Ask Your HVAC Contractor

When deciding between contractors for an installation project, ask a few questions. Have all the contractors bidding on an install, bid the same job.

There are many ways to install an H.V.A.C. system from locations (attic, basement,closet), materials, equipment manufacturers, and efficiencies. Having all potential contractors bidding on the same work will save you money by comparing "apples to apples". What seems like a good deal may not be, if you are unaware of these facts that are usually taken for granted or assumed. Arming yourself with information will help to receive what you pay for. Lowest bidder decision making often leaves you receiving less in one way or the other.

Q: What is the brand and efficiency rating of each piece of equipment?

A: There are many manufacturers of H.V.A.C. equipment and they have other product lines that they represent as well. Knowing which brands are being bidded on keeps the playing field level because most contractors have a specific brand they represent and get better pricing on. Name brand equipment like those found on this site are the GM, Ford, and Chrysler of the industry. As you know each company also makes other lines that are most often just as good as the big names. Usually with buying big brand name equipment you will usually pay a premium for the name alone. Efficiency ratings play a large role in the pricing of equipment, the higher the rating the price jumps dramatically.

Q: Where is all the equipment to be located?

A: When deciding where to have a furnace located, consideration of attic space needs to be considered. Too small of a space may prevent the installation because of building codes. Whether or not to install it in a closet is another way to accomodate the furnace. Air filters need to be replaced as they become dirty and on regular intervals. If a furnace is installed in an attic space will you be able to replace the filters yourself or call a service tech out every time? If it is installed in a closet changing filters can be performed easily by the home owner.

Q: Who will perform the installation, and startup?

A: Often times contractors have a crew of men varying in skill levels and years of experience. An apprentice or tradesman often installs the equipment while a journeyman performs the start-up and checkout. Ask the contractor who will perform these tasks ask for evidence of training or at the bare minimum, legal status of their employees. Sometimes contractors will resort to bringing in untrained and migrant workers in order to keep their costs down. If a bid comes in dramatically lower, be cautious and research the company to ensure their reputation and likely hood they will be there if you have troubles in the future.

Q: When will the job start and end?

A: Ask your contractor when they can start the job, if they answer "tomorrow" they likely don't have much work going on and may be a little more flexible on their price. H.V.A.C. contractors need to keep their employees working as much as possible to keep their overhead costs in check and retention of good mechanics. This could work in your favor by negotiating the price a little. Ask how long the job will take and the different phases involved. An average home (1200 sq.ft.) should take about two days with an average size crew. With a large crew one day with one or two men about 3 days. It is good to be on the same page and have realistic expectations on the cleanliness of your home during construction. Installing an air-conditioning system is a major project and there will be some dust no matter what precations are taken.

Q: Why is the bid so much lower?

A: Many factors go into a bid for a job based upon their past experience of how long particular tasks take, and the challenges of the job. Equipment selection is another large part of the costs especially with greater energy efficiencies. Many times a bid may need not include replacing duct work if there are existing heating ducts. Typically heating ducts are not sufficiently sized for cooling applications because cooling requires almost twice the heating air volume. When a heating duct is used for cooling, air noises and draftiness sometimes occur which may be undesirable for some people. Utilizing existing boxes and registers will have similar effects on the performance of the equipment. Ask if the duct work is adequately sized and in good condition. If existing duct work was for heating only or additions to the home are intended or performed previously you will probably need duct work replaced to operate correctly and efficiently.

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