Description
Get better heating, fix your leaks, and enjoy the best water in town with a single phone call. Kalka Plumbing, Heating, and Air provides plumbing services, furnace repairs, and AC repairs to Irvine and Orange County. Some of our specialties include hydronic heating—otherwise known as radiant floor heating—and home water filtration systems that prevent hard water buildup. We even offer steam generator repair and servicing to keep your saunas and steam baths nice and hot. All it takes to have a more comfortable home is picking up the phone and calling Kalka today.
SERVICES
A/C system maintenance, A/C system repair, Ductless heating & A/C services, HVAC duct & vent cleaning, HVAC duct & vent installation, HVAC duct & vent repair, HVAC system maintenance, HVAC system repair, Heating system installation, Heating system maintenance, Heating system repair, Install AC, Install thermostat, Repair HVAC, Thermostat repair, A C Maintenance, Ac Maintenance Program, Ac Repair And Service, Ac Replacement, Air Conditioning And Heating, Air Conditioning Systems, Air Ducts And Hvac Cleaning, Emergency Plumbing, Frozen Pipes, Garbage Disposal, Gas Pipe Repair, Heating & Ac Maintenance, Heating Install, Heating Preventative Maintenance, Heating Replacement, Hydronic Heating, Install Ac, Mini Split Air Conditioner, Phyn Smart Water Assistant, Pipes And Sewers, Plumber Repair, Plumbing Fittings, Plumbing Issues, Plumbing System, Repair And Replace, Sewer And Drain Cleaning, Slab Leak Repair, Steam Bath, Sauna & Showers, Steam Generator Repair, Sump Pumps, Vent Cleaning, Water Heaters, Water Leak Detection, Water Pumps, Water Supply, Air Conditioning Units, Air Ducts, Air Filtration System, Air Purification, Air Scrubber, Cooling And Heating, Cooling System, Cooling Systems, Generator Repair, Heating And Cooling, Home Improvements, Home Upgrades, Mini Split Air Conditioner Maintenance, Plumbing Heating, Plumbing Leaks, Plumbing Problems, Recirculating Pumps, Repair & Replacement, Repair Air, Replacement Vent, Residential Cooling, Sewers Pumps, Steam Generator, Ventilation Systems, Water Filtration, Water Softeners, Whole Home Water Filtration System, Ac Unit, Commercial Property, General Plumbing, Heat Pump, Heating contractor, Hour Emergency Plumbing, Mini Split Air Conditioner Maintenance, Water Conditioner, ac repair, furnace repair, hydronic heating, Drain cleaning, Faucet installation, Faucet repair, Garbage disposal installation, Garbage disposal repair, Plumbing leak detection, Plumbing pipe repair, Sewer repair, Shower installation, Toilet installation, Water heater installation, Water heater repair,
Reviews
Our AC went down on a Saturday and we were referred by a friend. Not only did Kalka Heating and Air show up on time (same day), they were able to fix our AC at a very competitive and reasonable rate. I highly recommend Kalka Heating and Air! Thanks for all you do guys!
Denise Bailey
2 years ago
We had been long time customers of Kalka Plumbing, Heating and Air. However after our latest experience, we will never use them again. After a failed $500 toilet rebuild, they damaged our toilet and we had to chase them down to fix it. However, that's not the worst of it. Their fix actually made the toilet worse and when they promised to replace the toilet, they brought a used one. Their service manager was argumentative and rude throughout the two month long ordeal. Bottomline, you don't treat your customer cheap and Kalka Plumbing, Heating and Air did just that. As their customer for over a decade, it pains me to say I recommend you look elsewhere for your plumbing services.
Update...contrary to the promise of the owner to work with us to see this issue through, we instead received an email from the Director of Operations, Mr. Allen Johnson, stating, If you want to receive a refund, we expect all negative reviews removed, the complaint to the BBB resolved, and your word that you will consider this resolved and not make any further negative reviews about our company.
