Cali Climate Mechanical Heating and Cooling -

Carlos Reyes

PLEASE AVOID HIRING THIS COMPANY
I recently had an extremely frustrating experience with Cali Climate Mechanical. The technician’s diagnosis—that the compressor needed replacement—was surprising given the unit was only 18 months old. From there, I endured a cycle of unreturned calls, vague promises, and shifting costs.

The technician visited in late August, but by early September, I was chasing updates. Eric, the claims specialist, promised follow-ups that never came. After days of silence, I called repeatedly until finally reaching Jake, who said they were waiting on warranty approval. Fidelity, my warranty company, informed me I’d need to cover labor costs, but Cali Climate failed to provide clear communication or a quote.

By mid-September, I received a verbal labor estimate of $690, but when I followed up, it inexplicably jumped to $1,400, and then $2,420 by the end of the month. Written quotes were only sent after weeks of persistence. Efforts to schedule the repair were met with delays, excuses, and unanswered emails. On October 1, Jake claimed to be the supervisor when I requested escalation. Finally, on October 15, I was asked to research how they obtain parts, despite assurances they already had them.

By October 16, my partner took over communications, but even then, we faced ongoing delays. After multiple follow-ups, they finally proposed a repair date, but when we responded with availability, the silence resumed. After waiting weeks without confirmation, we canceled the service altogether.

Adding to the frustration, we discovered our heater wasn’t working either, part of the same unit. The technician never inspected the duct system, turned on the unit, or checked for other issues, which raised serious concerns about the accuracy of their diagnosis. Another technician later recommended getting a second opinion, given the low likelihood of simultaneous compressor and heater coil failures in a 1.5-year-old system. Now, I must pay out of pocket for additional evaluations.

This experience has been marked by unprofessional communication, lack of accountability, and shifting costs without explanation. The management at Cali Climate Mechanical either needs a complete overhaul or replacement. I cannot recommend this company.

***UPDATE: Instead of taking accountability, Cali Climate has attempted to shift the blame onto me as the customer—a pattern that seems common in their responses to complaints. For the record, they were hired by my home warranty company because the original contractor could not service homes taller than one story, and Cali Climate claimed they could handle the job. If they couldn’t, they should never have gone up the ladder or wasted my time for several months.

The technician came out at the end of August and I did not receive a formal quote until October 1st. The attached image includes an apology that acknowledges THEIR lack of communication. Furthermore, it was I—not Cali Climate—who discovered that the manufacturer’s warranty would cover the parts. Erick explicitly stated they could secure the manufacturer-covered parts, which is why I proceeded. If they were unable to do so, why did they continue sending me quote?

Their claim that I delayed responding is also completely untrue. After reviewing my emails, I confirmed that we suggested several dates, to which they eventually replied with "OK"—the last email we received from them. I’ve included screenshots of this correspondence to refute their misrepresentation.

I also clearly informed them from the beginning that it was not covered by the home manufacturer. I later learned that the manufacturer of the air conditioning unit does cover the parts. Their current claim that my home should have been covered by the manufacturer is both confusing and misleading.

For a company to operate this way—ignoring customer communications, dragging out timelines, misrepresenting the situation, and failing to take responsibility—is both disappointing and unacceptable. I hope my experience serves as a warning to anyone considering their services.

Mina Al-Awsi

Terrible at returning calls. Called 3 times and left messages the 1st 2 times. I needed to have my outdoor AC unit cleaned and covered for the winter and have my furnace filters replaced. NO ONE BOTHERED to call back. You guys are so terrible and if you continue like that you will eventually loose customers.

Update: Nov 29 2024
Someone finally responded to my review
I would if I could. I have valid reasons why I did not clean my AC unit sooner but I don’t think I have to explain why. I also mentioned my need to replace my furnace filters. Obviously, I am not the only one who is complaining about your customer service but thank you for your PROMPT response,

Alexandra Goncharova

Worked with our home warranty and saved us during the heat wave. Were able to get the correct parts for our older model air conditioning unit and install them in a timely manner. Service was friendly and got the job done swiftly and answered any questions we had regarding filter systems and warranty. Would definitely recommend to anyone that needs heating or cooling.

Linda G

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. It’s currently the blizzard of 2023 and my furnace stopped working. I’m lucky I have a Home Warranty, right? Nope. Not if Cali Climate is your assigned contractor. I join the many, many, many other reviews (check out Yelp) that will state I never got a call. Not after I left a message. And not after my warranty company left a message. I’m not sure how many times this has to happen before they are dropped by Home Warranty companies. I called another company who came the same day and paid out-of-pocket for a new motherboard. It was that or have my family freeze. There is no excuse. They are contractually obligated to call within 24 hours. I would avoid them, and if you are assigned to them from your warranty company, demand they assign you to someone else.

Update** The fact that it took almost one year to respond to my review pretty much proves my point.

Jami Rousseaux-Savon

I was so impressed with Luis the technician that came to my house.He was so professional and polite. I had another technician come out a week ago and he was in and out of my house in 10 minutes and he wouldn't check my vents or my upstairs unit. Luis was amazing. He ran tests outside first then came in and checked all of my vents to make sure they were all flowing with cool air. He also gave me tips on how to cool off my unit. I will definitely call him back when it is time to replace my air conditioning unit. Luis was GREAT! Thank you Cali Climate, you hired a good one.

Captain Raider

Luis is the absolute best in the biz!
He went above and beyond for me today and I couldnt be more grateful!
I will make CCM my goto from now on.
Thank you Luis!

Marco Delgado

I called another company last week and they wanted me to wait one whole week without my AC cooling down in the middle of 100+ degree. I cancelled their appointment and called Cali Climate instead. They were busy too but came to my house within 3 days. My AC tech, Luis, was nice and very professional. He called me 25 minutes before his arrival and was on time. He wasted no time and got to work on my AC right away. He was very friendly and prompt to do his work. Thank you Luis and Cali Climate crew... my AC is working great now and cooling us down here at home. Very happy with the service and was worth the wait.

Cynthia Robbins

Wow! What great service and professionalism! Hotter than heck in Brentwood and more heat in the days to follow. My air conditioner went out at 3 p.m. Called Cali Climate after 5 p.m., and Luis L showed up at 8:15p.m. Other companies couldn't help me for four to five days. Luis was courteous and thoughtful. Figured out the issue and fixed it. Explained it all to me and shared maintenance suggestions. What a great experience. Highly recommend this company, and Luis in particular.