Hi...I'm Merry Sherman, President of Climatemakers. Thank you for visiting our web site. You know its funny, most businesses in our industry used to be family owned.  At any time you could pick up the phone and talk to the owner or manager, and you would know that you were more than just a number.  You knew that you'd be talking to someone who cares  about you and your Heating and Cooling needs.  Unfortunately, in this day of huge conglomerates buying out companies left and right, there is a good chance that not only will you not know who the owners are but the parent company may be out of state! Climatemakers has been family owned and operated since it was
	Merry Sherman President
founded in 1953, nearly a half century ago. As a 2nd generation
president, I can assure you we take our professional responsibility very seriously. We are totally committed to every one of our customers and provide them with guaranteed, peace-of-mind, professional service, second to none in the Tidewater, Va. area.

An example of how serious we take our responsibility is this web site.  We have for your convenience made it as educational and informational as possible.  Some people may visit it just out of curiosity. They will soon realize that this is not an entertainment site and quickly leave.

However, if you seriously need to have equipment repaired or replaced, or if you just don't know much about Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (from here on referred to as HVAC) and you want to learn all about the most expensive investment you have in your house, I believe that what follows will be informative, helpful and prove to be an invaluable guide.

And that's just what your HVAC system is, an investment, the most expensive appliance in your house...not only in $$$, but even more important, an investment in:

•   Your family's health
•   Your family's comfort
•   Protection of house & furnishings

And that's the purpose of this guide ( whether you need service...a major repair...a new unit or just to have your HVAC system "tuned up" to achieve maximum efficiency), we want to help you make your investment as profitable as possible. Take a few minutes to read it and when you're finished, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us.

Where to begin?

As you can tell from the phone book, there are more HVAC companies than you care to count. How can you tell one company from another?  How can you possibly know which one to call? And here is Rule #1, the most important one of all; FIND A COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST. I'll give you some specific guideline later.

If HVAC equipment could be wheeled into your house like a TV and "plugged" into a convenient outlet, then you could decide on a brand and a model and then shopping by price might be a good strategy because it would just be a question of which company could "plug" it in the cheapest. 

But installing a HVAC system is far more than just "plugging" it in. If you were shopping for a car, once you have decided on a brand and model you can shop for the "best deal" because all the cars at the dealerships would be made by the same people. 

But what if each dealer had to assemble the car themselves. Build it from scratch from boxes containing thousands of parts. Two doors, four doors, a variety of colors and upholstery. Isn't it just possible that there might just be a difference in quality from dealer to dealer?

And then supposed you called around and started asking them about the price. And some of the other dealers were advertising that "we won't be undersold" or "lower than invoice" do you suppose that some dealers might start using a cheaper paint or maybe fewer screws, bolts and nuts so they could reduce their labor and material costs? Wouldn't they have to, to keep from losing the sale? Who would ever know? 

And that's one reason why, even if you know the brand and size of HVAC equipment you need, prices from one contractor to another can vary by $1000. or more! And if one contractor sells the "same" system for $1000 less than another, isn't it just possible that they might be "cutting corners"? And if they are, you can bet they're not cutting corners to make the system more efficient.

There are so many ways to "cut corners" that it is nearly impossible to list them all and if someone didn't tell you about them, you'd never know any better until it's too late. Some of the items that can be ignored (either by intent or by ignorance)  are incredibly important, not only for your comfort but your health...all in the name of giving their customers a "good deal" or "cheaper price". 

For example, all cities have specific codes regulating the installation of HVAC equipment. Codes about electrical switches and connections; gas piping and safety cutoffs; flue pipes brought up to code including the size, type of materials, pitch angles, and clearances. How many of them are you familiar with? Don't you think the contractor knows that you don't know the codes and requirements? Just one more way estimates can be lowered and prices range dramatically.

Now you might think that the city inspectors will make sure every thing is correct. But many contractors "forget" to take out permits (a burdensome expense) and sometimes even when they do take them, the system still never gets inspected. Don't assume (1) that all codes will be met (2)  that all permits will be pulled. 