We understand mistakes happen; however, this correspondence shows they have no intention of resolving the issue without bullying us into removing truthful and transparent information about their company. I would have loved to write an update, where they solved the problem.
I never write Google reviews, but the amount of time and money Kalka Plumbing Heating and Air has caused my family has been a nightmare. Therefore, I implore anyone in need of plumbing services to think twice and explore other plumbing service providers.
Unfortunately, the video of the damage caused to the toilet could not be uploaded on Google.
I Called office and was seen same day! Sara the plumber , was excellent!!! She was Professional, prompt and kind. As always , Kalka Plumbing was the best! Thank you so much,
Kim
I called this morning because my A/C was not working. The CSR said they could have someone here between 2:00-5:00PM.
They arrived at 2:00PM (wonderful!). Two technicians came out. They were polite, masked with booties. They quickly diagnosed the problem; provided a detailed explanation of repair with total cost.
Within the hour, the repair was completed and the A/C works perfectly. Thank you!
star trondsen
2 years ago
Installed new kitchen faucet and garage disposal and replaced all of the pipes that were corroded and /or leaking under sink.
This is the fourth time I have used Kalka’ s technician Sara for various services and as always have had a very positive experience.
David Valdivia
9 months ago
Ryan, the HVAC specialist was very knowledgeable and professional. He knew exactly what was wrong with my system. Thank you so much🙏
Didn't pass inspection multiple times. The preventive maintenance program was a scam never returned . I spent $180 to receive a service I never got. Tried to sell me things for my air conditioning that I didn't need had an actual reputable company come afterwards to check my air conditioning they said nothing was wrong..
quick and efficient! MAtt was great
Excellent service, very polite tech, did a very thorough job.
Marianne Houston
8 months ago
Zach was great — knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Lots of good suggestions.
Sara and Geovanni were very professional and thorough. Explained every part of the installation to me. Plan to use Kalka plumbing again
Deborah Wallin
a year ago
I’ve been 100% satisfied with the service received. Big shout out to Sara, Ryan and Kamran, all were very professional and courteous.
Audrey Balthazor
2 years ago
Ryan Andrews came out and quickly analyzed the problem. Our filter was blocked with debris.
He replaced the filter with no charge to us. We are now signed up for annual maintenance for a/c and plumbing throughout our home. Out-standing service and professional attitude.
Highly recommend Kafka. Audrey Balthazor
Expensive but bad warranty service. Spend $349 to change AC capacitor on a 3 years old Carrier AC. Promised their capacitor will last 10 years at least but broken again in 4 years. They donn't honor the warranty at all. Could just spend $120 on some other HVAC service.
Kalka Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
9 years ago
Ryan did such an amazing job. I have a hydronic water pump that is used to heat my house.
I had it replaced a year and a half ago and could not remember the name of the company that did the repair.
When Ryan came in and looked at how the old unit was installed, I could tell that it was not done correctly from the very beginning.
Not only was he able to replace it quite quickly, he also went the extra mile and fixed a couple other issues that were in my washroom where the hydronic system was located.
Didn't pass inspection multiple times, over priced.. showed up 2 hours late took 2 days to replace water heater cost 3500
Best plumbing service we’ve EVER had! Sarah was very thorough, professional, upfront about costs & gave options. She went ‘above& beyond’ the call of duty for us & we truly appreciate it!
Catwalk Scaffold Stairs LLC
6 months ago
Saved me thousands of dollars, Sara is awesome!
Pleasant experience. Good phone cooperation and help.
Frank James Villalba
2 years ago
This company is over priced, the really good tech Brandon is no longer with them. They are over priced and offer terrible customer service.
These people, show up on time, do the job and are very easy to deal with! Ryan is a gem.
Gerry Hawkes
8 months ago
Sara came to repair our double sink clog in the kitchen. As always she analysed the problem and gave suggestions on how to fix it. We listened to the options and told what we would like done. She did her her work well, as she ususally does. My brother even told her before she left that she was a really hard worker. Sara always done well with us.
