Terrence Gasbarro, a longtime customer, said he mailed his annual payment on Sept. 2. The company cashed the check on Sept. 8, he said. His furnace appointment was scheduled for Oct. 5, but no technician arrived, and he received no response to a text message.

After checking the company’s website, Gasbarro found a closure notice from President Richard DiRocco Jr. He said it did not explain whether customers would receive refunds or whether another contractor would take over service agreements.

DiRocco told the local television station that worsening economic conditions, falling sales and the loss of funding after his father’s death contributed to the decision to close. He said the company had tried to keep operating but could not continue.

When asked about Gasbarro’s account, DiRocco said the company could not issue refunds, citing a lack of money after it had been unable to meet payroll in its final two weeks. He said he paid employees what they were owed from his own funds and that the company owned no building or vehicles.

Gasbarro, who is on a fixed income, said he has accepted the loss but wants other homeowners to check their service arrangements before relying on them for winter heating. He has filed a complaint with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. Small Claims Court is another possible route, though pursuing a claim does not guarantee the company’s president will appear, according to the report.

State records showed DiRocco held an active contractor’s license associated with Continental Engineering, scheduled to expire at the end of October. The company’s Johnston office was locked when visited, though its name remained on the building and vans were parked behind it.