In an field there are good players and less good players. At Boer Brothers we strive to be the best choice for most people most of the time. But the final answer of who you should hire depends on your needs. In general when hunting for a company to maintain your system, look for one that designs, installs, and services the type of system you have. Full service companies also tend to be up to date on the latest advances in the field.
Besides checking that liability insurance and workers’ compensation policies are in force, ask for recommendations or check with neighbors, friends, and family who have used the company over several years. Boer Brothers sends a request for a review to every customer everytime and we publish it right on our website. Here’s the link. Find out.
How well did the system run under the company’s care?
Did the technicians leave the working area clean?
How quickly did the contractor respond to emergencies?
Were the service people punctual when you called with a problem?
Buying a New HVAC System
Heating and cooling equipment is designed to last at least 15 to 20 years. If your system is older than this, you might want to have its condition assessed. Although replacing HVAC equipment is a major expense, modern systems operate much more efficiently than the older units they replace.
Most HVAC contractors specialize in designing and installing the systems of a few manufacturers, so no one shop is going to carry every major brand. But before you worry about the equipment, it makes sense to find contractors in your area that are knowledgeable and service-oriented.
HVAC unitStart your search by asking neighbors, friends and family what companies they hired to replace a furnace or air-conditioning system. If they were happy with the installation, ask their contractor to come over and talk to you about heating or cooling your house.
You should meet with at least two contractors, and hire someone who installs products from at least two manufacturers. Don’t forget to consider your service company, if you have one. You’re under no obligation to hire the firm for the new system, but its technicians do have a good understanding of the conditions in your home.
When picking a contractor, remember that sizing an HVAC unit by matching it to the home and existing ducting requires skill and experience. A poor design typically results in a system that doesn’t deliver a consistent temperature from room to room and costs more to operate.
But it can be even more serious than that. In very tight houses served by ductwork, poor design can lead to backdrafting, a dangerous situation where flue gases are sucked back into the house.
Most HVAC shops are small, so the owner should be involved with the system design and either participate actively in the installation or inspect it when it’s done. You don’t want your system designed by a salesman with no field experience. You should be wary of situations where the service company has told you that you need a new system, usually there is an available repair also that repair doesn’t always pass the cost benefit test.
Any contractor you’re considering also should offer these products and services:
Heat-Loss Calculation
This process estimates the BTU capacity needed to heat or cool your home. The calculation should include:
The amount and type of insulation in the walls, attic and floors.
The type, number, and location of windows and doors.
This data is combined with your regional climatic conditions to determine the size unit you need. Software has made these calculations relatively easy. HVAC technicians who don’t perform them often specify oversize equipment to be safe. That’s dollars out of your pocket now and each time you get an utility bill.
Energy Advice
When sizing an HVAC unit, a good contractor will advise you of energy upgrades, such as adding another layer of insulation to the attic. These may allow you to buy a smaller HVAC unit. Although it may not be cost effective to buy the most energy efficient unit on the market, there are minimums you should shoot for. Here’s what a contractor should offer:
An AC unit (if below five tons) with a 14 SEER or higher.
A high-efficiency, natural gas heater with an AFUE of around 90 percent.
A fuel-oil burner with an AFUE of around 85 percent.
A heat pump with an 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF.
Programmable thermostat
Automatic Controls
A programmable or setback thermostat (around $40), which contains a timer, should be used regulate all HVAC systems.
Payback Calculations
A quality HVAC contractor will show you payback calculations for the various units he offers, and those calculations should give you estimates of seasonal operating costs.
Variables the contractor will use in his calculations should include:
Your regional heating or cooling load.
The heating or cooling capacity of the units you are considering.
The cost of various types of energy to allow you to compare the costs of electric, gas, and oil.
Once you receive itemized estimates, compare the costs, and do some research on equipment. Start by visiting U.S. Dept. of Energy and Consumer Reports websites, or contact your utility company for comparative lists.
Look at operating efficiency and costs as well as consumer-rated reliability. Then compare your knowledge of the contractors involved and make your decision.
Boer Brothers has lots of article to help you through this decision. Here are some of our favorites.