|
The Cheap Service Call
A cheap service call is a marketing lie? As a famous Alaskan would say, you betcha! Let me explain.
In these parts an experienced technician costs $45 an hour or more to employ. Throw in considerable overhead and it's obvious that $55 or some similarly low service call fee isn't enough to cover the cost of sending a qualified technician to your home. On the other hand, $55 might pay for a recently paroled convict that got his “mad skillz” in work rehab. In any event, whether you get the convict or just one that hasn’t been caught yet he will be doing something fairly expensive to your furnace or air conditioner whether you need it or not. There are bills to be paid. $55 does not pay them.
Proponents of the cheap service call myth say it’s a loss leader. I don't think so. Loss leaders work to your benefit on commodities, not service. You can walk into a Wal-Mart and buy just the loss leader if that's your desire. No one can force you to buy more. However, when it comes to repairing your HVAC system you have no such luxury. The technician holds all the knowledge and will manipulate you as he wills. What may appear to be a loss leader in this trade is often a form of bait and switch.
Can you get an honest diagnosis on the cheap? Maybe. However, without a strong referral from a trusted source you're playing a numbers game. Calling someone out strictly, because their service call fee is the lowest is a great way to turn those numbers, those odds, against you.
|
The Free Service Call with Repair
It's a cliché that rings true: There’s no such thing as a free lunch. The total bill from companies that offer a free service call with repair is often higher than from companies that play it straight. Behavior is thematic. If a contractor is willing to fib to get you to call (like saying he wants nothing for the time spent coming to your home and diagnosing the problem) then he’s pretty likely to pad the bill after you’ve called.
For the “free service call contractor” padding the bill is inevitable because of scenarios like this: What if the problem with your furnace is just a tripped reset button caused by an unusually windy day? I've serviced furnaces with that exact problem many times over the years. Because my service call fee is $100 I'm content with the $100. But if the contractor says that the service call is free with repair, he’ll have to charge $100 for pushing the button to make the same money. You can then legitimately complain that $100 is way too much for pushing a button. After all, the trip is supposed to be free with repair. Free service call contractors avoid those conflicts easily. All they have to do is condemn some expensive part; install a new one; push the reset button while you’re not looking; and you're none the wiser.
The first two items on this page have this in common: The single most important thing a technician does on a service call is troubleshoot. Everything else including the recommended repairs and the price you pay flows from that. To supposedly get that diagnosis cheap or free is to ask for trouble. Contractors were charging $55 to come to your home two decades ago. Either there's been no inflation in that time or they're using that low fee (or supposedly no fee) as bait. I'll let you figure out which it is. |
|
|
List of Simple Questions 2
On the List of Simple Questions page and on the others alike (see links to them below), you can find answers to all spectrums of issues this website is dedicated for!
If your search engine sent you to this page that means, that a similar question was asked before and you will be able to find the answer you are looking for.
Some of the questions are simple enough and you can find answers right here on this page.
The others are more complicated and I provided links to the pages on my site where you can find free information.
For the third part of the questions that are not that simple, as you may think, I provided links to the paid pages or books on my site.
So, please scroll down, find your question and good luck!
Can ductwork become clogged?
If you have pets in your house, then yes.
Can I put a furnace vent in my bathroom floor?
No, it should be on the wall or you can install a toe kick 90* boot under the cabinet. And you can buy a toe kick 90* and registers on the right.
Can you install HVAC evaporator coil in cold air return?
Yes, in commercial applications it is always on the return side.
Can you put additional insulation over attic ductwork?
Yes, you can, but it must have a vapor barrier.
How many HVAC vents do I need in my basement?
It depends, however, in general, one for every room, bathroom and mechanical room and from two to five in the great room area.
How to relocate a supply vent that is exiting on other side of shared wall?
If you have this kind of issue at your hands send me some pictures and I'll tell you what to do.
Can I install a bath fan into cold air returns in my house?
If you want to find out what your grandpa had for breakfast, then yes.
Can I run my dryer vent from main floor down and across basement ceiling?
Yes, you can, but it should not be more than 25 feet in length. Otherwise, you have to use a duct booster. You can buy the best dryer exhaust booster on the right.
What is dryer exhaust ground clearance?
12" or above the snow level.
How do I move air ducts basement remodel?
Head, hands, tools, materials, Ductwork Installation Guide!
How to penetrate an outside wall with PVC pipe.
If your house is finished by siding you can use a hole saw, if by brick visit the "Split Level Ranch Remodeling" page to see some useful pictures. Buy a hole saw on the right.
How to balance an HVAC system.
Balance it with the dampers, registers and magnetic shields. Buy magnetic shields on the right.
How to insulate bath fan exhaust.
If you live in the dry climate, bury it under insulation or replace it with the insulated flex, otherwise just replace it.
How to install a wall register into a heat duct.
This is also a simple question, but you would be better to read about it in Chapter #52.
