Replies

1. 
   CloudHidden | Jun 04, 2002 06:05am | #1

   What part of NC. If it's WNC, I got a name.

1. 
   oldlou | Jun 07, 2002 04:51am | #4

   What part of western N.C. are you from? I am in Franklin and know someone you should run away from.

2. 
   55512122 | Jun 07, 2002 05:01am | #5

   HI, I posted about finding a HVAC person, live in Hickory, NC.

   thanks, Roger

1. 
   CloudHidden | Jun 07, 2002 05:47am | #6

   Sheesh, both youse guys is neighbors. Asheville. I-40 Exit 53B. Send an email along and I'll continue this in private.

2. 
   junkhound | Jun 05, 2002 02:05am | #2

   Best way is to go to the library and net and read/study, then get a 609 license for $25, then you have yourself as your own expert.

3. 
   TLRice | Jun 05, 2002 02:59pm | #3

   Find the local manufacturer's distributor for a few brands that you might be interested in. If you don't have any in mind, my preference would be Heil, Trane, Carrier and Armstrong (for forced air furnace/ ac combo type systems). There are about a dozen well established manufacturers and everyone will have different preferences. Others you might consider are Lennox, American Standard, Ruud, York and Bryant. Ask the distributor who they recommend as a contractor. A good contractor does good work and makes the product look good, and vice versa. Call them and get references, for the last 4 jobs, for instance and follow up. Call the customers.

   Once you find someone, some good questions to ask are:

   What capacity (size) do you recommend for my house? How do you size the system? Can you give me a copy of the calculations? How do you size ducts? At what velocity do you pick supply registers? How do you seal ducts? How do you insulate ducts? How much flex do you use? A good "litmus" question is: Wouldn't a bigger air conditioner be better?

   A good HVAC guy will NOT answer some of the questions, like the first one. If the answer to last one is "yes", keep looking.