Experienced architects will provide location space for HVAC equipment, and if you have them do detailed interior plans, elevations and sections, will locate supply and return diffusers, controls, etc., taking into account structural framing. An architect's specifications typically contain the "performance" criteria to be used by the HVAC contractor (if you pay the architect for work beyond simple floor plans). The actual design of the HVAC system is typically done by the HVAC subcontractor selected by the builder and the cost is included in the builder's bid. You should be aware that once construction has begun, it's always somewhat of a contest between mechanical, plumbing, electrical, signal and other system subs as to the sequence of trades called to the job site by the builder. Whomever is first tends to run their system without much regard for subsequent subs. Subsequent subs wind up "fitting around" the work of earlier subs. This may not pose a problem in "simple" houses, but can create challenges in more complex designs. Good luck on your project.

what is going on is the system is going into defrost which is normal operation of a heat pump. when it goes into defrost what happens is the system actually reverses and goes into the air condioning mode but the heat strips are suppose to kick on to keep cold air from blowing in the house. it sounds like your heat strips are not turning on and it is blowing cold air in the house. they need to check the strips and see if they are working properly. then they need to make sure that the strips are calling during defrost. the heat strips are deffinately your problem. the only thing is that if the unit has not been running and as soon as you turn it on it goes in to defrost something is wrong there too. it should run for a little while before it goes in to defrost not right away. you could have a bad board or defrost sensor also. or the board could be your whole problem it is going into defros to much and the board is what turns on the strips during defrost. teel the technician exactly what you told me and they should know exactly what to check. good luck

Good news - they did manage to snake the wires through the wall w/o damage. I am very happy. The little contract we drew up did not mention anything about drywall repair, or any other repair for that matter. I have never done this sort of thing before, and never realized something like this SHOULD be in the contract. It was always my belief that when a worker comes into your home to do repairs, they are always expected to leave things in the same condition as they were when they found them. As for the copper....I know it was worth around $3 per pound. Someone else said as long as they didn't take 20 pounds (or $60), not to worry about it. To me, stealing is stealing....doesnt matter what dollar ammount it equates to, it still is unacceptable. I do know its better to "ignore" it happened. Had I said something, they probably would have done a horrible install. I know one little perk to being a plumber, electrician or HVAC guy means you have access to scrap copper. But if the homeowner specifies they want it, then it is not yours to take. Thanks for the help guys. Hope you all have a great day.

The biggest problem with HVAC zone systems is knowing when to choose it as a solution and when not to. Some HVAC companies it's about "sell, sell, sell" whether or not it works... there's more money in "sell, sell, sell" --- when it's only about money? So does the comment above mean I do it for free? No. If you think that you are reading things that aren't there. New construction? best to choose separate systems 9 times out of 10. In order for a zone system to work, you have to know what you are doing. Most HVAC companies staff (the techs they send you) are 20-30 year olds. How much practical experience could they possible have? It's best for HVAC zone systems to be an elegant solution. A HVAC zone system is a tool in the tool bag. Not all homes are suitable for zone systems. Some homes there is no other way, and in some cases complications to those problems will make an HVAC zone system design possibly more prone to problems. You have a problem now, do you want more problems. These decisions among others are decided "in person" --- so considering that becareful what information you decide upon from the internet. Just because it's here doesn't necessarily mean it's true. That said: Depending on equipment level chosen, how many different floors you have in your structure, how much room you have available... will all be factors that make you decide one way or another. From there it's in your best interest to pick a contractor that is skilled: especially when it comes to HVAC zone systems. (there's a lot of garbage out there.) (click to enlarge if necessary) I service the Katy, Texas area.