Frequently Asked Questions
QualitySmith Heat Pump FAQ
Heating and Cooling Equipment Questions
- Do I need a new HVAC system?
- How do I interview each contractor?
- How do I choose the right contractor?
- How do I determine the kind of system I need?
- How do I know what a fair price is for the work I need done?
- How long does the average HVAC project take?
- How do I know which brand of equipment is best?
- Which method of heating is the cheapest?
What is QualitySmith?
QualitySmith is dedicated to simplifying the process of finding a contractor for your project. We schedule estimate appointments for you with pre-screened professionals who are eager to work on your project. The most rewarding part of working with QualitySmith is the value to our customers—our services are absolutely free to you.
Why should I choose QualitySmith?
Before QualitySmith, you'd have to ask friends and family to recommend a contractor. If they didn't know one, you'd have to page through the phone book, calling contractors with your fingers crossed. Then, you'd have to schedule appointments with them to talk about your project. You'd have to do your own research to find out if each contractor was licensed and insured. QualitySmith will take care of all that for you absolutely free. Tell us about your project and we'll schedule you estimate appointments with up to 3 contractors.
Do I need a new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system?
The best time to buy a new furnace is before it breaks down. This gives you the chance to shop around in comfort, rather than rushing to get the heat back on. If your system already has broken down and the repair costs exceed $500, the better investment is to replace rather than repair. The typical furnace has a life-expectancy of 16-20 years, so if your current system is over ten years old, it may be time to start looking at your options. An old furnace, even if it is working well, may be extracting only 60% of the available heat from the fuel used to heat your house. Newer fuel-efficient heating systems use as much as 90% of the heat available in the fuel. If you're looking to lower your fuel bills, now is the time to consult a HVAC contractor and discuss your options. It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if—
—your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up. Nothing lasts forever, and if you're paying hundreds of dollars each year to maintain and repair your existing equipment, then it is time for a change. The cost savings will go beyond the repairs and may include decreased fuel/power costs.
—your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, or your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old. Older heat pumps and air conditioners are often about 60% efficient, but newer equipment can be over 90% efficient. What does this mean? If you have a monthly fuel or power bill of $100, you could see your energy cost drop to as little as $65/month. Ask your contractor to explain the energy rating for each system.
—no one is home for long periods of the day and you don't have a programmable thermostat. There is no sense heating or cooling an empty house. Have a professional contractor install a programmable thermostat and instruct you on its use, to start saving energy and money while you're away or even sleeping.
—some of your rooms are too hot or too cold. Improper equipment operation, duct problems, or inadequate insulation could be the cause. A good HVAC contractor can analyze your zoning needs and help solve the problem.
—your equipment has humidity problems. Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer, breeding disease and causing health and comfort problems in your home.
—your home has excessive dust. Leaky ducts can pull dust in from attics, crawlspaces, and basements and distribute them through the house. Having your ducts sealed may be a simple solution.
—your cooling system is noisy. Undersized duct systems or problems with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment can often cause your system to overwork, producing noise and inefficient power usage.
—someone in your home has severe allergies. Allergies are a part of life, but some systems are more prone to growing molds and attracting dust. An inspection of your system will help you understand how to improve or replace your current system with one that is more healthful.
How do I interview each contractor?
If you've never chosen a contractor before, you may be wondering how you're going to decide among the contractors who provide you with estimates. They're all prescreened QualitySmith professionals—how do you choose the right one for you? What should you expect? And how can you prepare for the appointment? Here are some tips.
- Make sure you communicate well with each other. Do you feel at ease with this person? What is this person's attitude? Even the best contracting jobs can be stressful on the homeowner. QualitySmith works hard to give you a choice of contractors so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
- If you know what you want, try to have sketches or samples to show the contractor. Illustrate what you want with photos, magazine spreads, or architect's drawings.
- Ask contractors to give you a detailed written proposal with costs. The proposal should spell out step-by-step what needs to be done, what materials will be used, and what steps will be taken to complete the work.
How do I choose the right contractor?
Whether it's new construction, or you're simply ready to upgrade your existing heating and cooling system, several important factors should be weighed before selecting your HVAC contractor.
Is the contractor licensed and trained to work with the system you've chosen? With new technologies and environmental standards, installing a safe and reliable HVAC system is no longer a simple process. Thirty years ago, heat loss up the chimney was not a concern; in fact, the air flow caused by heat going up the chimney created the necessary means to rid the house of poisonous gasses. But today, more complex methods of retaining heat and venting the house are the industry standard. A licensed technician who is specifically trained in the installation of your system will assure that your home will remain safe, comfortable, and economical to heat and cool. When you use QualitySmith Heat Pump, you don't have to worry. We've checked out all our contractors to make sure they're licensed and qualified to do the work.
Once the work is done, will the contractor maintain the system? Periodic inspections of the system are a necessary part of keeping it running smoothly. Most contractors provide annual service contracts ranging from 50 to 150 dollars a year. Many service contracts provide not just the semi-annual inspection of the system, but also price breaks and priority service when repairs are needed.