Does the ductwork and elbows effect how long it takes to dry clothes in a dryer?
Absolutely!
Can I put a cold air return on an inside wall?
Well, you should avoid a cold air return on the exterior wall.
Can I use the same heat duct to heat two rooms?
Yes! You can find more info for this topic in Chapter #8
How to provide fresh air to clothes dryer.
While some inspectors are making it mandatory, in the most cases you do not need a special fresh air intake for the clothes dryer.
How many fresh air returns do you need?
You need one fresh air intake for each furnace.
How to make attic cooler for air handler.
You can use an attic fan or insulate the roof in order to make a conditioned space. Buy an attic fan on the right.
What causes the central air conditioner unit to use the secondary drain instead of the primary one?
Primary drain is clogged.
Can HVAC pull hot humid air in from attic?
Yes, if the return duct isn't properly sealed or disconnected.
Can I split the 10" supply duct into two 6" lines and have 2 smaller vents in the room?
Split it into two - 8" ducts.
|
|
What causes moisture in the clothes dryer?
Clogged or lengthy duct.
Should I pull the fuse out of the disconnect before you go to bed?
Yes, if you live in Detroit.
How to replace an A/C line.
Pump the refrigerant out, cut the line, and replace it. And you can buy one on the right.
How to install defective flex ac duct.
Do not do it for Christ sake!
Are closing unused rooms in summer to save money good or bad?
Good, but you must do it the right way!
Does insulated condensation line caused freezing of air handler?
No, it does not.
Can sweating ductwork in crawl space become an issue?
Of course, it can.
Does closing one vent push more air into other rooms?
Yes.
Does moving the cold air return higher help in the summer?
Yes.
How to unclog condensate drain line on a split type cooling unit.
There are three ways of doing that: purge it with nitrogen or compressed air, use of a special pump, or a piece of wire.
How much electricity could you save by plugging fresh air intake?
Quite a bit if your house is not sealed tight.
How to calculate how many vents should be left open for a heat pump blower fan to operate properly.
Well, I have a special page dedicated to this issue.
How to get rid of lint and moist air from a clothes dryer when it exhausts in a garage.
Why would you exhaust it in the garage in the first place!
I need to bring 400 cfm fresh air to my A/C.
It's a lot of air, you may need to install an Energy Recovery Ventilator.
Can I vent microwave range hood exhaust up between the studs?
Absolutely! For more info, please visit Chapter #27
Do I need to have an attic fan installed when my split system air-conditioning ducts will be in the attic?
It depends, in the dry climate you may need one, otherwise please read through these pages, but through all of them!
What to do if in the finished basement ducts sweat?
Put in basement a dehumidifier or just purchase one on the right.
How do you hook up a wood furnace to a gas furnace?
I have a manual on the "Furnace Replacement in Pictures" page.
How to run air ducts to garage.
It's against the code to run heating ducts to the garage.
Does closing basement air returns harmful to A/C?
No, unless there are not enough cold air returns in your house.
Do you need dampers for ducts in finished ceilings?
No, they might vibrate and make a lot of noise.
Do newer furnaces need cold air return ducting?
Absolutely, check it out in Chapter #40.
Does it matter if I install and up flow or down flow furnace?
It depends on the design of your duct system.
|
|
What to do with old vent hood duct and roof vent?
Question
Our new kitchen plan calls for removal of our old vent hood (new one will be in a different location). What should I do with the existing roof vent and duct? My contractor wants to charge me $500 to remove the old vent and cap the duct inside the rafters. Is this necessary, or is it okay to just leave it open (venting into the attic) and also leave the roof vent in place?
Seems like I could easily save some $ and do the work myself if I only need to remove the old vent and any exposed ductwork, and fill in the leftover hole in my ceiling w / a drywall patch.
Answer
Remove as much duct as possible, all the way to the roof cap, if possible. Ducting will have grease residue so get rid of it. Plug the roof cap or use it as a roof vent until the next roofing job. Then get rid of it. Seal the ceiling hole with drywall and finish it.
Can I put a cold air grill in the cold air return next to my furnace?
No, it should be at least 10' away.
Can two dryer use the same exhaust duct?
No.
Why air conditioning condensate blow off?
I have a lot of info for this topic here, please read it all.
How to increase airflow in existing duct.
You can use a Duct Booster Fan that you can buy on the right.
Can a duct booster fan be used for a clothes dryer?
Yes, but only this one on the right!
Do I need a fresh air intake with boiler & in floor heat?
Yes.
How to connect rectangular ductwork together.
You can learn it in the Chapter #40 from my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
How to install ductwork properly.
Well, this is very complicated question and if you are damn serious about that buy my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
How to install high efficiency furnace.
You may find all the information you need on this page. And you may purchase a furnace on the right.
Jenn-air microwave exhaust installation.
I have no idea what a "Jenn-air microwave" installation is, but if you are thinking about them separately then find step-by-step instructions on this page.
