We inherited a rented furnace and hot water tank from the previous homeowners. We have had an unpleasant and dangerous relationship with Direct Energy. Here are the lowlights.
1) A service man from DE was checking the furnace and he bumped the hot water tank thermostat. An hour after he left, hot water started spouting out of the emergency valve on the tank. My basement was filling with boiling water. I couldn't reach the tank nor the water main without scalding myself. Direct Energy's Emergency response call centre was rude but dispatched the same service man an hour later. Fortunately, I flagged down a Toronto City worker who had insulated boots and could shut the water tank off. I owe him big. The Direct Energy serviceman told me it was a dangerous situation. Thanks for that.
2) We had the furnace checked under the annual maintenance agreement for rentals. It passed so we bought the furnace out. It conked out 6 weeks later. We hired a reputable company to replace the rental and he was shocked that the rental had been approved. IT was cracked on the inside and melting parts. Looks like it had been that way for a few years.
3) Had tank checked 3 months ago. Two weeks ago we smelled gas - evacuated house called 911. Firefighters found the house filled with carbon monoxide (170 ppm - lethal is 100 ppm). The alarms did not sound (another story). The hot water tank was the source. When DE came, they couldn't explain WHY it was letting off CO but tried to avoid liability by saying it must be our fault. Could not explain why it was giving off CO nor for how long.
Direct Energy just gets the job done fast and with little expense to the company as possible. We relied on them and our safety was at risk. We have replaced our air conditioner, furnace, and hot water tank with a reputable and responsible contractor.
UPDATE - DE has posted a response in which they ask for my contact info. However, they did not include their contact info. Do I just call customer service and hope I get the right department? Are they assuming I will post my contact info on Homestars? I'm happy to talk to someone from the company (yet again) but who do I speak to?
- Approximate cost of services:
- $4,000.00
- Company Response
Thanks for the information, can you please send us your full name, phone number, and address so we can investigate and validate your allegations,
Thanks.