HVAC reviews in Sterling, Virginia

After 20 years of being a loyal customer, I'm moving on. John Nugent & Sons has changed.

A year ago, they sold me on a $600 annual maintenance plan. I had to pay in advance and then had to call to schedule them in both spring and fall. No proactive approach: just take the money and run.

When they came to do the 'maintenance,' they were in and out in a matter of minutes. Despite the annual maintenance plan, my units still experienced the same regular issues (e.g. condenser capacitor, ignitor failure, etc.).

Most recently, my furnace went out. The service technician proceeded to tell my wife that it was likely a bad 'safety switch' and proceeded to give us two estimates: Option 1. A $1600 estimate to replace the pressure switch, inducer motor, and ignitor, or Option 2. A $8,000 estimate for a new furnace.

Calling it a safety switch was my first hint that something was off. It's a furnace. Literally everything in it is designed for safety. You can call it a safety inducer motor, a safety ignitor, a safety flame sensor, etc. Calling it a safety switch is intended to invoke fear and a desire to 'make it safe'.

After taking a look at the unit, I decided to see if i could replace the pressure switch and fan inducer myself; which I did. It still did not resolve the problem, so I called them back. When the technician arrived, it was the same guy as before, only this time, he's dealing with me instead of my wife. I was incredibly nice but he's got a bad attitude and will barely even speak with me. I assume he's pissed that I have done some of my own work.

He goes out on the porch to call his boss. I can only assume he's complaining that I worked on the unit. He then comes back inside and proceeds to take the unit apart, tells me his boss will call me, and then leaves... leaving the unit in pieces.

About an hour later, a supervisor calls me and tells me that they're going to need to order more parts to replace the things I've already replaced, but that they don't want to work with me if I'm going to do my own work. I kindly advise that I'd like them to do whatever is needed and that I'll await the estimate.

And then,... nothing. Like a ghost, they're gone.

In case you're wondering how this all turned out, I was able to call another vendor referred by a friend. They came out the same day and after reassembling the unit, they found leaves in the fresh air intake pipe. An easy fix; and one that didn't require ANY new parts at all. This should have been easily addressed by any competent HVAC technician.

To the owners and operators of Nugent & Sons -- I'm a fiercely loyal customer for brands that do right by me. For 20 years, you answered my call, and then something changed. Your technicians used to be helpful and friendly, but now they seem motivated by how quickly they can get out the door and whether they can upsell me in the time they're in my home. This customer is gone for good but do I hope you turn this around because a long family legacy is at stake.

The technician turned up right on time, in fact, a few minutes earlier. That is the best part. He went through the diagnostics for a kitchen faucet issue and provided the options. He also fixed a minor toilet issue for a reasonable price.

Very much appreciated J. Nugent and Sons sending out employee Larry Dunn on very short notice, he called to let us know he was on the way, and arrived on time. He came very well prepared and was able to resolve multiple complicated issues. He explained to me everything he did as he was doing it, just like a pit crew chief. Thank you , The Del Vecchio family

Jona was excellent. After spending several hours, trying to narrow down the problem with my Mitsubishi mini split, he was able to detect the issue. I’m very satisfied with his work and he was very pleasant to work with.

I recently had Nugent & Sons install a Mitsubishi mini-split in my workshop, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their service. From the initial consultation to the installation, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. The installation itself was done with great attention to detail, and everything was left clean and tidy.

Unfortunately, about three weeks after installation, the unit developed an issue. However, Nugent & Sons handled it perfectly—they quickly diagnosed the problem, ordered a replacement part from Mitsubishi, and had it up and running again in no time. Now, the system is working flawlessly and whisper-quiet.

May 21st 2025
Update my Mitsubishi Mini Split again starting making a grinding noise after 4 weeks of use for a second time. We had determined that it was most likely a defective unit from the factory or shipping. Something was causing it to run great for about 4 weeks and then it would slowly start making grinding noises wearing out the same parts. Mitsubishi was not a big help their customer service was slow, rude ,didn’t return calls or have any good solutions to the problem other than offering us new parts again, but Nugent and Sons did not give up and replaced the entire air handler and it’s running perfectly now and I appreciate their persistence and commitment to getting it fixed correctly because nothing that happened in my opinion was their fault and Mitsubishi did not seem to care about the contractors time and money being wasted having to respond multiple times. So far the new air handler is whisper quiet like it should be and they are definitely my heating and air company from now on because they care about getting jobs done correctly and their reputation as a trustworthy company and that’s how you earn loyal customers for life. Hopefully Mitsubishi can take a lesson from Nugent & Sons on customer service and treat their Contractors better going forward.

Great customer service, top-notch professionalism, and a company that truly stands behind its work. I highly recommend Nugent & Sons for any HVAC needs!

You get what you pay for. They weren't the cheapest option but the service and the products were top shelf. The crew that did the installation were friendly, knowledgeable and worked hard add AC to my town house and replace my gas furnace. They did their best to keep the mess to a minimum and even cleaned up everything before they left each day. I can't recommend them enough. What I really appreciated is that there were no sub-contractors. From the initial inspection and quote until the end of the job, it was someone from their own company. They even handled all the electrical work.

I have had consistently good experiences with Nugent and Sons HVAC maintenance. Their technicians, specifically Nick, are professional. I never feel like Nick is trying to upsell me. He explains in detail what needs to be done (and ways I can maintain the health of the system myself between services). Very pleased!

