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Heating & Air Conditioning

Where did you find good HVAC contractors in your area?

17 years ago

I'm just starting to get quotes to install central air in my house, which is a 100-year-old house in New England with forced hot air heat.

I got one quote from the company that sold me a new furnace early last winter. The furnace installation was done on an emergency basis, and I chose the company because I'd been using them for years to service the old furnace.

I called another company for a quote, and their quote came in about $1,000 less than the other estimate. I don't know this second company at all - I chose their name at random out of the phone book, because I wanted more than one estimate for comparison. I've been asking everyone I know for recommendations for HVAC people, without success.

So, how did you all find HVAC contractors in your area? I'm perfectly happy to buy again from the HVAC company I've used in the past, but $1,000 is a significant portion of the estimate, and I don't want to just throw away the money. Would you just negotiate with the contractor I know and like, or pick more names out of the phone book, or ...?

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Comments (3)

mr_havac
17 years ago
You can't just go by the price. Ask each of them for a written proposal stating exactly what they plan to do. It should include the brand, model etc. of the equipment along with anything else that will make the installation complete and working including any modifications to existing ductwork, electrical service etc. Just like automobile mfg. HVAC mfg. sell different models at different price levels. One company might want to sell you a Ford Focus and the other wants to sell you an Expedition. With written proposals you'll have something to look over and compare before you make a decision.
scott2006
17 years ago
Joann,
Where do you live.?
Angies list helps some.
I found most of them in the Cleveland area want to stick it to you on price. Don't be a a rush to put something in.
Right now you don't need heat or cooling so take it slow.

I found a good deal on the Amana 2 stage variable speed fan and 16 seer air installed 4,500 with new electrical and lines installed.

The big name peopel wanted 6-8 thousand ( trane - Rheam) for the same thing, or even a lesser 13 seer air and single stage 85% furnace...

Don't forget the Amana 95.5% and 16 seer will give you the tax credit of 500$. So figure that in the price.

Also most of the furnace people in this area seem to be stuck with 85% eff furnaces and don't push the 95.5 - 96% units. The seem to want to dump the 85% jos on you and tell you the more efficant ones are trouble.... etc.bla bla bla.......The one I have saved me a ton of money.

The only trouble I have is figuring how low my bill will be every month.hehehehe
Oh .... the Amana is giving a 10 year GT right now.

I'm not pushing Amana, I don't work for them, I just like the furnace.

Scott
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I would first start with asking for recommendations from friends. Most people select their contractor solely on price, so you have to be careful. If you like the Trane and Carrier equipment, then go the web sites and search for factory authorized dealers in your area. There is no guarantee they will be good, but it helps improve the probability. Explain the situation you have and ask if they will do a thorough Manual J calculation in order to determine the size of the equipment. You also want the duct work to be inspected to make sure it is the proper size. The proposals should have a complete list of all model numbers of the equipment and details of what work will be done. The contractor should be able to discuss and propose different equipment options and their pricing. If a contractor is unwilling to do these things then keep looking. Get at least three proposals. I recommend staying with the same brand so it makes easier to make comparisons. There is nothing wrong with comparing two brands as long as you understand the details of the equipment.
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bus_driver
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After several problems getting my new installation completed properly, I contacted the manufacturer's rep for that brand. He told me that he was not permitted to recommend one specific contractor over another. So I asked him who did the work for his own residence. He told me. It worked out well. He told me that about 5% of HVAC contractors really do the job well. Most folks would not have had the concerns I had. I have been involved in electrical wiring since 1947, but not always on a full-time basis. Plumbing for some fewer years. I once worked for a contractor who did both electrical and HVAC. I knew shoddy work when I saw it and that is what I was getting.

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