I'm trying to install a HVAC (heat pump) in my old house in Central Florida. Currently there is no central system (no ducts, no air handler, no anything). I've asked for several proposals from installers and determined that I need a 2 or 2.5 ton unit. The problem is, I don't know what I should MAKE SURE they're going to install. The electrical has been upgraded to 200 AMP but no lines run to the area where the condenser or air handler will be. I would really appreciate some help so I'm not comparing apples and oranges. -- Thanks :)

Get several estimates,ask for referances,, make sure you hire someone that does good work and stands behind his work,, it is the contracters job to run the electric completely install and stand good for his work,, don`t be afraid to ask questions,, its your money

Have a contract, make sure that all of your questions are included in the contract, you do not have to accept the contract until you sign it.
I would think that the contractor would be responsible for having the electric installed by a licensed electrician. So here is my idea of a proposal:
I will run all necessary duct work, it will be insulated to code.
I will install all registers and return air grills.
I will install the auxiliary heat system and the air handler
I will pour or furnish a pad for the outdoor unit to set on.
I will provide a electrician to do the high and low voltage electric
I will furnish and install all freon piping and pipe insulation
I will carry away all trash and clean all the site of messes I made.
I will guarantee my labor for one year and parts will be warranted by the manufacture for what ever period they specify, Unless you buy an extended policy then I will abide by it's specs.

One comment on the return grills. Cold and hot air returns? One near the ceiling and one near the floor which can be opened or closed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wmproop

get several estimates,ask for referances,,,make sure you hire someone that does good work and stands behind his work,,,it is the contracters job to run the electric completely install and stand good for his work,,,don`t be afraid to ask questions,,,its your money

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It's not the HVAC contractors job to run the electrical (Note: Some HVAC companies are certified electrical contractors, yet this is very very--very very rare in my area). We need to get them out of doing this part of the job, seeing that they are always doing it wrong! A customer that wants to cut corners normally will have the HVAC persons run the electrical--avoiding electrical inspections and permits. If the HVAC company volunteers to run the electrical (Not licensed to do electricial), then this should be a red flag, and you should sratch them off your list of companies for completing the project.

Sorry, but I've been to more than enough older houses where licensed HVAC companies have installed power to their units by splicing and extending copper from existing alum wiring. Lets not talk about the wirenuts. :rolleyes: x2

Side note: This does not include T-stat wiring

[QUOTE=Washington1]It's not the HVAC contractors job to run the electrical (Note: Some HVAC companies are certified electrical contractors, yet this is very very--very very rare in my area). We need to get them out of doing this part of the job, seeing that they are always doing it wrong! A customer that wants to cut corners normally will have the HVAC persons run the electrical--avoiding electrical inspections and permits. If the HVAC company volunteers to run the electrical (Not licensed to do electricial), then this should be a red flag, and you should sratch them off your list of companies for completing the project.

Sorry, but I've been to more than enough older houses where licensed HVAC companies have installed power to their units by splicing and extending copper from existing alum wiring. Lets not talk about the wirenuts. :rolleyes: x2

the state I live in requires that a HVAC contracter be trained and certified in all aspects of electric wireing of HVAC equipment and plumbing. I pay the extra bucks and insurance to carry a specialty electricians card in my pocket,all states should do this.(and when I said it's the contracters job to do the wiring I guess I should have drawn a picture this mean to get it done .as part of his contracting job,not especially do it himself.

Most HVAC companies have an electrical specialty license. The specialty license limits them to their equipment, and "only" their equipment. The electrical specialty license does not allow them to work as a licensed electrician--working under a licensed, bonded, and insured electrical contractor----big difference. Yet, this is how it goes here, you may have different regulations in your jurisdiction!

Heck, here you have to have an:
-Electrical Administrators License to start you own electrical contracting business
-Electrical contractors license
And
- be a licensed electrician to work in the field unsupervised.
Note: I did not include all the details.