I have had two plumbing emergencies that they have responded to and repaired right away. They also did a great job replacing my air conditioner and water heater. They are kind and professional, and their work quality is excellent.
Kevin and his team are not only great at air conditioning but are some of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. They are honest and straight forward. They do incredible work. I have a son with medical conditions who is very immunocompromised. They were aware of his needs and went above and beyond to accommodate for him. They have always worn booties in the house, the acknowledge my son and are so gentle and wonderful with him. Medical parents can attest to how stressful it can be to have strangers in the house and this company was absolutely incredible with him and our house. We have an awesome air conditioning unit that works beautifully. I have to give a little special recognition to Ryan. He was our tech. He has such a beautiful heart and personality. He really made us feel special and like we were family. I felt like he was taking care of me like I was his own brother. He quickly gained my trust and immediately felt safe with him around my family. Thank you Kevin, Ryan and the entire team! We are eternally grateful to you for everything!!
Punctual, personable, and professional.
Great service, highly informative, and straight forward communication.
Highly recommend.
Professional, patient and hardworking.
Jonathan Cheng
8 years ago
Peter is a very courteous and knowledgeabe technician. He fixed the problem and provided us a maintenance solution. We are very happy with his work. He is a keeper.
Jennifer is also a great helper. She is able to schedule us with a skillful technician to repair our air condition unit. We got cool air in the HOT day now. Thank you Jonathan
Roary S Walsh
9 months ago
Ryan arrived on time on a Saturday. My icomfort system had reported to me via wifi that a high pressure switch was stuck. After scheduling an appointment via Kalka's website, Ryan was able to come on a Saturday and repair my AC. He did excellent work and stayed within their cost estimate. He is a boon to Kalka's business. He also provided pictures chronicling suspect areas for preventative work as well as pictures of where the work was completed, both via email.
Kalka's work was A quality.
I would use them again.
Sheri Beauchamp
6 years ago
We had Brandon Bowen inspect our Commercial AC unit that had stopped working. He was very thorough and explained the needed repairs in great detail. I would highly suggest him and Kalka. When I called the main office everyone we spoke with was very helpful.
Jane Newcombe
3 years ago
Ryan and his co worker (I forgot his name, sorry!) were a pleasure! They were very careful about putting on shoe coverings and wore masks the entire time. They spent a good amount of time tuning up our AC and furnace. Ryan was very detailed about how everything was running and had a couple of suggestions that would make our system better. We appreciated their professionalism and friendliness. We will take them up on their suggestions. We will definitely use Kalka again!
Thomas A. Seche
3 years ago
We woke up this morning to a wonderfully heated home.
Mike and Jesse did an exemplary job.
Highly recommend Kalka HVAC, by far my best experience with an A/C repair. I had two properties worked on and the service was amazing! Very professional & courteous and honest! I would absolutely recommend Kalka HVAC to family & friends! Thank you Kalka for your honesty and professionalism.
These guys were going 70 thru my neighborhood and continued speeding. This happened today in RMV. Not a great way to advertise yourself when you're driving like that and endangering children.
Sandy Chenella
3 years ago
Marilyn Deyoung
2 years ago
Trent Jackson (EHS)
5 months ago
This company improperly ventilated my fireplace during a remodel and refused to fix it. When I called and spoke to Allen Johnson he was rude and disrespectful. He wouldn't even listen to me. He just kept interrupting me during the conversation. They lied about events leading up to the venting of the fireplace. They did everything possible to avoid paying for their mistake and taking responsibility for the problem they created.
kimvir dhillon
6 years ago
Excellent service! Honest and fast. Highly recommended!
Christi Greenwood
7 years ago
Kayla showed up on time, was very efficient, friendly and cost effective. I will use them for all of my future HVAC needs. Thank you Kevin!