At 9pm just before the snowstorm came through our thermostat went out--no heat. I called John Nugent and Sons and left a message using their AI system, which marked the problem as urgent. I did not have much hope that I would get a call back let alone service. However, mid-day Sunday I received a call that if we still needed service that they could be there soon. True to their word the technician, Youness, arrived when he said. The problem turned out to be a loose wire connection. It was amazing that in the icy conditions he braved coming out. But, I think the true telling was what Youness told me. He stated that his boss asked if he would go out on calls on Sunday, if he (the boss) drove him around, knowing that Youness' van could not make it through the snow and ice. It was Youness' next comment, that he wanted to help as he did not want anyone to be without heat in this weather. That says it all, and I thank you!

Today was a combo of electrical & plumbing repair and both jobs were done with patience, very professional and thorough. Getting ready for a big Sunday party and there was flooding in a basement bathroom and pipe/water heater , as well as outlets in all 5 bathrooms were not working . No GFCI plugs to be seen !!! 😲 Doug & Ron came in to inspect the home and found the one mysterious “Reset “ outlet that not only cleared the bathroom circuit , but also turned on the Radon system that was mysteriously tripped as well!! Next, the plumber Larry was so thorough and figured out the flooding was caused by the main drain , which he snaked , as well as flushing the water heater to preserve this (versus replace $$$). He ended up replacing old toilet tank parts and a seal valve that was incorrectly installed . So impressed that both areas were cleaned up after the job was done . Awesome work 😄 I found out they do hvac systems too!! Yay

The service was Excellent! They repaired pin hole leaks in several pipes and installed a new hot water heater at a very reasonable cost. I absolutely love their embrace of technology. They have an automated phone service that allows you to make appointments after hours. It sounded very human-like. They were always on-time for each appointment and provided plumbing advice that I as a new home owner absolutely needed. They went above and beyond! I highly highly recommend their services.

Got a Mitsubishi mini split system installed. The installers arrived on time, professional, and repeatedly checked in with me to make sure everything was being installed as I desired. Worksite was left clean and wrapped everything up within a day. Pricing was also very competitive.

Dave was the rep who called on our home. In the coldest time of this winter following a heavy snow, he was able to service our broken unit within 24 hours of my initial call for service. He was very thorough and ensured I understood all my options. It was a pleasure meeting him and my unit is working great.

The best! I’ve worked with John Nugent & Sons many times over the years and they’ve always been incredibly reliable and professional. It’s a company I trust completely so much so that I’ve referred them to plenty of clients and friends without ever second-guessing it. They’re honest, consistent and just genuinely good at what they do. You can tell they take pride in their work and that goes a long way. Highly recommend.

I have been using Nugent & Sons for over 25 years. When a recent power spike made my thermostat go blank, I called Nugent and they came out the same day. I thought maybe the thermostat was fried, but it turned out to be a simple blown fuse... no extra charge, no upsell. Nugent has always treated me well, and I am happy to recommend them.

We had an urgent electricity issue with our main breaker. Justin came out analyzed the situation. Gave us clear cut options. He explained them well. He also made it so we could have some temporary power which was amazing!! Then—He came out the next day and completed the work in a timely manner! He did a fantastic job! We are so appreciative!!

I requested an estimate for a new water heater. The service technician (Tom) was courteous and informative. He took time to answer all my questions and provided the information I needed.
No pressure to buy anything nor try to upsell. Just straightforward advise. Much appreciated.

We've had great service from John Nugent and Sons since we had them replace one of our air conditioning systems in the spring, and then the other in the fall. When they serviced our heating system in January, the technician explained what the problem was, and showed me how to work around it if it happened again before the replacement part arrived. Great service, and very little delay in getting someone out to look at a problem.

Shawn was very friendly and professional. He fixed our toilet and adjusted our water heater. We've had problems with the water heater not heating enough water. He was very knowledgeable about adjusting the heating elements so their output worked correctly with the mixing valve to produce more hot water. Several tries by other plumbers left us with water too cold or dangerously scalding hot. Good work and nice person.

I called John Nugent & Sons for a third opinion. I was pleasantly surprised with how knowledgeable & honest the technician was. I have a membership with a big company FH Furr for many years and always felt uneasy with their recommendations. According to them I had a 6% carbon monoxide leakage in my basement and recommended an $8k reparation or a $12k HVAC unit. I decided to go for a second and even a third opinion. Both companies assured me my furnace is working completely fine and no repairs are needed. Plus no trace of carbon monoxide. The difference between the second company and John Nugent & Son’s was their customer service and the professionalism and knowledge the technician treated my case. He patiently explained and demonstrated how the furnace works leaving me with a great peace of mind. From now on they will be the ones doing my yearly check ups and maintenance. I truly appreciate their service.

Nugent & Sons is always top notch. From the great annual service they do to this immediate water heater need, their staff is kind, patient, efficient, informative, and always willing to go above and beyond to make the experience the best possible. You'll not get pushed to do more than needed unless you choose, and they will always give you plenty of information before you make the decision.

Cameron was so great! If you get him, you are in for a great experience.

Highly recommend them to everyone who needs electrical, HVAC, or plumbing needs. We've used them for all 3 and the service is always the same.

Amazing work done and the guys made me laugh! What an incredible experience!!! Will definitely be having them back to do other things in the coming years! The work was done efficiently, clean, and they didn’t stop until the job was done right! It saved me years of headaches and money by just having them do it right the first time. Ask for Matt and Ron, they are an awesome team!!!