that came. He explained that overfilling was a common error because it takes longer to do it correctly and most of the people who come to fix the AC are in a hurry to get to the next job. I thought the latest problem was due to the mistake the first company made but Virgil diagnosed and repaired the issue in no time at all. He also took the time to explain that the condensation pipe needed cleaning, took care of the problem and was finished in no time at all. He was extremely courteous and very thorough. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dayton and, in particular, Virgil. He was excellent!!!

Ian N.

Summary: Failed repair... extremely expensive... Freon fail. Call Alpine!

I'm sorry to rain on the parade, but I was very unimpressed with service from Dayton. I found them from Amana, since it was likely a warranty repair. It has been leaking over the years, first taking 2 years to drain, then down to 8 months. 8 pounds of Freon is expensive. I wanted the leak found and fixed.

I explained the issue. What does he do when he gets there... takes the pressure reading which fills the valve with Freon! So later when he does the leak test at the valve, he says "here it is". 20 minute leak test cost $300 for him to wave the wand around and find nothing in the evaporator coils, where I said it likely was due to known manufacturing issues. But he puts it where he filled with Freon and says that's the leak. I asked why he didn't check there first, BEFORE filling it with Freon. Charges $130 for 1 minute replacement of the Schrader valve internals. The tool can be bought for $79 and the part is pennies. Nice.

They charge $85 a pound for Freon. The NEW Freon. Their cost is $5. Other places charge $35 to $45. My system holds 12 pounds and loses 8. That's $680 in Freon for $40 bucks worth. Feeling ripped off a bit? Yup. But that was his quoted price, and I have to pay for the visit, so it's a waste to call someone else at that point.

He did offer a bit of a discount, but still $1100 for the visit.

Fast forward 4 months. No more Freon. He comes back and waves his wand around. Doesn't find anything. The price for the visit is $89 because their repair failed. He does his analysis and says, you need dye put in, and then I'll come back and look for the dye. That test is $400, but he has to buy the dye and do it later. I say, Don't you have to fill with Freon? Yes. Won't that all leak out? Yes. He already stated there should be tons of oil visible, so if he can't see the oil, how can he see the dye? 2 pounds of oil is somewhere and he can't see it. So he is suggesting $400 for the test, and then it will be another $800 of Freon. I ask, since the original Freon has all leaked out, and it's going to leak again, do I get a discount on the Freon. Remember, cost is $5 a pound. An opportunity to offer help for A FAILED FIX. The answer? Nope. It's part of the process he says. What a rip off. I then say, I don't want dye put in. What about cutting the lines and doing a proper pressure test, since I think it's in the evaporator coils. He disappears for 20 minutes to the truck and comes back saying that test is $1200. Plus Freon. And since they have to prove the evaporator coils have failed to get the free replacement, they would have to pressure it up anyway. He says that if indeed the evaporator is at fault, that the install cost would be $1800. I pay him the $89 and say bye. Have to do some thinking. But really... no discount to refill cheap Freon into the system to replace Freon that leaked out of his $1100 repair is just horrible. Time to find a new vendor.

I return to the Amana web site and find another vendor. Alpine Heating and AC. Also 5 stars. Alpine!!! I call them and explain. He says that they will cut the lines and do a proper pressure test for $300. Yes. $300. Deal... come on over! The tech says that he personally doesn't like using dye... that it's in the system forever and it's just messy and he likes to find the leak using pressure tests. They come over and do the pressure test. They have to visit twice because one of the readings was a little bit inconclusive. They honor their price... $300. This is for what Dayton quoted $1200. Oh, and did they find the leak? Yes... IN THE EVAPORATOR. Hmm.

So then he quotes me a price to replace the evaporator. It is a fraction of Dayton. A small fraction. Less than 1/2. Not only that, the owner says that since I've spent so much (with other repair places) on this leak, that he will offer me an incredible deal on Freon. I don't want to write it because others may expect the same service. But I was immensely grateful as I have spent over $3000 on repairs where the tech says, I FOUND IT, and then it all leaks out again.

But that is how you treat customers, people! A bit of understanding goes a long way.

I think Dayton is riding on their 5 star rating. Their phone likely rings off the hook, and they can keep gouging customers as they seem fit. They may also look at the house they are visiting and say: he can pay it. Who knows. $85 a pound for the new Freon is criminal. The going rate for Alpine is $35 or $40, and no install charge.

It grinds my gears that they were going to charge me again for the Freon. I think I may have got that point across. Today was the end of the Alpine repair. It turns out that not only was there a major leak in the evaporator, but a minor leak in outside line. All fixed, for a small fraction of the $3000 Dayton was going to charge.

Call Alpine! Say Ian sent you.

Samantha G.

We had a clog in our sink that a plumber came out and fixed. Then, a couple days later water went through a wall when we ran the washing machine. I called and they told me a plumber would be out at 7:30 the next morning. He didn't end up coming until 9:30. We were told a specific time and the plumber had been told a time range. He fixed the problem and we were not charged another fee. Everyone was very nice!

Lee C.

Dayton Services finished my AC installation within 3.5 hrs. This new DAIKIN AC is excellent! I was very pleased with the crew who did the install which consisted of Steve,Calvin and Felix! They gave me Greensky to get the financing and it just works so quietly and cool! I cannot say enough about how good the work and friendly people I've worked with were. They also send Virgil to check their companies work. Follow up is more than great! Thanks Coy Dayton!

Melissa P.

Our AC went out last night so we did what anyone with a home warranty does and filled out a request. We ended up getting horrible customer service from them, so we decided to find our own to fix it in 100+ degree temps as it was an emergency. Dayton was the only company to say they'd be able to help out today (on a Sunday) and would come by between 3-6. They had availability even earlier and came around 1. Service was quick, effective, and friendly. Bob was awesome and helpful. We'll happily call again if we have any other issues. Thank you!

Terri A.

We are miserable in this heat and after spending$600 we are even hotter.Here is what happened:

June 1
* Thermostat said "replace battery". I did.
June 2
* AC seemed less effective than before, house was in mid-80's by 10 PM
June 3
* 8 AM: House was 83 degrees.
* I phoned Dayton. I said, "I think there is something wrong with my thermostat"
* 10 AM Technician arrived. I asked him to look at thermostat. He said it was fine.
* Technician said the problem was lack of coolant. He said: Add coolant today for temporary fix. Next week replace leaking parts for long term solution. I agreed.
* Technician put in 2 pounds of coolant and said that it was full
* 1 PM: House was 86 degrees
* 6 PM: House was 91 degrees
June 4
* 8AM: House was 86 degrees
* I phoned Dayton. I was told the reason my house had not yet cooled is because I did not replace the 'leaking' parts. Not once was I offered an apology for the discomfort to myself, my autistic son, or my 5 pets.

Lay Person's Conclusion

Addition of coolant did not provide a temporary fix.
There must be problems in addition to the leak.