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Need Help! AC/HVAC repair recommendation

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by icici, Sep 5, 2008.

  1. BigDog

    BigDog Member

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    We went on a big energy efficiency kick last spring. Decided to replaced our aging 2-system heating/cooling. We got 3 quotes for very high-efficiency systems. We went with McCarthy Services through Home Depot. They had the best pricing by far - comparing apples to apples. The installation was great and so was their service (checkups, questions, etc). We've lived here 12 years, so we've been through quite a few heating/air guys. McCarthy has been the best and I would highly recommend them.

    Our new high efficiency Trane systems have DRAMATICALLY cut our gas/electric bills-while being more comfortable overall.

    You can call Mike McEwan 571-839-5241 for more info.

    http://www.mccarthyservice.com
     
  2. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    Has anyone replaced their single-system furnace/AC unit in a townhouse? Ours is on its last legs (pan under coils is leaking) and we got one quote for like $11k (16 SEER IIRC) which was a ridiculous rip-off. I think we have a 2.5ton unit. Looking for ballpark costs.

    There is still a fed $1500 rebate out there too.
     
  3. msflynn

    msflynn New Member

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    That is a ridiculous price!! We did our AC in the TH (without shopping around - was about 3600 but that was also adding in dual zones.
    Just did 1 of 2 systems in the SF - whole system was around $8,000. Hard part for the TH is how accessible is the Furnace room and how easy is it to move things in and out. Call Sunny at Climatic for a quote.

    Staci
     
  4. Thunderchild

    Thunderchild New Member

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    I have used AD Plumbing and Heating (703-421-9550) for years. Anthony has replaced our main heating unit; added a heat pump for the upstairs and re-did the duct work for the renovations/addition. He may not be the cheapest, but he stands behind the products he installs. Also, I trust him and I can't say that more most of the vendors I have dealt with.

    Good luck with the project.
     
  5. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    As Staci said... that's high. We got the top of the line carrier family (tho not top of the line efficiency) for less then 9k. Lower end systems were even more in the 6k range... so 11k is pretty high even for doing both stages (ac/furn).
     
  6. sandaddy

    sandaddy New Member

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    Cascades Comfort is very honest. No gimmicks, or worries about phony diagnoses. I highly recommend them.

    And thanks Van Metre for those wonderfully efficient Goodman units. You couldn't have found worse units if you'd tried.
     
  7. gardecki

    gardecki BigBrother

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    Climatic is the best. Family run business. Ask for Sunny Swan. they have an add in the broadlands newsletter. Honest, reliable, can't say enough about them. Their number is 703-779-7455. Patti Gardecki
     
  8. mdcrim

    mdcrim Member

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    Bowmans in Sterling. We have used them in two houses now and have always been pleased. I think we paid about $7000 but that included a hot water heater and a 10 year warranty. We had United Air Temp estimate the job and they wanted to charge $14000 for the same system... It REALLY pays to shop around.
     
  9. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Thank you to everyone who has responded so far! I have 3-4 companies I've researched online and plan to contact for estimates.
     
  10. mdfiji

    mdfiji New Member

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    I second and third on Climatic. We met with 4 companies and we were most comfortbale with a family run company. The guys that came to do the install were all great. It's been a year and everything is running like clockwork. I definently recommend the carrier Infinity system. It made a big difference in our home.
     
  11. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Alright already on Climatic!! :happygrin:

    I've had two estimates, one from Climatic and one from Bowmans. The Climatic guy looked around, took some information, and answered a lot of questions. Then he took the info to his office and did the computerized Manual J calculations using two different software programs. He also took into account that at some point we plan to replace our windows and (soon) get an attic fan since those things will make a difference in the efficiency of our home. I was VERY impressed with his customer service attitude and knowledge of the business.

    The guy from Bowmans looked around, answered some questions, and wrote an estimate on the spot. He was nice enough but didn't do the Manual J or point out some of the things that the Climatic guy did. The Climatic guy will be here this morning to give me the estimate so we'll see how the prices compare. They both recommended a 2 ton heat pump. So while the end equipment recommendation result was the same, I preferred the attention to detail that the Climatic guy showed more than the Bowmans. If the prices are comparable I'd prefer Climatic. I'd really like to get an estimate from Shanahan (who was recommended to me elsewhere) but they can't come give an estimate until the 28th. We'll see how today goes.

    So thank you very much to everyone who gave me advice, especially knowing about the Manual J part so I could obsessively research how to buy a new HVAC/heat pump. I feel like after reading the various websites that I have a reasonable idea of what to look for and expect. Thanks!