Alex Soiguine
2 years ago
Installations of water softener
Richard Satterfield
7 years ago
Robert created a proposal for replacing my old heating system with a combination heating and air conditioning system. He explained everything clearly which enabled me to firm up on the specifics of the system I want installed. I am now waiting for two other companies to submit proposals before I make a decision. So far the only thing I can base a review of Kalka on is my experience with Robert which is clearly 5 stars.
The Kalka team have been to our home 2 times in the last 5 years. Our first visit was getting a couple more years out of a very old A/C. I wasn’t ready to replace so they did minor tweaks that helped and added an attic fan. It worked great keeping the house cool during those hot summers. Recently it was time to come back and install a complete new system. We shopped and there were less expensive options but a/c is not where you cut corners. Our system works great and has lowered our energy cost too. The team is courteous and efficient so we recommend the Kalka team.
received a quote to clear yard drain
Very professional
Fantastic service. Very clean and thorough. Uses shoe coverings upon entering houses. Renars did a great job here. Highly recommended.
Raquel Madron
2 years ago
They were very professional and spent 2 hours throughly looking over our system to diagnose all potential issues.
Kalka has been to my home a couple times now and they always have the best service and most knowledgeable employees. Everything from scheduling to repair is very flawless. My Tech today was Jose and he completed our yearly HVAC safety inspection. Once completed he went over all of his findings and any actions I needed to take.
I then received a follow-up call from Jennifer, after Jose left, and she inquired about his service and any additional questions.
Overall great company and will continue to use them.
Mike Weddington
8 months ago
jim ferguson
8 months ago
Kalka took more than an hour to assess my issues and come up with a plan of action. The previous contractor spent 5 mins and basically blew the diagnosis
Mallory Heida
7 years ago
DO NOT give this company your money. They are dishonest cons. I haven't had an HVAC prior to moving into my current house, so am ignorant to the maintenance and I played pretty dumb when they came out, just to see what they would say. Fortunately for me and my bank account, I'm not as dumb as I can pretend to be.
First, they were scheduled to arrive between 2-5pm. They called to say they'd be late and come after 5pm. I cancelled my evening plans to wait for them. Then at 5:40 they cancelled and rescheduled for the next day. Again, scheduled for 2-5pm. First they called me at 1pm to say they'd be there in 40 minutes. Then about 20min later I got a call saying they'd be there at 3:30. At 5:45 when no one had arrived I called them. They said the tech was on his way. He arrived at about 6:30. But that's not even the worst part.
Cameron, a supervisor, completely tries to play the nice, helpful, let me take care of all your needs serviceman. He asked me for $1200 to check for a leak on my HVAC because it was not getting cold. Then he told me I needed a new compressor. But, he said it would be illegal for him to replace my compressor for EPA violations because my HVAC is original (1970s). So, he quoted me $9-13k for a new unit.
While he was on the roof looking at my unit, made some calls and I got two other opinions, both said that it is NOT $1200 to check for a leak. It's incredibly simple. They also both said that It is not illegal to replace my compressor.
I had someone else come out to look at my unit. He told me it's actually from 1996, not the 70s as Kalka's guys said. He had it running cold in 30 minutes with super cold air. He replaced 1 part and added a pound of refrigerant. These units are not supposed to leak and mine in fact does not have a leak. So, there is a reason to wonder if Cameron from Kalka intentionally leaked out refrigerant when he was here.
This company is ridiculous and had the audacity to offer me $500 off their insanely inflated quote for a new HVAC, that I didn't need, if I agreed to buy one that day. Then, before leaving my home he gave me a $50 gift certificate. What a slap in the face!
It's a shame that people like Kalka's supervisors try to take advantage of customers. Don't let them fool you and rob you for something you don't even need. You're better off calling small businesses who base their work off referrals and are honest.
Side note: It's apparent that many of these reviews are written by the company themselves.
