D.R. Kohlman, Inc.

Review: Concerns during installation of a brand of radiant heater that they do not promote in their company/on their website but was an idea of [redacted] to put in our garage. Concerns about the procedures the installers took putting the system together were met with comments from them stating they used "cheap parts" and that fellow employees "do not know how to install yet" proved installation was sub-par and communication dwindling to the effect we had to leave a message in order for them to remove their equipment after over a week so we could again use our garage. Installation was followed by a continuous propane smell inside the building 2 months later that is still there to date. Also, a tube section had rusted shortly after installation whereas the company never responded to even look at the concern but [redacted] was adamant on the phone that it was not supposed to rust especially on the portion of tube that was described. As [redacted] refused to address these concerns I was forced to bring up the possibility of having the system returned as it does not meet a basic quality/safety/fuel efficient/cost effective standard. I was subsequently dismissed by him. Further attempts to contact anyone who would assist me met with negative results. We believe the company (1) was deceptive in selling us a product that didn't meet not only our standards but theirs, (2) endangered us with the sub-par installation and (3) has intentionally refused to respond and/or take action to address our valid concerns.Desired Settlement: To be refunded the total cost of the system ($1800) and the system to be removed.

Business

Response:

In October of 2014, we were contacted by [redacted] to install a heating system in heruninsulated shed which was being converted into a dog kennel. It was recommended by us toinstall an overhead radiant heater which was the only system that would effectively heat thestructure due to the fact that it heats objects rather than air. She apparently ran the system andfound that she was using more fuel than she could afford, knowing the building is not insulated.We were notified of a gas smell shortly after installation, and we thought the issues werecorrected. She contacted us in March of 2015. She said she wanted the unit removed becauseshe was using too much fuel and was not sufficiently heating the building.I made an attempt to stop and see her when I was in the area approximately one week after wehad spoken, but she was not home. She called again, and I made arrangements to see her aboutthe issues with the installation. I told at this time, the system that was installed was her bestoption and gave her suggestions as to insulating the building and keeping the ceiling high enoughto reuse the same system. She also brought to my attention that one of the tubes was rusting andwas concerned that it would rust through. I assured her that th is was not a problem but wouldaddress the issue when she decided exactly what she wanted to do. She also asked if we wouldbuy the unit back. At that time I had given her a buy back price of $800.00 dollars. I left her withthe understanding that she would call back after making a decision as to what she was going todo.She called on Friday May 8, 2015. I went to see her on Monday May 11, 2015. At that time sheexpressed her dissatisfaction with the unit that we had installed. She had indicated that shethought the unit was a substandard piece of equipment because we did not promote it on ourwebsite. I expla ined to her that we can 't promote everything, we recommend or sell. I assured herthat we have been selling this equipment for over fifteen years without incident or complaint. Sheinsisted that it be removed and wanted to be reimbursed for $1 ,800.00 dollars. This is the amountshe wanted after looking on internet finding she could purchase it for that amount.I stated to her I couldn't reimburse her for more than $1 ,000.00 dollars. I stated she couldprobably get more for the unit by advertising it on craigsl ist. She agreed to the $1 ,000.00 dollarsand shook hands on it. I had the unit removed the same day by two on my installers which werein the area at the time.A check was sent to her May 21 , 2015 for the amount of $1 ,000.00 dollars

I recently had DR Kohlman come out to do a furnace checkup. My technician Dave showed up right on time, and was neatly dressed, polite and friendly. He went through a checklist for the furnace, cleaned it inside and out, and gave it a clean bill of health. He even brought his own vacuum. Professional, knowledgeable and efficient - just what I would have hoped for. I will have them back for my A/C check this spring.