Air Conditioning - Looking for new furnace and central air
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ironindian
07-13-08, 01:04 AM
Hello,
I live in Portland Oregon, and am getting bids to replace my furnace and install Central AC unit. I have done allot of research on line and then found this site. Instead of getting salemen advice I would like to ask for brand recomendations by the repair people and end users. I like the idea of a 2 stage unit, instead of a variable ( more things to fo wrong), but am open to suggestions.
Thank you for your time,
JV :D
I live in Portland Oregon, and am getting bids to replace my furnace and install Central AC unit. I have done allot of research on line and then found this site. Instead of getting salemen advice I would like to ask for brand recomendations by the repair people and end users. I like the idea of a 2 stage unit, instead of a variable ( more things to fo wrong), but am open to suggestions.
Thank you for your time,
JV :D
The Real Deal
07-13-08, 08:02 AM
If you follow these instructions - You cant go wrong.
* Purchase the highest effiecent system you can afford...IE variable speed, two stage, and so on as your pocket book can afford the initial install expense.
* Buy from the most solid (Larger) reputable company that is in good standing (not financially in trouble) because when the larger reputable company makes mistakes ( and they do!), they can afford to fix it even at a loss. ( this happens alot my friend) - large successful companies put a percentage of every billable service hour and sales install into a separate fund to correct and pay for liable service/install issues in the future.
*Small companies that work from job to job (1-3 installs a week) to keep the doors open (often the lowest bid on install but the highest service repair rates taking advantage exploiting every call) - which also means they really cant afford to pay for highly qualified install/service techs nor will highly qualified techs work for such a company - When a company such as this does not make enough profit margin or even in cases lose money on a job such as yours - they are highly motivated to often do the wrong thing. Often the sales person assuring you of a great job/less expensive/system install/ dont need this or that, will be the owner himself (moral delema). If they go beyond their means at any givin week, they have problems making or cant make payroll at all - If the choice was yours...what would you do?
*Dont try to save a few hundred dollars when it will cost you thousands by sales/ contractor mistakes - poor installs ( losing the high effeicency you paid for but not getting) costing much more in electric and repair bills.
* (Most important) Make sure you purchase a *10 year parts and LABOR!!! warranty to cover all repair costs of the new high tech system. Average life of these systems are 12-15 years. Get a list from the company in writing what (consumables) may be charged and not covered - Understand that refrigerant - evacuation - recovery - torch welding - and many other things are not considered to be "parts" and so not covered. Some companies will exploit this and charge huge dollars that you must pay for upon rendering service to you even with a full parts and labor warranty. Larger companies can absorb this cost and often do to keep you happy and spreading their good name.
* Only let qualified technicians work on and perform preventive maintenance on your systems - If you have a bad feeling about the person working on your system including DIY!- your feeling is probably right!!!! Dont be afraid to stop the work and call the company to send out someone who makes you feel comfortable.
End of story.
* Purchase the highest effiecent system you can afford...IE variable speed, two stage, and so on as your pocket book can afford the initial install expense.
* Buy from the most solid (Larger) reputable company that is in good standing (not financially in trouble) because when the larger reputable company makes mistakes ( and they do!), they can afford to fix it even at a loss. ( this happens alot my friend) - large successful companies put a percentage of every billable service hour and sales install into a separate fund to correct and pay for liable service/install issues in the future.
*Small companies that work from job to job (1-3 installs a week) to keep the doors open (often the lowest bid on install but the highest service repair rates taking advantage exploiting every call) - which also means they really cant afford to pay for highly qualified install/service techs nor will highly qualified techs work for such a company - When a company such as this does not make enough profit margin or even in cases lose money on a job such as yours - they are highly motivated to often do the wrong thing. Often the sales person assuring you of a great job/less expensive/system install/ dont need this or that, will be the owner himself (moral delema). If they go beyond their means at any givin week, they have problems making or cant make payroll at all - If the choice was yours...what would you do?
*Dont try to save a few hundred dollars when it will cost you thousands by sales/ contractor mistakes - poor installs ( losing the high effeicency you paid for but not getting) costing much more in electric and repair bills.
* (Most important) Make sure you purchase a *10 year parts and LABOR!!! warranty to cover all repair costs of the new high tech system. Average life of these systems are 12-15 years. Get a list from the company in writing what (consumables) may be charged and not covered - Understand that refrigerant - evacuation - recovery - torch welding - and many other things are not considered to be "parts" and so not covered. Some companies will exploit this and charge huge dollars that you must pay for upon rendering service to you even with a full parts and labor warranty. Larger companies can absorb this cost and often do to keep you happy and spreading their good name.
* Only let qualified technicians work on and perform preventive maintenance on your systems - If you have a bad feeling about the person working on your system including DIY!- your feeling is probably right!!!! Dont be afraid to stop the work and call the company to send out someone who makes you feel comfortable.
End of story.
Codyy
07-13-08, 10:02 AM
Just a couple other points...
Get 3 bids on the job, always the best way to go. And also, make sure the contractor does the necessary calculations including something called a Manual J or heat loss/load calculation. It is to determine what size machine you need (going by a rule of thumb is not great).
As for specific brands, we have a Keeprite air conditioner and although it is old I have no complaints whatsoever. As for furnace, we have a Carrier, and again only one service call in probably 5-7+ years.
Also, you might want to go with R410a refrigerant.
Good luck!
Get 3 bids on the job, always the best way to go. And also, make sure the contractor does the necessary calculations including something called a Manual J or heat loss/load calculation. It is to determine what size machine you need (going by a rule of thumb is not great).
As for specific brands, we have a Keeprite air conditioner and although it is old I have no complaints whatsoever. As for furnace, we have a Carrier, and again only one service call in probably 5-7+ years.
Also, you might want to go with R410a refrigerant.
Good luck!