    Buyers Guide: Air Conditioning & Heating Equipment and HVAC Contractors

    Bigger is not Better

    Energy Savers: Sizing Heating and Cooling Systems

    For Homeowners & Building Managers

    http://www.airconditioning-and-heati...HVAC_GRID2.pdf
     
  12. gardecki

    gardecki BigBrother

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    Sunny at Climatic is great. Family run busines and honest. Best company in my opinion

    540-687-4676

    patti gardecki
     
  13. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I mentioned you had recommended him and he said he called you guys last night. :)
     
  14. hells_bells

    hells_bells New Member

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    2nd Bowmans!
     
  15. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Here's my follow-up now that the work has been completed. I was very satisfied with consultation/estimate process and with the installation.

    I met with Sonny to get an estimate on the work to be done and was very happy with his attention to detail, knowledge of HVAC, attitude about customer service, and dedication to making customers happy. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering, which is a plus in the business in my opinion. He gave us two options for equipment and explained the pros and cons of both systems. I didn't feel like I was talked down to and he clearly explained how HVAC systems work. I had done a fair amount of research so I knew a few things to be on the alert for and was very pleased with the answers I received.

    Scheduling the installation was easy and the only delay was due to the weather.

    The installation crew arrived on time and worked from 9:30am-6:30pm replacing our outside unit, the air handler in the attic, and making some adjustments to our ductwork. They also fixed a copper tubing issue they discovered at no extra charge. The crew was polite, friendly and I felt like they knew what they were doing (at least to the extent that I could tell). They put sticky plastic over the floors to keep them clean and wore the little booties on their shoes.

    At the end of the day when it was time to pay there were no extra charges and the crew explained to us exactly what they did, including having us take a look in the attic to see their installation. They also explained some of the features of the new units.

    Sonny will be coming by in a week or two to double check their work and answer any questions or address any concerns we may have after using the system for a while.

    I highly recommend Climatic!
     
  16. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    did you neogiate? care to share ballpark price and tonnage?
     
  17. morj78

    morj78 New Member

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    We have been more than happy with McCrea. They always do an awesome service!
     
  18. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Sonny at Climatic made us happy.. and you know I'm tough to please :)

    He does come out and inspect the crew's work after the fact and holds them to it. The crew knows this and it seems the policy discourages them from slacking off/cutting corners. They know the boss is coming out on every job - so they can't.

    He has been friendly, professional, and courteous to us. We did negotiate a bit, and I feel we did ok price wise.

    When our AC failed last year, we replaced both the AC and Furnace.
     
  19. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    I didn't negotiate on the price but I guess I could have. We have two air conditioners for our house: a regular a/c for the main floor and a heat pump for the second floor. We replaced the heat pump since that was the one that needed it. Along with the heat pump unit (Carrier 25HCC524 2.0 ton 15 SEER), we also got a new air handler (Carrier X-13) and some duct work enlarged to match the new equipment (the old ducts were sized for the 1.5 ton unit we had before, and the larger air return duct would offer the best air flow with the new system).

    Climatic offers a "Go Green" promotion of $750 dollars. The Go Green promotion is in relation to a program they have where the old a/c is taken apart and the copper is recycled (rather than thrown in the trash).

    Other items included are fairly standard, such as flushing out the old freon and a new pad with risers for the outdoor unit.

    Sonny from Climatic took a good look at the upstairs layout, the existing ductwork, our square footage and a variety of other factors and then ran the numbers in two different computer programs that estimate the load our system would need to serve (Manual J calculation). This is how the tonnage and ductwork needs were determined.

    Sonny presented us with two options of heat pumps. The system we chose qualifies for the federal tax credit and I believe Climatic will be handling that for us. Sonny will be coming out next week to meet with me, take a look at the work that was done, and answer any questions I may have.

    The grand total was just under $7,000 and a couple hundred dollars more than the estimate from Bowman's. So I didn't go strictly by price but was impressed by the customer service and interest Sonny showed in making sure we would be happy with the heat pump and the service provided. He showed great attention to detail when he inspected our old system and took his time to explain it to me and answer my many questions. He noticed and/or commented on things that the Bowman's guy didn't.

    Flynnibus thinks he's hard to please and I think I'm the same way, especially when it comes to customer service. I much prefer a company that seems to care about the quality of the work and not just do the bare minimum required to get paid. And at that I think Climatic excelled.

    I'm rambling on and apologize for being such a dork about an air conditioner, but if I'm spending $7,000 on something I want it to be totally awesome (fer sher). ;-)
     
  20. vdb

    vdb New Member

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    We highly recommend Steve Thomasson. He's serviced and replaced our ac and heating units (as well as several of our neighbors). 703-708-9227
    One Friday night last January, our heat went out and it was pretty cold in here - called him about 7am on a Saturday and he was here by 9am and installed a temporary blower for us to borrow for the weekend (for free) to keep us warm. We were impressed and thankful! We order our furnace and humidifier filters through him as well. Fair pricing and excellent/conscientious service!
     

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