Wighton’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning

K J.

I've used Wightons on several ocassions- to service my furnace/ac units and to replace a furnace. I always find them professional, knowledgable and willing to do the job right the first time. They aren't cheap but I think they are worth the additional expense because they tell you like it is, they give you your options (DIY vs they do it) and they take the time to answer each and every question you have.

Len C.

I hired Wighton's for repair on a ductless a/c system. The technician they sent proceeded methodically and, after several hours of leak searching over two days, concluded that there was a leak in my condenser unit. He said that it would be expensive for me to have him search further to identify exactly where the leak was in the condenser and recommended, instead, that he inject a sealant, which he said he had had a successful history with in plugging leaks. We went that route, putting in the sealant and recharging the system with refrigerant. Before the technician left, he gave me a bill from Wighton's bill for $1,390.25, which I promptly paid.

The system provided cooling when we needed it over a month or so before we left on a five-week trip away from home. When we returned, we discovered that the system had stopped cooling and that the refrigerant had leaked out again. When I called Wighton's, I was advised to buy a new condenser to avoid a potentially exorbitant expense in hiring them do a leak search in the condenser unit. Taking this advice to heart, I then contacted the manufacturer to buy a new condenser. Before selling it to me, they had me speak to their technical support rep. He could have gone along with Wighton's direction to buy a new condenser, but he was worried that a new condenser would not correct my problem, because most leaks are in the lines and condenser leaks are extremely rare. Also, he expressed confusion about Wighton's advice to me because, he said, if there were a leak in the condenser, finding it would be relatively easy and not very time-consuming for a competent technician.

Not knowing which way to go in the face of this conflicting advice, I suggested that the manufacturer's tech rep and Wighton's talk with each other. Only reluctantly, however, did Ric of Wighton's agree to talk with the manufacturer's tech rep. He then delayed for a few weeks in scheduling a conference call, using the explanation that he wanted his technician to be available to participate. Ultimately, a conference call was finally held, though Wighton's technician still did not participate. Ric, who never worked on, or even saw, my system, was the only Wighton's representative who spoke with the manufacturer's technical rep. Shortly after the call was concluded, Ric wrote me an e-mail saying that the manufacturer would be sending me a new condenser coil but that Wighton's will not accept the job of installing it (even though they would have been paid to do so).

Though I have tried to give Wighton's the benefit of the doubt, as they are local and seemed like nice enough people, the way they have handled this situation is disgraceful. I can only assume that Wighton's is refusing to continue to work on my system because it is fearful of revealing its own failings and incompetence. In that regard, I suspect that Wighton's lacks confidence in their stated conclusion that the leak was in the condenser and that they do not want to have to deal with a situation in which I buy a new condenser on their recommendation, pay them more money to install it, and find that the system is still leaking. Otherwise, one would expect a professional HVAC contractor to want to continue on this job and bring it to a successful conclusion. Anyway, one thing seems obvious: After having gotten almost $1,400 from me, succeeding in fixing my system is of little or no concern to Wighton's. They are evidently quite satisfied to stiff me now, after being paid handsomely for a wasted recharge of my system and a basic leak search that did not even include the condenser unit where they claimed a leak to be located.

The lesson for me is that trusting Wighton's was a mistake. Fortunately, the manufacturer of my system remains ready and willing to provide whatever technical support my local repair contractor needs. I just need to find a more competent, cooperative, professional HVAC contractor to clean up the mess that Wighton's was content to leave me with.

Ben S.

To qualify my experience on this topic:
I grew up in a construction family and rarely reach out to have anyone, besides family, to come help me with anything construction related. My father owns a general construction company and I have seen and managed multiple HVAC projects, good and bad, over the years.

The Sale:
I have never experienced more open and honest communication from a company in all of my years managing contractors. Not only did the office staff remind me of appointments the day before but they worked with me to schedule the install on my day off. I must have talked to the office 7 different times during the process and all of those calls were them calling me to let me know status. A+++

I had them install a new Heater and A/C in my personal home and after Patrick came over and took the time to explain what our existing system was, CFM wise with heat only, and then pulled out his calculations worksheet, which by the way is not a standard across the industry and is a huge plus in my book. We decided that my ducting wasn't sized for the A/C unit that I needed. Instead of trying to up sell me we decided on installing a new furnace with a new 3 ton unit instead of the 5 ton unit the house size should need. The best part was he was able to quantify the necessity of using a smaller unit which is much better than having someone come out and say ""Ya you need a 5 ton A/C unit and here is the cost.""

The Install:
Have you ever though there is no way that you can fit all of those groceries into the car and then you somehow it ends up working by pure Magic? That's how I felt about their install. Eric and Derrick kept bringing equipment out of the truck on install day and I kept saying there is no way that will fit but somehow they fit everything into a way too small closet in the garage. They were very professional and definitely knew what they were doing and took their time and did it right instead of rushing to get to the next job. (Side note: they even took the time to make pig tail coils on the ends of the wire that go into the units, inside and out, so it all looks awesome and professionally done)

Overall:
After the initial consultation I knew that we were getting a quality product and install from a company that stands behind their work. To me craftsmanship is a huge deal maker or breaker and to see a company who's employees stand behind their work and are proud of their product is a real rarity these days. Wighton's exceeded my expectations on their attitude towards my project and their professionalism is something that other companies should strive to achieve.