Other items that can be "overlooked" that are not subject to inspection but will eventually cost you money and inconvenience if not installed correctly are: condenser slabs not level; proper evacuating and charging of refrigerant lines; clearances for refrigerant lines; combustion air for furnaces and service accessibility. As a consumer you really have no idea what is needed, so you are really at the contractors mercy. See what I mean when I say " find a contractor you can trust".

HVAC Components

Space and time prohibit trying to explain the dozens of combinations of  components that can make up a system. We'll try to explain just one, the most common system used in a residence. It's called a "split" system.

That's because the three "major" parts are located in two separate areas and are connected with refrigerant lines. The outside section (called a condensing unit) and the "inside" section consists of an evaporator coil and a furnace. 

Because you can come up with dozens of combinations of these three components from any one brand alone, the importance of "finding a contractor you can trust" again manifests itself. For if the evaporator coil, condenser, furnace, refrigerant tubing, and ductwork are not designed to match each other, the rated efficiency can not be achieved, the equipment will suffer... and so will you. 

Once you start taking bids, you'll be amazed at how many different combinations and brands are offered. Remember this, it really doesn't matter what brand is offered, if it is installed correctly. Of course, the top quality brands will usually last longer but nothing impacts the life and efficiency of a system like the installation process.

Most of the problems that arise after you purchase a system including shortened equipment life, are nearly always caused by improper sizing and/or the installation. A lot of the differences in price are installation related. It just costs more to do it right! 

Efficiency Ratings

When you start getting prices, you're going to hear a lot about SEER's, AFUE and efficiency ratings in general. And they are important but remember that ratings don't mean a thing unless the system is properly matched and installed.

You can put the best sport tires available on your new Ford pick up and while the truck and the tires each could be rated very high in it's own class, the very characteristics that make them the best in its class precludes reaching maximum performance when put together. So instead of being obsessed with brands and prices, here are the priorities that ensure long term value, comfort and peace of mind:

1. Quality Installation: If equipment is not installed properly, using materials that exceed code requirements, performance and durability will suffer.

 
2. Comfort Issues: What does comfort mean to you? Talk about temperatures, air quality and noise levels. This is what you are buying; not a price.

 
3. Guarantees vs Warranties: Guarantees are provided by your installer; warranties by the manufacturer. When something goes wrong, you aren't calling the manufacturer. Make sure the installer can and will meet your needs.

 
4. Brand Quality: Some manufacturers have a reputation for high quality, long lasting equipment.

 
5. Efficiency: Match the efficiency of the new equipment to the requirements of your home.

 
6. Warranties: Good warranties are a sign of quality equipment.

 
7. Price: Decide what value you place on the trouble-free operation of your HVAC equipment and your comfort.

Companies

Obviously, just because someone bids a low price doesn't mean they are a thief or that they do shoddy work. There are primarily three (3)  different ways companies are run. Each impact the cost of a system differently. 

1. Nationwide companies. (Examples: Sears, Home Depot, Lowes).
   
With these companies, you know they are stable and should be around a long time. Unfortunately, they normally use subcontractors that are usually chosen because they do the work for the lowest possible price. As a rule, the big companies are not as responsive to a service request as a local company may be.
 
2. Mom & Pop Companies

There is nothing wrong with being small and these small companies can usually give you a lower price than anyone else. But what about training, new technologies and advanced equipment?

And because they are small, many do not have the equipment to do the job correctly (like refrigerant reclamation machines), and may not even be licensed or insured. They work at your risk!

Then too, because there are only two or three people in the company, they are stretched so thin that it is difficult to respond to your service request or complaint even if after a year or two they are still in business. I would recommend using one of these companies only if you must have the lowest price possible and are willing to take the risk that accompanies that choice.
 

3. Medium Size Companies

Usually has been in business 15 years or more; has about 5-15 Service vans and technicians available, and not primarily engaged in new construction.

They are usually geared toward quick, efficient sales and service. Remember, a quick response is very important when it comes to heating and air conditioning comfort.

Make sure that whomever you choose will be there when you need them.

It will usually cost you a little more to do business with this type of company but if you do your homework, (see Choosing a Quality Contractor) you should be much better off than with the other alternatives.

Pricing

Everything I've talked about in this report has a bearing on the price you'll pay. Size... efficiencies... accessories... permits... installation... quality, warranties... guarantees, they all affect the cost.