I am very happy with the job that Zach Acosta performed. He patiently explained his work and brought me up to speed on his approach. He cut away my old kitchen faucet (I’m going to replace that myself) and then removed and replaced my outdoor front faucet. At no point did I feel confused or uncomfortable with him. He also made an effort to explain other areas of the house (water heater, main water shut off, water softener systems, annual service plan, etc.) that he could offer services in. He did a good job, other customers would like him, and his company should know that. Job well done!
We have used Kalka for years. We had a leak, Sarah and Josh came out and were so professional and courteous. Thank you to the Kalka team!!!
Ryan and his trainee were not just on time for the appt, they were actually a little early! I was so impressed with that! They both were wearing masks and those booties to cover their shoes. They were professional and very friendly. It is always a pleasure doing business with Kalka.
Trent Jackson
5 months ago
I hired Kalka as a subcontractor to ventilate a fireplace during a remodel of my home. They were already there doing the HVAC and said they could easily ventilate the fireplace. They ventilated a B-Vent fireplace out the side of my house. They were given the make, model, and serial # of the fireplace they were venting but did not do their homework. When I turned the fireplace for the first time after the remodel my home filled with carbon dioxide gas. They refused to take any responsibility for the mistake they made 100%. This is not a company that does the right thing. They are a company that does whatever they have to do for their bottom line.
Don Zimmermann
9 years ago
Great service, Andrew was courteous and efficient.
No pressure, honest and great representative for his company and customer.
Our Family has worked with Kalka Plumbing and Heating for 20 plus years, Kevin Kalka first showed up to my house himself, one man operation, He now has excellent employees that come to my rescue. His guys are always in touch with him, and if there is a question , he's here! My husband can fix almost anything and always tells me Just call Kevin , fix it right. We now have everything new, including a complete re-pipe. Im on a program where they come out and check before summer, and winter , change filters , change fittings etc. , everything works perfect in my home. Thanks For your care and concern Kalka Clan.
Gracie Rogers
Excellent customer service!
Steve Tancredi
7 months ago
My wife and I were very pleased with all aspects of this company from service to sales to installation. We highly recommend them over the other bigger companies out there.
Brendon Newman
6 months ago
Excellent service delivered by courteous professionals
Evil is the best. I only want him servicing my equipment moving forward. I have worked with your others. None come close to Evil thanks
sonya bangston
6 months ago
These guys are good. Pretty fast and efficient, and cleanly with everything. Pricing seemed reasonable and competitive with other companies. I have two issues
Ryan came fixed our problem took care of us!
Kamran Did a fantastic job with both our HVAC and our dryer vents! Very professional fast and top notch!
James Gilchrist
10 months ago
Master plumber Sara was very proficient in her work and impressive with her knowledge. I give her an A+.
The other person, who did a preliminary job…fixing the exhaust outflow system, did a somewhat shoddy job by not properly sealing the wall where the exhaust system vented to the outdoors through the wall. I give him a D score.
Master plumber Sara had to properly repair his work.
Ryan Andrews worked incredibly hard and late to solve our heating issue rather than leave an elderly couple without heat for the night! He is a wonderful representative of his company and its founder Kevin Kalka who always come through for us!
On this service call for our HVAC system William was courteous and professional, paid attention to my explanation of the symptoms, confirmed that the problem was with the unit’s small 3+ years old condensate pump, and said he would followup the next day (tomorrow) after checking availability of a replacement pump.
Thomas Jelmeland
9 months ago
Albert Saman
8 months ago
Kamran Lewis was courteous and professional!
Will use Kalka again because of Kamran's quality service call.
Elaine Guess
9 months ago
Fast, good service. Qualify work.
I have known Kevin for over 20 years I'm a G. C. and will use nobody else for my installs, ac, plumbing and maintenance. A man of great 👍 integrity and great customer service .His wife Tina is one of the easiest and well informed people to talk to . Hat's off keep up the good work 👏🏾 and great customer service Daryll
Joshua Schrock
3 years ago
They went out of their way--in the middle of the overbooked, HOT summer--to come out and build us an entirely new HVAC system when ours stopped working because they found out we had a newborn in the house. They worked on overtime and even the owner came out to help.
