| CUSTOMER GUIDE |
| New Construction, Remodeling, and System Upgrades |
| Woe, the trials and tribulations of the new construction. "On time and under budget" is not a common phrase in this business. To make matters even worse, sometimes hearing and air conditioning isn't even planned for. It becomes an expensive add on later that may be the last thing the homeowner wants to hear about. Whether you are a builder or a person buying a home, make heating and air conditioning a priority! What is more important than your comfort? It's hard to enjoy that great view if it's over 100 degrees in your living room. Some of the joy is removed from that new bedroom if it never gets warm in there. Here is the typical scenario for the majority of new construction. The contractor, perhaps thinking that they are looking out for the home owners best interest, typically buys the cheapest equipment, materials and installation from the cheapest dealer, the lowest bid to keep initial costs down. This is NOT in the homeowners best interest! It is sort of like buying a Cadillac and putting bicycle seats in it. You have a new home, it is well insulated (it has to be, by code), it has efficient windows, energy saving devices, smoke alarms and so on. Yet, into this new home, this place where you may well spend more than half of your time, you allow your comfort to be compromised for the sake of a few hundred dollars! |
| Here are some of the "lowest bid" problems that often occur: High noise levels from inferior equipment and installation. Improperly sized equipment can affect your comfort. Improperly sized ducting - results in inadequate or noisy airflow. Return air is sized too small - this can eventually damage your compressor Ducting is often just "thrown on" and taped directly to the register boots. This will often pull free resulting in your heating your crawlspace or attic instead of your home. If not detected this can cost you hundreds of dollars on utility bills. Supply registers may not be placed correctly. Condensate drains are rarely placed and installed according to code. This can be very risky, epecially for an attic system. No trunk line or improperly sized trunk line. Trunk should be made of fiberglass ductboard or metal and MUST be sized correctly. Registers that are not adjustable or sized incorrectly. Will contractor still be in business six months or a year from installation to honor warranties if necessary? Improper sealing of ducts, registers, plenums and equipment can cost you money throughout the year. Problems like those listed can actually end up costing you more money in the long run than if you had paid for proper installation to begin with! Who loses when problems like these occur? Both the homeowner and the contractor. Homeowner and contractor should demand the highest quality of workmanship, and quality materials. Not necessarily the most expensive, but demand quality! Go to page 2 of the Customer Guide |
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