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AvalonJohn · Apr 25, 2010, 07:29 AM

All,

I've decide on one of two contractors for a new furnace & ac unit. As far as I know both are reputable. The first one is a bigger contractor (family owner business)that I see all over the place and their pitch is that they are constantly sent to school for training and I should select them because the most important thing with heating & ac is the installation, which of course they are one of the best at?

The second guy I've used for a couple years to service my unit and he's been doing service and instalations for 20 + yrs. This is what he does for a living. I'm happy with his service. It's just him and a helper. I'm not sure how much training he does, but he said he likes Trane (which I'm interested in) and a couple other brands, so that basically what he installs.

Here is my delima, The small guy is about $1,000-$1,500 less than the bigger contactor and I'm wondering if the bigger guy is really better at the installation and if it really makes a difference? Thinking that a small guy who doesn't keep up with training but as done it for 20+ yrs should be just as good ? I'm thinking that on the job traning is one of the best things one could do? Your thoughts?

Thanks,
AvalonJohn

wmproop · Apr 25, 2010, 10:37 AM

Referances,, check out his past work,the smaller company with a good reputation.is as good as the bigger company,, ask to see past work and talk to other customers,1500 dollars is a lot of money,, do they both give the same warranty, the parts I`m sure but how about labor warranty

Fr_Chuck · Apr 25, 2010, 10:45 AM

Insurance, license, and bigger is not always better. While there are major changes coming, what type of coolant are they going to use, there is a major change coming in one to two years with the new laws and the current systems used now will be outdated

My trouble with the big guys, you never get the same service guy two times in a row. And I have no idea if you have used the same person, like him and he is cheaper why you would even have a question, if the bids are for the same product

KISS · Apr 25, 2010, 12:06 PM

The bigger guy has more overhead. When it comes to service, you might loose the little guy. He may wonder why you didn't choose him.

I saw an installation where on the outside it looked very good, but on the inside and outside there were things not to be desired. Wires stripped badly. Re-use of an old power cable. Poorly supported exhaust.. Running pipe diagonally. No transition with ducting into a filter.

hvac1000 · Apr 25, 2010, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by AvalonJohn

All,

I've decide on one of two contractors for a new furnace & ac unit. As far as I know both are reputable. The first one is a bigger contractor (family owner business)that I see all over the place and their pitch is that they are constantly sent to school for training and I should select them because the most important thing with heating & ac is the installation, which of course they are one of the best at?

The second guy I've used for a couple years to service my unit and he's been doing service and instalations for 20 + yrs. This is what he does for a living. I'm happy with his service. It's just him and a helper. I'm not sure how much training he does, but he said he likes Trane (which I'm interested in) and a couple other brands, so that basically what he installs.

Here is my delima, The small guy is about $1,000-$1,500 less than the bigger contactor and I'm wondering if the bigger guy is really better at the installation and if it really makes a difference? Thinking that a small guy who doesn't keep up with training but as done it for 20+ yrs should be just as good ? I'm thinking that on the job traning is one of the best things one could do? Your thoughts?

Thanks,
AvalonJohn

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