If there is any one phase of investing in a new HVAC system that emphasizes our theme of these letters to “find a HVAC contractor you can trust”, it is in the area of installation. After all, if all that is required is to compare the rated capacity of one heating or cooling unit with another, it doesn’t take “a rocket scientist” to do that.

     We mentioned previously, (click here for letters 1,2,3,4) that all HVAC contractors pay pretty much the same price for the same brand of equipment and the necessary materials…it is usually the variables that make up the difference in the HVAC installation pricing. You need to decide how important it is to you that those variables are done right.

     While there are many ways to “cut corners” thereby lowering their costs in an installation, they usually fall in to 3 or 4 specific categories. They are:

	•	Spend less time on the job.
	•	Do less work.
	•	Use fewer materials.
	•	Use lower-grade materials
	•	Ignore applicable codes.
Some of the most frequent examples of the above are:
	•	Not providing a permanent, level slab (instead of individual concrete blocks), for your air conditioner or heat pump to sit on.
	•	Use proper evacuation procedures for the recycling of refrigerant.
	•	Clearances for safety and service.
	•	Refrigerant lines (essential for new high efficiency units which must be sized to your new system).
	•	Combustion air for your furnace.
	•	Service accessibility.
There are a number of other ways that include (but not limited to):
	•	Neglecting to install an electrical disconnect.
	•	Neglecting to install proper type gas safety shutoff.
	•	Not correctly installing a new flue pipe when replacing the furnace.
	•	Using "uncased" evaporator coils.
And then there is the matter of Codes.      Cities and states have codes and inspectors to protect, and make sure everything is done right. Unfortunately, either from ignorance or more devious reasons, a lot of HVAC contractors don't even bother to take out the necessary permits so no one in authority even knows the installation is being done.      And there’s this too…while Codes are good…and are supposed to make things safer…it doesn’t always work that way. Even if a company abides by all the city codes, there’s no guarantee that the system will work at its best. An inspector's job is to inspect for HVAC codes - not check the operational and performance standards. They do little or nothing for the consumer from a standpoint of efficiency or longevity of the system.      Contractors can also save money by hiring cheaper, untrained labor, using less expensive materials and doing lower quality work. As a consumer, you have no idea what's really needed, so you're really at the contractor's mercy. That's why I've said it before and I'll say it again, find a company that you can trust!      And it makes little difference if the omissions and errors are intentional or through ignorance…as a famous Norfolk traffic judge used to say “the person you kill accidently is just as dead as the one you run over on purpose”.      Need we say it again? Make sure you find a contractor that you can trust to get the job done right. Climatemakers always makes sure to obtain the proper HVAC permits and follows Virginia State and city HVAC codes. The safety and comfort of you and your family is our number one concern. Next time Guarantees, and Warranties.
COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED:   With no end to escalating energy costs in sight, Climatemakers annual Spring promotion for cleaning and tuning cooling systems for this summer (2008) is underway and makes more sense than ever before. The discounts for signing up early are on a sliding scale.  As of today, there are only 5 days remaining for max discount (40%). For complete details of work performed and ordering information, Click Here. Why pay more?       This Or     This?