The knowledge that Juneeee brings to ones home is fantastic, he is a geniuson heating issues. THANKYOU Juneee.........joeKennedy
Gabrielle Garland
5 years ago
This review is both for Kalka Air, and Brandon, the service technician who came to our home.
First, let me give the review some context - our home is serviced by two separate air conditioning units. On the Friday before Labor Day at 5:30 p.m., when it had been over 100 degrees for at least 2 straight weeks, BOTH of our air conditioners broke down. We have two toddlers under 3 years old. The temperature inside the home was unbearable, and down right unsafe for two babies. After spending a sleepless Friday night in total misery, we took the kids to a hotel.
Kalka Air was the ONLY company who returned my calls. I left messages with half a dozen HVAC companies in the area, including our home warranty company, and NO ONE got back to me that weekend except Kalka. On top of that, they sent a service technician out on Sunday morning. Did I mention this was Labor Day weekend???
Not only did Kalka come to the rescue for our family on a holiday weekend when literally no other company even gave me a call-back, but to boot, the service technician Brandon (I’m sorry, I don’t remember his last name) was the most thoughtful and empathetic technician I’ve ever met. He spent the time to explain everything he was doing, step-by-step, he was extremely patient (especially with my 2 year old son who kept handing Brandon his little tikes tools in an attempt to help the situation), and he stuck around to answer all of our questions after fixing BOTH air conditioning units.
Even though this review is a little late, I want to make sure that I give a GIANT thank you (and 5 star review) to both Kalka Air and their service technician Brandon, because they were the heros of the summer for our family. I highly recommend them to anyone who’s in need of HVAC work in Orange County. I definitely plan on using them in the future!
Kevin is nothing but a seasoned professional. Extremely responsive, always willing to explain and walk the homeowner through what’s happening. It’s clear he has years of experience. Glad to have selected Kevin and his team over others and will use them in the future.
Lisa MyDevice
8 years ago
We used this company because they were the only ones that would come on a holiday weekend. Although I appreciated that, my enthusiasm was replaced by horror when the final costs were tallied. We had similar work done 6 months ago for one-fifth the cost. Along with the high costs of replacing a couple parts, the service man charged an insane amount to simply hook up our own thermostat on a wall that was already wired. It took him fifteen minutes, and he charged $189. Worse yet, the unit isn't even level, so we will have to redo it ourselves.
I do appreciate that they came out when no one else would. But unless NO ONE else is available--or money is of no concern to you--I would stay far, far away.
Sara, our plumber, was professional, courteous and did an excellent job.
We have a rental unit in Dana Point and our tenant called, saying no heat. I called Kalka Heating and Air and Jarrad took my call, and scheduled Ryan to service the unit. Replacing the Furnace Filter was all it needed. We have perfect heat again! I received a call from Vanessa to say there was no charge for the service call. I was so happy to hear this! Thank you's to everyone at Kalka Plumbing and Heating for making my day! And thank you Kevin for running such a straightforward company. This is so much appreciated! Your professionalism shows in your choice of employees and in your work.
Kathleen Martin
2 years ago
Sharon Greene
3 years ago
I have used Kalka Plumbing & Heating for many years, the service they provide is nothing less than impeccable. The service technicians are always on time, professional and informative. My most recent service with Kalka plumbing was to replace out a 7-year-old tankless water heater that failed and had water leaking into the tankless which in turn damaged it beyond repair and had to be replaced out. The installation of the new tankless was done in just a few hours. Thank you Kalka Plumbing For The Great Service You Provide..
Kevin and his team came out to my home multiple times for plumbing and heating/cooling. Without fail each time the professionalism was A+, the communication of the issues were clear and compassionately explained. Options for repair were thoroughly discussed and reviewed. The team had equipment and parts on board to get the job done or brought equipment back for the bigger jobs. This is a well managed and staffed company with consistent service and performance. I highly recommend Kalka Plumbing and Heating and Cooling to everyone. Great job Kevin and team!
