John Owens Services

Brad K.

Very bad experience. John Owens originally qouted a furnace and duct work job at $11,801. I also received a quote from Ongaro. I chose John Owens. Big mistake. When the John Owens service team came to install the furnace and do the duct work, they said the work would cost $18,586. Later they said they had provided an incorrect original quote but that it didn't really matter. They ran a charge against my credit card for $8,000 dollars for a half complete job and have been unresponsive since then. Watch out folks. These guys are not to be trusted.

Cecilia H.

John Owen's tech Chris came to fixing our AC which was no cold air came out. He is very nice polite. his is skillful and knowledgeable his work. he explain the problems. What cause it. We very happy to having him to fixing our AC. Thanks Chris for great help.

Lesley C.

We had a great experience with Chris from John Owens Services. He came out to make sure our AC system was in good shape for the summer and was super friendly (even with our kids and cat!) and super professional. He explained everything thoroughly, and even showed me what filters I should buy for the next time I needed to change it. The appointment was easy to schedule and Chris was on time and super efficient. Great experience!

Stephanie F.

I had a small bar sink that was leaking. I hired a plumber about a month ago The plumber that I hired through John Owens charged me $67.00 only for him not do work to fix the sink because he couldn't see the leak even though the bottom of the sink was loose and can visibly see the water leaking lightly. The plumber said that the leak was not visible and therefore it wasn't necessary to fix it. I had to hire another plumber who saw the leak and fixed the problem. In the meantime I was charged $67.00 to come out to do nothing. Stacy, the office manager promptly called me back and issued me a refund for the initial fee.

Jorge S.

I called John Owens Services about two things - boiler service and a leaking radiant pipe in the concrete slab. Rowan, one of their technicians, came on Thursday and said he needed more time to service the boiler and that he did not have some parts. He said he could at least turn off the leaking radiant loop temporarily and then reschedule the boiler service and a separate leak detection appointment. He supposedly turned off the radiant loop but I found that the manifold valve screws were still in the vertical position after he left. I took a thermal image a day later (attached) to confirm that the loop was indeed left open. Besides, he used a plier and stripped the nut somewhat. Professionals, especially the ones with so much experience with Eichler homes, need to be aware that these older manifolds are susceptible to damage if you don't use a properly sized wrench.

The estimates for part replacements were also pretty high I felt. For example, replacing the plastic condensate overflow hose was $340!!! Replacing the expansion tank and the 12"" pipe that connects to it was $600. Anyway, it was rescheduled for Monday 8 AM. Me and may wife had to reshuffle our entire work schedules so I can be home during the service appointment. At 7:38 AM on Monday, I get a text saying the technician cannot make it.

The only reason I went with John Owens Services is because of their experience with radiant heating and Eichler homes in this area. However, given my experience so far, I had to cancel the remaining appointments with them.

I feel like some of these businesses start of great with the founder who is knowledgeable and understands customer service. Over a period of time, these businesses hire people who don't have the experience or interest and lack the training and supervision that is needed to maintain the same level of customer satisfaction.

I cannot speak to the level of service in the past but agree with some of the recent reviews about their current level of service not meeting expectations.

David C.

I updated this review as the Company stood by their work and returned and repaired the issue at no cost. In addition they installed a new filter box allowing the filter to move back from the motor. The new installed motor was not blowing sufficient air and this was increased.

Winnie H.

When my furnace stopped working in very cold weather, I called this company in the morning. The call was answered immediately, the questions gave them good advance information, and I was given a time slot that afternoon. The service man texted when he was on his way, with a picture of him and the van. He was prompt, efficient and able to fix my problem. I will call again if I need their services.

Marlies Z.

Our 31 year old furnace died 12/23/21. We started getting bids as soon as we could during the holiday. John Owens was our first estimate. Too bad for everyone else. They blew us away with their comminication, knowledge, timeliness and kindness. We decided go with them. They just finished installing a new furnace and cooling system. They were on time, super helpful with big decisions and some unseen circumstances, friendly, patient and very respectful and tidy. After the installation they went over every detail and took time to answer any and all of our questions. 10+ stars!!!

Gabriel G.

John Owens' technician Chris just descaled and inspected my tankless water heater. Arrived on time and clearly knew his craft. Price was exactly the same when Owens performed the same service more than 36 months ago. Apparently they haven't heard of inflation.

John V.

Avoid if at all possible. The veneer of pleasantry hides a core of hidden costs, overcharging and smokescreens. Close to eligible for referral to the Attorney General's office.

Question: can you explain the difference between the $495 you've listed in your quote for the Larkspur building permit and the $130 the Building Department in Larkspur quoted? (Just so we're clear, the paperwork required is 2 pages long and could be completed by a third grader)

Answer: That's what's in the price book. I don't know.

Question: Can you provide a breakdown of the materials and labor cost on the furnace install?

Answer: No. We're a flat-rate company.

Translation: We don't want to tell you that the $6500 install quote is $1500 for the furnace and $5,000 for one day's work that probably takes 4.5 hours tops.

When pressed on this they could not get off the phone fast enough. Well, I'm happy to tell you that the furnace they proposed to install for $6500 is widely available in the US from a number of plumbing suppliers for $1,250 (https://www.furnacepriceguides.com/american-standard/).

Appalling-- and contractors like this should be avoided if at all possible. It took me 30 seconds to email Larkspur Building Department who responded in minutes. It took me another 30 to find the furnace price. It took me 5 minutes to chat with another HVAC company.

Shame on you. Give me a break.