Vol. 6: Issue #8: Letter #108 (Previous newsletters available in archives on web site)

‘Twas A Dark and Stormy Night… (part II)

‘Twas a Dark and stormy night outside, following a hot muggy day in August, but inside polite laughter and camaraderie everywhere…the aftermath that follows enjoying good food with close friends.       After dinner, the conversation by turns had included subjects ranging from children to the local schools…from war to politics. This being a working class group, everyday concerns such as escalating gasoline prices, tuition, traffic problems also shared in the conversation.      At one point someone mentioned having had trouble getting their air conditioner repaired. Seems like nearly everyone in the group had a horror story about service (or lack of) from the big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s to the local HVAC contractor.      One couple described the discomfort of living a week without cooling while some part was trying to be located. Another complained about the employees who had been repairing their unit and then disappeared for a week. Another complained about the mess the people left when they completed the repairs. Seemed like everyone had a gripe about unrealistic costs, unfulfilled promises and unreturned phone calls.      Finally, having spent so much of my life in the HVAC industry, I couldn’t help but make my contribution…and I prefaced my remarks by reminding those present of Pogo’s famous saying “We have met the enemy…and he is us”.      I said that while it was a “given” that everyone wanted top rated services and products, in my opinion, most people either (1) didn’t want to pay the price for quality or (2) they were either incompetent or too lazy to assure themselves of getting what they wanted.      After the gasps and protests had subsided, I asked them how many of them when getting a price on some home improvement usually took the lowest price bid without really making a comparison both of the product offered and the contractor offering it.      If you insist on getting bids, I said, then you’re probably better off taking the highest bid as that contractor might at least have enough included in the price to give you what you are expecting. Unfortunately, the old saying of “you get what you pay for” doesn’t apply any more (if it ever did). One thing you can count on however is that while you may not get what you pay for, it’s a cinch that you’re not going to get any more than you pay for.      In my opinion, I continued, I would forget about getting bids. Ask around…do some background checking…begin by reading the article on our website entitled “How To Choose a Quality Contractor” (click here).      After you have found a contractor that you have confidence in and he has submitted you a price and if it’s more than want to pay, ask what can be done to bring it down. But don't expect someone else to give you the same job at a lower price and then expect top-notch quality. Some contractors have learned that the easy way is to win a job by quoting a price so low they can't possibly make any money and then once they land the job, cut corners or pile on extras in order to make a buck.      So how can you distinguish between the legitimate contractor and the scammer BEFORE you spend your money? Well, here is one way. Find out EXACTLY what they propose to do and get it in writing! Don’t be reluctant to ask for a list of “satisfied” clients. Don’t be satisfied when you ask a question about something that is unclear or has been omitted from the bid with the response “Oh, we do that to”. If it is not in the bid in writing, bet the farm it won’t be done.      Here’s a second way. See if they have a website and visit it. See at your leisure and convenience, without any sales pressure, what they have to offer in the way of services, equipment and warranties. Does the website offer the exciting promise of improved personal comfort and convenience or just the same tired, old systems just as they were in the mid 1900’s?Today, “Technology and HVAC” are inseparable. Click here to see one of the most comprehensive websites found anywhere on the web.      Here’s a 3rd way. Does the contractor think enough of your personal health, comfort and convenience, to provide free, periodic, helpful information for the optimum performance of your HVAC system like this newsletter?      Here’s a 4th way. Does the contractor specialize in, and offer such amenities as extended warranties, preventative maintenance, and seasonal tune-ups or are they only interested in selling you new equipment. What follows is a sample of what we mean.      If you’ve read our last several newsletters, you know that our seasonal discounts for the all important service that prepares your equipment for another hot, humid summer is currently in effect (03/15/05 to 05/15/05). We again call your attention to the sliding scale discounts for early registration. Unfortunately, the time period for the whopping 40%, and 30% discounts has expired but there are still 18 days remaining to get the 20% discount (which isn’t bad) and remember, there is still an extra discount when you make your reservations on line.      On line reservations can be made by clicking here. The cost of the "check-up/tune-up" is a small price to pay for superior equipment performance and that also results in lower energy bills and extended life. Remember, THE MAJOR CAUSE OF EQUIPMENT FAILURE IS INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE. Only 18 days remaining to get the 20% discount. Do It Now! Click here .

     P.P.P.S. Remember, if you have any questions about the HVAC system in your house; how we can be of better service to you, or about our web site, please email them to me. I'd like to hear from you. Our newest web page, "Testing Your HVAC IQ", is an online test of your knowledge about Heating and Air Conditioning and has just been posted. You are especially invited to visit it by clicking here.

     Programmable Thermostat. Automatically regulates the heating/cooling in your house to suit your lifestyle. Click here to find out how.

     Electronic Air Cleaner. Removes dirt, dust and pollen to improve your health. Click here to find out how.

     Humidifiers. Adds moisture to the air in the winter. Click here to find out how.