Universe Home Services

Paul S.

It's hard to briefly explain why Universe has earned our appreciation and customer loyalty going forward, but I'll do the best I can. After getting three estimates for a completely new central A/C and heating system, we signed a proposal and put a deposit down with Universe. The total was a huge chunk of money out of our savings but we always wanted to upgrade to central a/c, and after our first two winters in a house that we couldn't get warm with the old steam heat system, multiple other professionals in to fix the problem with no luck, and a new baby, a full upgrade of the entire HVAC system became the top priority. Even though it was going to cost a fortune, we felt there was no cheaper alternative. Enter Tim B. (senior engineer and boss, I think) and Scott (also an engineer). Scott first came by and, while mapping out the new system, gave an honest assessment of the challenges of heating our type of old house with the system we were purchasing. He asked to come back with Tim. When they returned, and even though we had already signed the agreement, Tim asked us to let them try and get the existing system up and running. He came back a few days later with another technician (I think his name was Tommy) and by the time they left heat was pumping out of all the radiators, including several of which had been ice cold since we moved in. He charged us a fraction of what the new heating system would have cost and the revised estimate for just A/C was less than half as much as the original proposal. The A/C was installed this spring. The entire team, led by Scott and another guy (whose name I forget but he was great too), installed the system in a day and was terrific. Tim and Scott did right by our family and we will always be grateful for their honesty and expertise. Also, special thanks to our sales associate Gary who was the main point of contact. He was great to work with, always followed up to confirm scheduling was on track and that we were happy with the finished product. So far so good.
P.S. Sorry for the long review!

Army G.

A few years ago I used Universe for to tune up my heating system and for dryer & washer repairs, had great experiences in the past. So I called for to get my leaky faucets replaced in the bathroom shower/tub and a spigot outside in the backyard replaced because it was also leaking. There is $125 fee for them to come, the plumber arrived great guy. I know he was told to sell products & offer ""financing"". He told us the price would be over $300 for to do the job for the spigot and he replaced a pipe too. But for the shower/tub unit he would have to replace from my two hot/cold faucet to one unit. They no longer change out washers because the get worn out ect
That would cost us $1,500 and take about 4 hours the next day. He told us instead of going through our tile he would go through my daughter's bedroom closet so he would save us $$ from getting a tile guy to replace the tiles back. I appreciated this feedback. He used a back Koehler unit with shower head unit. Very nice , but I may change out the shower head to a better one that has more adjustments in the future. It was a little pricey but he did a good job, cleaned up and also put Sheetrock up over the hole (I picked up small 2ft/2ft piece). Of course we will have to spackle later. Overall he did a great job, very professional. He did tell us that our faucet in the basement sink would need to be replaced with a new one for $600 part.??? But if we got a whole new sink it would cost around $1,000. Which is outrageous, we told him no thanks. It seems like this company prompts these guys to upsell new products and services, also push financing too. I used an electrician the next day and he did the same exact thing. The electrician experience and service was the opposite of what I experienced with the plumber that will be a separate review. This review is mainly for the great plumber, he was very professional and good guy!

Michael M.

A little pricey but pretty straightforward,prompt, to the point and get the repair done.

Harriet E.

They have solved many unusual plumbing problems for us. Their plumbers are great. If they can't figure out a problem , a manager comes too, to help solve any situation.

Karin K.

A review on behalf my senior Uncle who is not on Yelp. My Uncle was beyond grateful for the quick service he received this past weekend when he noticed his upstairs heat had been out. Paul from Universe came right away and spent quite some time with him trying to rectify the problem. Thinking all was fixed, the detailed and thorough technician mentioned that he thought he heard a faint water running sound which was in another part of the house. My Uncle being older couldn't hear it at all. Paul was insisting he heard it. Sure enough after cutting a small area of wall out, there was an internal pipe leaking. Had Paul not taken the extra time and attention it would have been left to leak for who knows how long, never mind what damage could've been done. My Uncle was truly so grateful for all of your guys efforts. I know he was going to call your office today to praise Paul and all of his help. It was truly appreciated!

Lynda E.

Friendly customer service gave me same day appointment to repair gas fueled furnace. I was given 4-8 pm ""window"" for appointment. Tom showed up at the stroke of 4, diagnosed the problem and performed necessary services. Friendly, punctual and efficient. It doesn't get any better than this! Congratulations, Universe Home Services!!

Aurora A.

Universe may have nice customer service but they will rob you blind if you don't know what is what. I lost my heat and my water heater was ""leaking"". A minor part was replaced and I paid $581 that includes $125 for a site visit which none of it is applied to the repair bill. The tech wanted me to believe the water heater was leaking. Based on me assuming the tech was doing the right thing and honest, he recommended that a sales person come out to look at the unit.

A sales person came out and price a new boiler and a new water heater for $10K. The 50 gallon water heater replacement was priced at $2145. A 9 year warranty top of the line water heater is $600. So what is the extra $1500 for???? Total rip off. For the water heater, it was solely the valve and not the actual water heater. The tech knew that but portrayed it as a bad water heater.

I don't recommend this firm. They act friendly but they are swindlers. I am sure the part the tech replaced was just fine. I will have it tested by a true and honest HVAC technician just for my sanity. I know I got ripped off. Just glad I was able to review my situation with a honest firm after them and that I didnt go with recommendations either not needed or way over priced. I wish I consulted YELP prior to their visit; I see many other customers have had similar experiences. A repair call will turn into an overpriced quote for quote, that in my case, was not needed. Pretty sad with everything going on in our country and the world that a company would willingly take advantage of customers in a crunch.

Ron M.

Just had Jason repair my heating system. Jason did a terrific job to address my concerns and to repair my heating system. It is working like it is brand new. I am very appreciative. Jason is a class act.

Roe F.

Do not use Universe Home Services. They unnecessarily left me without heat for one week. They scheduled appointments with me to come and repair it but then called to postpone it twice. The second time I waited all day until 3:00 pm and then they called and said they couldn't get to me but would come the next day. They didn't care that I am a 70 year old woman and had no heat and that even my little dog was shivering.

They sent a technician who was a very nice young man, however he had to call tech support each time he was here to diagnose and then repair the problem and he did not clean up the mess he made before he left. My system needed a new valve which he ordered immediately but then I waited four days for him to come back and install it. When I told him I waited the previous day until 3:00 pm and then was rescheduled he said he was available to come but the office did not schedule it. They are unreasonably overpriced and seem to charge whatever they think they can get you to pay, as the final cost changed when I complained! But I still paid almost $1,000 for them to replace a small valve on my heating equipment.

Universe Home Services is a terrible, inconsiderate, overcharging, disgraceful company. I would not recommend them to anyone.

Daniel B.

If you don't want to over pay by hundreds and hundreds of dollars for any plumbing or heating repairs do not call or let Universe plumbing repair service inside your home. To repair my boiler Taco 007 circulate Pump ($89 part+1hs labor) they wanted to charge us $695. the biggest robbery i have ever encountered as a homeowner. I just paid them $125 visit charge and said Thanks but no Thanks.