Our hvac system is undersized will duct fans help the hot/cold rooms?
Yes, it might.
What are the tapping noises and pops in ventilation ductwork?
Well, if you want to educate yourself for this topic and find a solution please read on this page.
What makes more noise round or rectangular duct?
Rectangular duct.
Free YouTube video how to install ductwork.
Free YouTube videos!?!. This is an interesting question! Let's say you are a nurse, how many free YouTube videos about nursing are out there? Hundreds, dozens, none? However, it is a very interesting question...
Can I add supply vents without return in basement to reduce radon?
No, you have to install a radon mitigation system. And you can but radon mitigation fan on the right.
Does blocking off vents to the basement lower heat bill?
Yes, it might.
Does the duct silencer go before or after the inline fan?
After. And you can buy it on this page.
Is furnace legal in garage?
Yes.
Back split home do you close registers on upper levels in winter?
Yes, you may do it, but should be careful. Get more info on this page.
Can a downflow be flipped upside down and be used as an Upflow?
No.
Can you put duct work lower than your furnace?
Yes. You can run it in the crawl space.
Carrier condensate drain, do you have to use both drains?
If it sits in the attic then yes, if in the basement then no.
How to hide ugly PVC pipes from venting on outside?
You can paint it, or replace with a concentric kit. Purchase it on the right.
If exhaust vent is installed incorrectly can it cause the microwave to overheat?
I think it might.
Some of the metal tape came off on my furnace.
So, what’s the problem? Just replace it. Buy on on the right.
Wall fresh air intake vent is too close to the floor.
Most likely this is a combustion air intake, should be 12” off the floor.
When crimping round duct what is the tool supposed to be?
You can use a crimpier or long nose pliers. You can buy both on the right.
Crimp flexible duct pictures.
You shouldn’t crimp flex unless this is a rigid aluminum one. But if this is a case it’s not much different from any sheet metal pipe.
Dirty feet odor when central unit is on.
They name it dirty sock syndrome. Get more info on this page.
|
|
Does evaporator coil that fit on top of a forced hot air furnace restrict airflow?
Yes, a little.
What can I do to stop register vent from whistling when closed?
Close the damper on the pipe too.
Why are my air conditioner's ducts sweating in my crawl space?
I have an answer to this question on this page.
Why is cold air coming out of the primary condensation clean out?
Because it should be capped off. Buy one on the right.
How difficult is it to add ductwork to a split entry-level house?
Well, it is not simple, just check it out here.
How much for a HVAC professional to add a cold air return in the basement?
Nothing, just do it yourself!
How much to replace ductwork in crawl space?
Nothing, just do it yourself!
How to increase airflow long runs of ductwork.
There are quite a few options, see them all.
What happen if I do not have a cold return vent in basement?
Nothing - if it's an unfinished basement, but you must have it in the finished one.
What is the best way to tap into an insulated duct to install a new ac vent?
Cut the flex, install a prefabricated tee or just make one (see Chapter #45). And you can buy one of these Tees on the right.
Would a too small of a return air grille and filter cause the attic mounted air handler to sweat and cause condensation?
Yes.
Can you recognize a down flow type furnace by the return ductwork that is installed on the top of the unit?
Yes, I can.
What can be put through a condensate pump to clean out the debris?
Just take it apart or replace it. Follow the link to purshase one you need to replace the old one.
What could be blocking the airflow in my ducts in certain rooms of the house?
Check the dampers first, if they are open please read on this page.
What happens when vents are shut on ductwork for central air?
Well, I have a special page dedicated to this issue.
Where can I see pictures of kitchen vents with microwave?
Here!
Where is the easiest placement of ductwork in the basement for HVAC?
Where they are suppose to be according to the blueprint.
Why do my HVAC vents "bang" after I put in a new heat pump?
If they changed the evaporator coil it probably means that your former coil was very dirty, but now when it's clean your ductwork appears to be undersized.
Why do you need a outside air duct for a gas furnace?
For combustion air.
How to insulate a dryer vent.
You should not insulate it unless it runs through an unconditioned crawl space or attic.
Is condensation normal on ductwork?
No.
What to do about sweating air conditioner flexible ducts in crawl space?
Please find an answer to this question on this page.
Why multiple warm air returns for a/c?
For better comfort.
If you are unable to find an answer to your question, try links to the other pages of this kind below.
Please follow the links provided on these pages, they would lead you to the free or paid pages on my site or even to the other sites where you can get your question answered!
If you are still cannot find an answer to your simple question, just ask it on this page.
If your question requires more than simple "Yes" or "No" or one sentence to answer, please ask your question on this page. Price for the question is only $1.34 and if I have already a paid page with the answer to your question, you will pay nothing. If that page is pricier that $1.34 you will pay for the page, but I will refund your money back to your PayPal account.
If I do not have an answer to your specific question, I will refund your money as well.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
|
|
|