Coretemp Heating and Air

I'd had an underwhelming experience with "Alex," a contractor we found on the Internet. Having established that the unit had power (he got a shock), Alex tried replacing the capacitor (no improvement) and ultimately concluded that the compressor was the problem. Bottom line: We needed a new air conditioner. Right.

I then stumbled across the HomeStars website. I searched for contractors with top satisfaction ratings that had been maintained during the recent heatwave and who had repaired AC units rather than simply recommending replacement. I contacted three via email and Richard Payer, CoreTemp's owner and senior technician, was the first to respond. We set up an appointment for the following morning.

Richard was prompt, polite and easy to deal with from the start. He soon diagnosed the problem and replaced the contactor (and very corroded capacitor too for good measure). Bottom line: Existing AC unit up and running within the hour.

I felt that Richard was honest and fair in his dealings with me and I have no hesitation in recommending him. CoreTemp will be my go-to contractor for any future HVAC issues.

A++ review for Richard and his crew. When my AC wasn't working, I quickly consulted the Homestars reviews and decided that CoreTemp was my best option. I was not disappointed. Richard and Eric arrived within hours of my request and identified the problem - user error - I had accidentally turned off the power switch to the furnace while hanging up a backpack...

As a complete stranger to HVAC equipment, they could have easily blamed it on capacitors, compressors, etc but instead demonstrated honesty and integrity...they even gave me a basic intro on how AC systems function and tips for simple maintenance.

This is the recipe for satisfied, long-term customers!

The house we moved into just over 2 years ago had an old central AC unit that broke this year (it was over 20 years old). We called six different Heating and Air companies and CoreTemp pretty much blew everyone out of the water. They were the only company that didn't have to call me back or transfer me to a sales department. Richard and Janice were friendly, professional and didn't treat me like an ignorant housewife. They gave us an initial quote over the phone and when I called them back to find out how to proceed, they set up a time to come by and give me a more specific price. I was still under no obligation to go with them; their coming by was still a free estimate. Richard and his apprentice Eric came by at the scheduled time and had a look in the basement and outside and Richard thoroughly explained the work they would be doing and answered any questions I had. At no time did I feel pressured. Richard did recommend a new condensate pump (which our home inspector had also mentioned back when we bought the house) and so Richard also gave me a price for that, again with no pressure or obligation. When I mentioned that we also needed a new thermostat, he advised he would do that for free (as well as provide the thermostat). The initial quote I was given over the phone remained the same, with the exception of the additional work and parts for a condensate pump, which was great. They weren't the cheapest but their price was certainly comparable and it was very clear early on that Richard knew his stuff and I knew that I could trust him and Eric in our home. They install Ruud equipment which I wasn't familiar with but researched them and Ruud has been in business for over 100 years (they are just more common in the U.S) and their products are high quality. Once we decided to go with CoreTemp, Janice sent me an estimate in writing via email and a time was scheduled to do the installation. Richard and Eric arrived when they said they would and also finished at the time they estimated. A testament to Richard's integrity: while removing the old lines from the AC that ran side by side with the outside water line from the basement (which is unfinished so everything is open), Richard accidentally hit the water line. The pipe is still the old galvanized steel and due to erosion and just that little hit, water started to leak. Richard shut off the main water supply and informed me immediately. I called a plumber and when the plumber arrived and did the work, Richard paid for half of the plumbing repair work by taking said amount off of our AC installation price. He didn't have to do that as we know the pipes are old and need to be replaced and he certainly wasn't using any excessive force but the fact that he did that, speaks to the integrity and honesty of Richard. The new AC is running beautifully and all the lines and new disconnect box are tidy and clean looking. We ultimately went with a 13 SEER unit, 1.5 ton for our home. The labour and parts are also guaranteed for 10 years. Richard and Eric were thorough, got right to work and kept me informed at each stage. I would not hesitate to recommend Richard and his crew at CoreTemp and I can't imagine using anyone else for heating and cooling after this very positive experience.

I purchased a new AC/Furnace/Tankless Water heater from Richard about 2 years ago. Our experience with him during this process was great and were quite impressed with the importance he placed on service.

A couple of weeks ago, the AC we purchased from Richard died in the midst of the first heat wave of the summer. He came within the day, tried a repair which failed and then came back the next day with a brand new unit.

The new unit was installed in less than an hour. More importantly, Richard and Janice provided us with a rebate as the new AC that they provided was materially less expensive than the unit we originally purchased.

I was happy that I didn't have to argue or debate with them over the rebate. Even though I don't think they should be held responsible for it (i.e. I believe RUUD should have taken responsibility).

All in all, this has reaffirmed my original choice of going with CoreTemps. Their service is top notch and I would quite happily recommend them to anyone.

We woke up on the holiday Monday to find that our air vents were blowing hot air and the temperature was 15 degrees F above where it should be! I called around and other companies wanted to charge a ton just to stop by. Richard called me back right away, and was able to diagnose my problem over the phone with some cell phone pictures! It turns out the problem was the hot water heater, not even the air conditioner. Now it is working perfectly. We appreciate it so much, saved us a ton of time and money. Next time we have any work to be done, I won't hesitate to call CoreTemp. Thanks again Richard!

It was in the middle of 40 degree weather and we discovered that our air conditioner was leaking water into the basement. I called Richard, and he was here in one hour, and had everything fixed and cleaned up in minutes. He was friendly and knowledgeable and he even passed on some advice about our furnace.
He was great and we were very impressed! We wouldn't hesitate to call him again or recommend him to our friends!

We had a problem with our central A/C right before a sweltering long weekend and called CoreTemp based on the Homestars reviews. I called in the morning and Richard was able to fit us in later on the same day. Richard and his associate (didn't get his name!) arrived, and within an hour they were able to diagnose and correct the problem. They were friendly, courteous and professional throughout, and the price was very reasonable. Janice from the office (who called to arrange the time for Richard to come) was also great to deal with. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

We had a problem with air con. We contacted CoreTemp via HomeStars. Richard came next day and fixed our a/c. Now it works bettter than ever before.
We are extremely pleased with CoreTemp and would definitely use their services again. Highly recommended.
Iana, Thornhill

On Wednesday (June 20), we contacted a few heating & cooling services through HomeStars looking to book an appointment to have a technician come out and take a look at our furnace as water was coming out of it whenever the A/C was running.

The next day, Richard called stating that he could fit us in for Friday. However, things worked out even better and we ended up with a noon appointment on the same day instead! (Note: CoreTemp was the only company that got back to us.)

Richard and a tech showed up at our home around 11:45 AM. They were very friendly and courteous and rectified the problem with our furnace quickly. (It turned out to be an issue with the drain being clogged.)

We are extremely pleased with CoreTemp and would definitely use their services again. Highly recommended.

We have a 5-year 6 months old air con that broke down during the first heat wave of this year. A co-worker who had the same problem and recommended Richard. Richard came and assessed our a/c and top up with coolant to get us through this heat wave while we decide if we will repair or purchase a new a/c. We decided to buy a new one so we don't have to experience the same problem in the future and since your company offers a great warranty than the one we have. We contacted Richard again. He came the next day with a new a/c. But because he is an honest person, he felt that since it is still considered a new a/c, he recommended to top up with coolant and reassess next month if there is a leak in the a/c. I find Richard very honest, friendly and not a "pushy" salesman like others who are only interested in selling the product. I feel strongly that Richard is an asset to your company and I highly commend him for his expertise. I am happy to say that we are surviving this heat wave because of Richard.