Complaint Review: Joseph S. Maginn Mechanical

Total scam artist.  It seemed expensive and didn't sound right, but we weren't sure.  The AC started to work again so we thought maybe it was okay.  Now that the problem came back and we've had a number of hvac guys come through to give estimates, we've learned JM scammed us.  Another hvac guy charged our AC in summer 2008 with 1lb of freon when it stopped working well.  Summer 2009 called JM who charged us for over 5lbs of freon plus a number of misc items replaced to the tune of almost $1000.  Now, summer 2010 it's low again but only needs about 2lbs. 

Skeptical we called 6 different hvac guys to investigate and provide estimates.  All agreed it wasn't possible for JM to put 5lbs in.  They also said we were scammed.  First, our system now needs less than 2lbs of freon.  Not possible to go from 1lb to 5lbs to 2lbs.  The leaks get bigger over time.  They don't get bigger then smaller.  5lbs would be a red flag to investigate/test for leaks. 

Also, he charged for parts that weren't needed, or weren't actually installed.  Now we're trying to figure out our recourse.  Trying to figure out who we need to actually sue in small claims to get restitution.  We'll also be contacting the Attorney General's office.