Does the contractor have a track-record? In the HVAC industry, longevity matters. A fly-by-night contractor may install the system for less, but if things go wrong, you're left without recourse. Professional contractors work for the long haul, expecting to maintain their clients over time. Contractors who are part of the QualitySmith Heat Pump network have a profile that includes number of years in business—QualitySmith Project Consultant for details.
Today's HVAC systems are more efficient and economical than ever, and can be designed to meet the most exacting needs of your family or business. QualitySmith Heat Pump's experienced staff is ready to answer all of your HVAC questions and assist you in finding the contractor that best suits your needs. Call us today at 1-800-525-5567.
How do I determine the kind of system I need?
HVAC systems aren't cheap. They are designed to provide your home with an even, comfortable temperature in every season. However, there is a wide range of systems that can be installed. Some are more fuel efficient; some are quieter; others have options that you may or may not want. Talk to your contractor about your cost considerations and together determine what system best works for you.
Does someone in your home have allergies? Different systems, as well as different fuels (natural gas, electric, oil, etc) may affect people with allergies. Filtration systems and humidifiers can ease some of the allergy problems. Your contractor can explain the best options for your area.
How do you use your home? Is it empty for large periods of the day, or is there nearly always someone home? Are all the rooms used every day? Having zone heating or a programmable thermostat can affect your comfort and pocketbook.
Zone heating identifies how you use your home and allows you to put heat or air-conditioning only where and when you want it. Some systems rely upon mechanical methods (closing or opening a vent), while other systems monitor the space and allow for individual settings in each room.
It is always a good idea to find out what kind of fuel sources are available in your area. Natural gas, electric, and oil costs vary by geographic area. Find out what system best utilizes the kind of resources your location has to offer.
Finally, ask yourself what you like and dislike about your current system. Is it noisy, clean, efficient, easy to maintain?
When you've got your list of questions ready, meet with your contractor to determine what best fits your needs.
How do I know what a fair price is for the work I need done?
Pricing varies from region to region, so there is no clear way to know the answer to what is fair. That's why it is a good idea to meet with 3 contractors to properly compare prices. However, certain things will affect the final cost:
Is it new construction or remodeling? Access is easier in new construction, and so the cost should be less than in a remodeling project.
Does the contractor need to add, remove, or reconfigure ductwork? For example, if you had baseboard heat in your existing home and want forced air, you'll need to add ductwork to each room. Labor costs will increase with greater changes. Also, if your existing ductwork leaks, a thorough inspection and repair will add labor hours to the project. Be prepared.
Do you have a basement, crawlspace, or slab? Accessibility to the project makes the outcome quicker, and therefore less expensive. The harder it is to get around the project, the higher the cost. Make sure you discuss with your contractor ways you can minimize labor costs.
How long does the average HVAC project take?
Project hours vary depending on the project. In new construction where access is open throughout the house, complete HVAC installation can be completed in anywhere from a day to a week. Everything depends upon the kind of system you want installed. Ask up front.
How do I know which equipment is best?
Equipment varies widely, depending upon your needs. Because the QualitySmith Heat Pump contractors are experienced, they will be able to review options with you and help you find the best system for your needs and budget.
In general, the major brands such as Janitrol, Trane, Carrier and others deliver what they promise. What is consistent in discussions and literature is that if the unit isn't properly installed, it won't function the way it was designed. Most HVAC repairs are directly related to installation. So the best way to assure you get what you need is to find a contractor who understands the industry.
Warranties are generally pretty close, too. A five year warranty on compressors and internal functioning parts is the industry standard; Trane and Janitrol have longer warranties, and you can usually purchase extended warranties from the companies. Remember, however, that nothing will help the longevity of your system more than regular maintenance. Many installers offer you the option of a service contract.
In today's new construction, the most common furnace is gas fired; and the two largest manufacturers are United Technology (Carrier, Bryant, Heil, Tempstar, and Comfortmaker brands) and Goodman (Janitrol and Amana). Other brands include Rheem (Ruud), American Standard (Trane), and Lennox (Armstrong).
Which method of heating is the most efficient?
Home-heating costs range widely with the fuel source, and the cost of each fuel varies from region to region. When talking to your heating contractor, be sure you know both the local fuel costs and the efficiency of the heating unit you plan to install. To help you determine what is best for you, consider the following (BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a standard for measuring heat output):
- Natural gas burns 10 therms to produce 1 million BTUs.
- Electricity uses 293 kilowatt hours to produce 1 million BTUs.
- Propane burns 10.9 gallons to produce 1 million BTUs.
- Heating oil burns 7.21 gallons to produce 1 million BTUs.
The cost of each of these fuels varies widely across the nation. For instance, imagine if 293 kilowatt hours of electricity in New England costs $100, but 10.9 gallons of propane only costs $40. In this case, it would cost half as much to heat with propane. But the same amount of electricity might cost $30 in the Pacific Northwest, making electricity the less expensive alternative.
In order to know which fuel is most economical for you, we suggest you sit down with your contractor and discuss the efficiency of your heating unit and the regional cost of the fuel it will use. Together you can determine the best product for your home.
Still don't see the answer to your question?
Contact us at info@qualitysmith.com