Kalka installed a new AC and forced air unit - and update the ducts. Great service, great timing and a fair price. I recommend them to everyone!!
Suzanne Peaks
6 years ago
Brandon is A+++! Top notch customer service and experience with him today. He was on time, professional, courteous and a true pleasure. He performed our A/C service and stayed late to install a new thermostat for us. My husband and I decided on that last minute just as he was leaving. I will recommend Brandon and won't use anyone else for HVAC service now. Thank you sincerely.
I've had good experiences with Kalka / Benjamin Franklin plumbing. They are straight forward, no up selling, give options and transparent quotes, and always courteous. Very satisfied!
Dogos Of Westminster
2 years ago
They made it right
Kevin Roman
10 months ago
Kalka came in and had to do over some plumbing that another company had done. I initially called a company due to taking the hot water a long time to get to our kitchen sink area. After so said company left. We were not getting hot water anywhere. Just warm water throughout the home. Also now a leak under kitchen sink after replacing the faucet. Company came back 4 times in 8 months for the hot water issue without fixing the problem. Kalka, Sara and Juan, fixed it in one day. Now hot water throughout our home. Thank you Kalka..... Company stopped answering my text messages also. Than I called Navien and they connected me with Kalka Plumbing...
Amy Corsinita
7 months ago
Very responsive and professional. The technician walked me through what he did. They came out quickly for a service call.
I had a very positive experience with this company and the service guys they sent out, Shane and Zachary. I needed an assessment done on my AC system to determine why water was leaking from it. They were prompt and very efficient and knowledgeable about the problem. They were helpful and polite and I will definitely use this company again.
Mickey Megistus
a year ago
I've used Kalka Plumbing Heating and Air on a number of occasions ranging from minor leaks and garbage disposal repair/replacement to heating and vent assistance, and they have never failed to address and fix the problem promptly and efficiently. Kevin Kalka has personally come to two of my residences now and offered his help, even fixing a few minor issues at no cost! I cannot recommend them enough.
During the cold snap around Thanksgiving my 91 mother-in-law's heating failed, and when service came, Mr. Jose Castro diagnosed the problem as a non working thermostat and also suggested that igniter needed replacing.
On a hunch, my wife earlier went to home depot where she priced the standard thermostat at $79.00. Mr. Castro replaced the old one with a New focus pro digital Tstat, cost $367.00.
The Hot Surface igniter was $364.00. Amazon would send me this part for $75.00.
When I called Mr. Juny Campos, office manager,to complain about these prices, he was the master of obfuscation: We gave you a commercial grade thermostat, and a two year warranty.
When I cited the difference in cost between the two igniter parts, he said: That price is only available to businesses like ours. You cannot purchase the part yourself. I did not know that Amazon had such restrictions.
Another odd thing about the bill is that there is no listing of service charges. Mr. Campos said that the installation charge was included in the cost of the part. We charge the customer the same price if the service is one hour or seven hours.
I watched Mr. Castro replace the thermostat in about seven minutes.
The drive from Laguna Hills to Newport Beach is probably one hour, and Mr. Castro was in the house and outside talking to the office for a total of one hour. Say, two hours for his work at $100.00 per hour, plus the parts, marked to, say, $100.00 apiece, makes a total of $400.00, far below the $693.00 paid.
Mr. Castro told us that he was the foreman for about twenty other techs, so you know this was no honest mistake. Instead, it reflects the overall business model of BenFranklin/Kalka Heating and Air.
Do not allow Mr. Castro or any other representative of this company on your property. They will gouge you and defend their practices with half-truths, lies, and obfuscations.
Mark Armando
9 months ago
Very helpful and efficient. Cleaned up very nicely after the service
Andrew came by to do an AC tune up and do duct cleaning. He was very patient and good at explaining what he was doing and what the impact of that was. I appreciated his honesty and effort in identifying what the problems were and explaining them to me.
