Heating and Air Conditioning (cont., pg. 5)

 

Things You Should Watch For

● Insist that each HVAC contractor bidding your job does a proper load calculation.

 

Some HVAC contractors used to size the units they installed by using a ton-per-square-foot-of-living-space ratio. That’s not good enough.

The only way to really accurately
determine the size and output requirements of your climate control system is by “Manual-J” and “Manual-H” calculations.

Buying too little output makes you uncomfortable.

Buying too much makes your net worth uncomfortable.

 

● Some HVAC contractors can be a wee bit extravagant in their estimating. They oversize the system to make sure that there are no callbacks from people complaining that their new house isn’t  “warm enough” or isn’t “cool enough.” Pay attention not just to the price he is bidding, but to the capacity of the system as well.  If different contractors recommend different capacities, ask why.

                                                                  

There is software available that lets you do your own “Manual-J” or “Manual-H” calculations, just in case you want to compare with what the professionals estimate.

● This happened to me once.  I contracted for a 3.0 ton air conditioning system.  The contractor actually installed a less expensive 2.5 ton unit.  

This error was discovered by noting the model number and serial number and comparing that to the records kept by the manufacturer, via website.

I made the assumption that it was an honest mistake because I had no reason to believe otherwise.  But I did get them to replace the unit with what I paid for ─ a 3 ton model.

● As a contractor who must obtain his own separate permit, your HVAC specialist is responsible for requesting inspections.

As with all inspection requests handled by your subcontractors, it’s a good idea to follow up to make sure the inspections have been requested and passed.