I guess I should tell you up front that in the 46 years we've been in business, we've never used the words "lowest  price anywhere" or "cheap rates" and if you are looking for a heating and air conditioning company with "low, low prices" and "really cheap rates", don't bother to read any farther.

In fact, on the surface, we might first appear to be the most expensive company you could call but I think I can show you that the professional services you receive will far outweigh your investment.

When you call a contractor for an estimate, do you think someone is going to say "we're the cheapest in town...because we cut corners!" Not likely. You see, they don't have to justify a "cheap price" because to most people a cheap price is good. Everyone gets excited when they get a cheap price; nobody asks "why?" But from now on though, you will.

A thing unknown to most people is that the cost of equipment to the contractor... from the highest priced manufacturer to the lowest ...is no more than $200-$500. Then why are the prices from one dealer to another all over the place?

As the old adage states "come, let us reason together". There are only 2 or 3 ways to lower the price. (1) Do less work (2) spend less time (3) Use fewer and/or lower grade materials.

For some guide lines as to How To Choose A Quality Contractor CLICK HERE but here are several things to keep in mind.

1. Pay close attention to how they answer the phone. Are their representatives courteous, friendly, helpful? Remember you're choosing a company you'll be dealing with for a long time.

 
2. Visit their place of business. Ask if you can come by and look around. What better way to see what kind of an organization they have. If they treat their office like a pig pen, how will they treat yours?

 
3. Is their office modernized? Radio, computer dispatched service vans?, computers?

 
4. Let their sales representative tell you what they can and will do and get it in writing. If it isn't written down, it's not there and it probably won't happen. 

 
5. Think about the information you've been reading. How much of it has been about brands, models, price? Only about 20%. If the salesman spends 80% of his time talking about brand, model and price what does that say about the quality of their installations, or supplying you with the solution to the comfort problem you have or providing you with guarantees of their workmanship.
   

Warranties (Parts and Labor)

Here is something interesting about equipment warranties that most people don't know. Most all companies give the same basic warranty on their equipment. One year on their equipment only. What about labor? Well, that goes back to installation and the manufacturer can't control the way equipment is installed.

You will receive a 1 year labor warranty with your new installation because most manufacturers require the dealer sign an agreement to provide a 1 year labor warranty, however, the dealer is reimbursed by the manufacturer for the parts only. That means the labor to replace a defective part comes out of the dealers pocket.

A lot of companies (especially smaller ones) don't add a reserve to their price. They want to sell everything as cheap as they can but when equipment fails under warranty, it is the customer who usually has to endure longer waits, shoddier service because the dealer has to take care of the "paying" customer first.

Be especially careful when the salesperson starts talking about warranties. It's real easy to tell you that you're getting a 5-year, 10 year, 20-year, or even a lifetime warranty and just gloss over the fact that the terrific sounding warranty is for parts only. Do you wonder that after nearly a half century of being in business we keep reiterating the necessity of choosing "a dealer you can trust".

Extended Warranties

You can purchase extended (5 or 10 year) warranties that cover parts and labor. The key word here is purchase. This is not the standard warranty that comes with the equipment. It is more like an insurance policy. Usually costing between $200-$400, it is usually well worth the cost for this extra protection.

Preventative Maintenance

Some companies also offer Preventative Maintenance. We strongly recommend that you make use of these. Nothing could be better for your new system than having it cleaned and tuned up before each heating and cooling season. Preventative maintenance is to your heating/cooling system what oil changes are to your car. Not only will it help your system run better, last longer but you could also void your warranty if the system is not maintained.

Summary

Am I saying that the highest price is the better bargain? Not necessarily. All I've really tried to say here is that when you purchase a heating and air conditioning system, you are buying much more than equipment itself and regardless of which contractor you choose, you are going to make a substantial investment...an investment that you are going to live with for a long time. An investment that affects your health, your families comfort and your pocketbook.

Please explore all of our web pages and be sure to click on our web page Choosing A Quality Contractor to make sure you find a contractor you can trust. It's your best bet in this somewhat confusing process. 

 P.S.   Do your friends and family a favor. E-Mail them the link below so they too can get these Buying Secrets and other answers to their HVAC questions....They will thank you for it!

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