Yelpers saved the day! got home last night and the heater was not working. found reviews for Dekes here on Yelp and gave them a call. Said their guy was on a call but would come here next. They called back 45 minutes later and Dan was here about an hour after our initial call. so far, so good!
Dan quickly and skillfully found the problem (a bad capacitor), had a replacement in his truck, and the heat is back on for just over $100. some other companies may have said it was a bad motor ($420 part) but that's now how Dekes works.
i highly recommend Dekes Refrigeration & Air Conditioning!