Mark M.

I called Wighton's to give me a bid for a new furnace and air conditioning. I am pretty educated on the topic. They were very professional, but very scripted. Pricing was based on a formula which, unfortunately, was out of touch. At times, I felt I was listening to a time share pitch...they even offered me a free cruise for my wife and I if we spent over $20K. WTF?? I am convinced they do quality work....but my bid came in at a crazy $29K which can not be justified at any level of quality and support. Looking at the bid...they wanted to charge $750 to put a wire in a box and wire up a plug...and $250 to hook up a light. I am sorry, but I do not see how anyone could pay these prices. I am having my HVAC guy from Santa Cruz drive down from Santa Cruz to do the job for $8K.

Randy H.

My heater went out on my property in SLO and I called Wighton's based on these Yelp reviews. They didn't disappoint.

The ladies in the front office were very professional and Patrick was awesome in analyzing the situation, providing me low, medium and high-end heater options for replacement (single or double-wall radiator or forced air system), and walking me through the potential installation options. He also proactively called me as I was climbing through warranty/insurance issues.

Best of all, when he realized that it was cold in the house (yeah it was 35 degrees outside and the gas heater was broken) he drove over a couple electric portable heaters to keep everyone alive.

Unfortunately, my Warranty company forced me to work with another company they selected, so I wasn't able to sign the deal with Wighton's to do the install, but under any other condition, I would have. I'd highly recommend this team and look forward to working with them in the future.

Mary G.

My 25 year old heater stopped working on December 20th, I called Wighton's to the rescue. The girls in the office, the tech, the sales rep and the installers were all very pleasant and professional! They installed my new heater on Christmas Eve morning so we had heat for Christmas! Thank you Wighton's crew. 5 Stars!!!!!

Margie W.

Duct Cleaning - Buyer Beware. I was referred to Wighton's from another HVAC repair company as I wanted to have my ducting system cleaned. Patrick from Wighton's came to our home to give us a free assessment and quote. We had already had our HVAC system inspected and so we knew there was a minor repair that was needed, but the most critical work we needed was the duct cleaning. I informed him that I have mold allergies and sensitivities and since we had just completed a water leak remediation, I needed to have the ducting cleaned to ensure that any mold spores that had gone into the ducting during the winter from running the heating would be cleaned out. We were impressed with Patrick's professionalism, courtesy and knowledge of HVAC systems. His quote to clean the ducting was slightly higher than average, however considering he stated their company was NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certified, I felt it was fair. I am familiar with NADCA standards and so I know it requires a little more work to ensure the standards are met. I followed up by email to clarify their work in connection with NADCA standards to prevent cross contamination by ensuring all equipment was thoroughly cleaned between jobs, so as not to bring contaminants from someone else's home into mine. Patrick's response again stated they were NADCA certified and then gave me more information which he said assured no cross contamination. However he did not address my question of cleaning of equipment. I responded with quoting the section from the NADCA standards that requires cleaning and then I got a response from him that stated after speaking with the owner of Wighton's they were declining to perform duct cleaning for me due to my mold allergies and not wanting to take the risk of cross contamination. My instincts told me something was wrong here as any NADCA certified company understands that with proper cleaning there is no cross contamination. So I contacted NADCA and they have no record of Wighton's being certified. I emailed Patrick with this info and he responded with an apology for his mistake and said no they were not certified. Because of my failed confidence in Wighton's to be honest, I did not proceed with the minor HVAC repair work with them, so I have no comment on their abilities in that regard. I gave them 2 stars (as opposed to 1) for at least realizing when their backs were against the wall with my direct questions, they knew they should not do the duct cleaning for me because it would not be done to NADCA standards. I appreciate that decision as it saved me the expense and potential contamination and I have now scheduled my duct cleaning with another company.

Lynn E.

Our 25 year old air conditioning unit stopped working this August and we thought the worst...we called numerous companies and Wighton's said they could come up to our home in Paso that day...Daniel arrived in 2 hours and fixed it fast and for only about $230, including the part and labor with no extra fees for gas or travel time up to Paso...and, we are out by Geneseo so it's far.....he was professional and nice. The unit has been working great since...We will definitely call them 1st if we ever need help repairing our ac unit again...

Lisa M.

Thank goodness for Wighton's! I made a mistake and called Jerry's Plumbing & Heating out to fix my heater and it did not go well (not even after TWO visits). My heater was still blowing cold air or no air and it was freezing in our house. I called Wighton's and they came out at 8am the next morning. There was no ""be home from 8am -4pm"" they gave me an actual appointment time plus they send email reminders and updates which was awesome. Within a few minutes Daniel had correctly diagnosed the issue and fixed it making it easy for him to sell me on a maintenance plan so that I don't have to go through all of this again. I'll definitely call Wighton's first from now on.

Peter K.

These guys saved the day once again! Temp over 90 and our old AC goes out. I've used Wighton's since we moved in 12 years ago. Kept our older system running for years past when I thought it would go.

Highly recommended!