Thomas E Clark

Jacki W.

I don't get some of these reviews. Thomas E. Clark has installed our furnace, fixed our humidifier, serviced our furnace and AC units all at a reasonable price (after all, it's DC people) and they've done a great job. Trust me, I've had some contractors put in new water heaters, then spring a leak, then need to service a pump...all without apology or refund. These guys are the real deal and do quality work. Always happy with their service.

Denis S.

I really had to say something about my experience with Thomas E Clark. Our boiler went out which supplies both heat and hot water to our entire house. I called Thomas E Clark and they had an HVAC tech onsite within an hour and a half. He quickly figured out the problem, some kind of control module and we also had a rusted expansion tank. He had both parts available and fixed everything in under an hour.

During this time, we discovered a pinhole leak in another pipe. The HVAC tech couldn't fix this, but called in and had a plumber onsite literally within 5 minutes after he left. This leak was in a really tough spot, but it didn't seem to pose any problem for the plumber. Again, done within an hour. Both of the guys were very careful and thorough.

Also, everyone was so nice and professional, from the person I spoke to on the phone to both of the guys that came out to the house. Really great job. I would definitely recommend. thanks

Wayne K.

I'm not quite sure why this place is getting such high marks. I called to ask for pricing to replace the shut off valve to a toilet. This is a pretty standard repair and although I could probably do it myself, since I have to shut-off the water to the whole condominium, I want to be sure it's done right the first time so I thought I'd hire a plumber.

Anyway, they charge $99 to come to the location and then charge by the job (not by the time). When asked what it would cost to replace the shut off valve, which is a pretty standard job, they said they couldn't quote me a price until they came to view the issue, which would cost me $99. There is no reason to come see a toilet shut-off valve replacement. This is a simple plumbing job which doesn't require a view.

In the end, they quoted me a price after I questioned why they would need to see what the cost to replace a toilet shut off valve. Overall, bad customer service and over-priced.

John L.

Called because I had an issue with my AC. Before the person came I was told the charge would be $104 for the technician to come out, look at the unit and present me with an estimate before moving forward with any repairs. That seemed reasonable. A normal person would assume then that I should expect to pay $104 for the visit, plus any repairs, if I elect to do them.

The technician (Daniel) ended up handing me a bill for over $200, because it turns out its $104 for the visit and there's another $100 and change for them to actually LOOK at the unit. That was not at all what was discussed or disclosed with the person on the phone (Warren I believe his name was).

I know these things are expensive and have no illusions about the fact that it costs money for people to come out, but they clearly (intentionally or not) omitted a very important piece of the cost (after all, under what plausible scenario would a customer want someone come out to a house and NOT look at a unit - that's clearly the minimum amount of work someone has to do - so to quote someone $104 is just dishonest).

Daniel didn't disclose that extra $100 until after he'd looked at the unit, claiming the dispatcher should have told me about that fee. I'm happy to give them the benefit of the doubt, but its pretty shady. Daniel, for what its worth, seemed knowledgeable and honest.

-- Update: I called and left a voicemail for the firm about my disappointment. Also left a message with the main office. They didn't call back (but they called super quickly when I left a voicemail asking for service... go figure!). Seeking a 2nd opinion, I called another firm to come look today. They reached the same conclusion as Thomas in terms of whats wrong (so thats the good part), although unlike Thomas they had some low-tech suggestions to solve the issue. Unfortunately those didn't work, but I have to give that other firm credit: they attempted the cheap fix first. As a further point of comparison, this other firms cost for visiting was $129, diagnostics included. Thomas Clarke quoted me $2,600 for a 3 ton R-22 Payne air conditioner (which are generally considered among the most economical units you can get). The other firm quoted me $1,950 and offered to take the $129 that I paid today off.

My advice: pass.

Dem T.

I decided to get a contract with this company to maintain my HVAC system. Carlos is extremely professional and takes time to explain to you everything. I will use them again and again. I saw some negative reviews here but even with booking an appointment is very professional and smooth.

Molly S.

Think of the worst customer service you could possibly ask for and that's what you get at Thomas E Clark. We called on a Sunday night w/ a water heater issue and by Thursday still did not have a straight answer about whether / how / if they could fix or replace the tank. And calls went unanswered. Servicemen were dispatched to our house twice (failing to even introduce themselves to us) and when they gave us a rough quote of the cost it was TWICE as expensive as what we ultimately got from another plumber, who did the job in 4 hours. The failure to fix the problem is troubling, but the abhorrent customer service was really the deal breaker.

Paul S.

I am having the worst possible customer service experience with this company. Called Sunday evening with broken water heater; as of Thursday night I had neither a fixed water heater nor any information about when they might return. They do not return phone calls after 4:30 p.m., plumbers who have arrived at our house have been unfriendly and apparently unable to diagnose or repair the water heater. I spoke with an owner of the company and still got lousy results. Pretty sure if I had begun somewhere else four days ago there would be hot water here now.

Matt C.

I called Thomas E Clark to address a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. While the technician was courteous and knowledgeable, I found their pricing to be outrageous. I was charged a total of $288 ($219 in parts and labor and $69 in service call fee) to replace a capacitor. I mentioned to the tech that $219 seemed high for a part that was so simple and so easily repaired, (took less than five minutes) but I ultimately paid for the part and the installation.

Subsequent research online showed I could buy a dual capacitor for less than $10 at hardware stores or home improvement retailers. I can understand a markup and charging for labor, but that seems excessive. I also called the company to inquire about the pricing. They were polite but didn't provide much in the way of explanation other than to say ""their pricing comes from a national book"" and that ""their part was better than others."" I'm sure both of these things are true; I just find it hard to believe that their part is 20 times better, justifying the cost.

In short, they received two stars because the technician was great but their pricing structure seems geared to take advantage of homeowners who aren't well-versed in the nuances of a/c repair. I don't begrudge anyone for making a living, but I am left feeling taken advantage of which I don't appreciate.

Sharon H.

Prompt and professional service!

When I got home from work on a hot day and discovered the compressor wasn't turning, I knew we were in for a long night. I picked Thomas E Clark from all of the reviews in part because their hours indicated they were still open. While I got the answering machine, they called me back right away. Although they had no openings for the following day, they asked if I would like to leave my name and number in case someone cancelled. Within an hour, they called back to tell me they would be coming to our house and gave us a time range, which they met. The technician identified the issue right away and got it working again fast. They were very professional, reasonably priced, and courteous.

Don M.

Called for routine maintenance on two AC units. No quote on the phone, other than the $69 service call. Both units less than 5 years old, so nothing broken. Quote at the house- $369, plus the service fee. $400+ for this work is outrageous. I should have sent him away, but I already took time off work to meet him. Will use All-Pro Services or Polar Bear AC next time. They've charged about $90 per unit in the past.