Landon was professional and prompt
Coleman Retana
a year ago
Kalka Plumbing Heating and Air has provided many required services to me over the years. Most recently I had two old toilets removed and two new toilets installed. The team of plumbers went well beyond normal requirements to meet my needs. The response time was well above board and were professional, courteous and did an excellent job. I would highly recommend Kalka Plumbing Heating and Air for many home repairs and needs.
Monique Brown
3 years ago
David DeVries
7 months ago
David Hartman
7 years ago
They arrived at 8:56 am right as scheduled and left my home after 11 pm that night. Yes that is correct, the Kalka team that came to my home worked a 14 hour day to give my home a complete new heating & A/C system, including duct work and the full shebang!
At first there was two technicians, then three, then four, and finally a fifth arrived. There might have been more but I lost track! They worked fast, they worked hard, they worked cleanly and diligently. But most importantly the Kalka Heating & Air team was knowledgeable, skilled, and did the job as a master craftsman would only do.
The team was polite, the team was care full, the team cleaned before they set in for the job and cleaned again upon completion - even after an exhausting 14 hour day! My home was respected – I never felt that things would go lost, be broken, or stolen. So much so by dinnertime I left the army of busy Kalka workers unattended as I went out to dinner with the wife. Heck they even smelled good!
Edil - thank you for taking the time to explain everything and listen to my concerns. From the start your knowledge was clear and it helped me feel comfortable with what was to happen next.
Quang - thank you for answering my questions and quelling my fears about the old aluminum wiring we have in my home.
Jose, Rae, and Terrence – Thank you for your detail and care. Even when you were filthy from working in my old dirty attic you took great steps not to get my home dirty.
Robert – Thank you. You are the creator of my new air condition system. And the reason I went with Kalka.
Kalka Heating & Air Conditioning, I wanted to close by saying I received many bids for my new heat/ac system. Yours was not only the best - beating out such others are Home Depot’s (outrageously expensive) and Costco’s estimate – but I never expected a crew as knowledgeable, courteous, and polite. From the initial sales visit with Robert and his follow up calls, to the direction of the team under Edil’s command, and how Quang, Jose, Rae, and Terrence executed Edil’s requests. Everyone’s knowledge and craftsmanship, care and cleanliness… I could never have envisioned an install going so well, but I actually can refer to my install as fun!
Robert Realmuto
6 years ago
Brandon and Brandon were a great team. They serviced my furnace well and were very knowledgeable
Hi Recommendations
David Russell
3 years ago
Just had Kalka at my home for the first time based on a recommendation from a friend. Kalka will now be my only source for all things plumbing, heating and A/C. Kevin is very professional, skilled and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this company.
Charlotte Poe
6 months ago
Very professional and explained everything.
Carol Austin
6 months ago
Professional
Competent
On time
Personable
Lynn Hamilton-Gamman
7 years ago
Simply the best. Professional, knowledgeable, patient, everything good. I would never use anyone else. Highly recommend. Thomas G. and Salvador are outstanding.
thomas gillespie
3 years ago
Had Kevin out to do a heater tune up on my system. To start the office staff was very polite and professional they kept me updated through the whole process. Kevin showed up on time which is un heard of. He explained exactly what he was doing and educated me through the whole process he was very organized and clean and when it came to recommendations He was not pushy. We decided to up date our ductwork and registers. The installers were very professional and clean. The price was very competitive and I would highly recommend this company to all my friends and family.
Gilbert Sanchez
2 years ago
Manuel Lopez
7 months ago
Lisa Bautista
9 months ago
Dick Machesney
5 years ago
Kalka crew showed up on time, introduced them self,and started to work.all members were professional and polite. This is the best experience I have had with home repair in years. From estimate to finishing the job. Outstanding
Daryl Reading
7 months ago
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