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No Charge for After Hours Service
Call on someone who says they'll give you something for nothing (if they actually worked after hours for no extra charge then that would be something for nothing) and you'll probably face one of these two scenarios:
A) You call and hear the following: “That’s correct. We don’t charge extra for after hours service. Unfortunately we’re booked until Monday at 9 AM. How does that work for you?”
B) Or you may very well get someone to show up at some ungodly hour for that amazing $55 price I talked about above. But then, it doesn’t really matter much to the boss if he has to pay his man overtime. He’s charging more than enough to cover it. They may tell you that their pricing is flat rate. However, even flat rate pricing is established through a time and materials formula. A low hourly rate for such a formula might be $150 an hour. Most HVAC consultants are recommending $200 an hour on up. Most big shops are charging that much and more.
If you can get them to show up then technically speaking, it may be true that you're not paying extra for after hours service. However, is it really true when their regular hourly rate is $225? Be skeptical if you want, but such rates are commonplace amongst large HVAC shops in metro areas. Throw in part markups of two-hundred to five-hundred percent... add in the fact that their service men are trained to push new equipment and bogus services every chance they get... and I'd say the real truth is that you're paying the equivalent of after hours service every hour.
Parenthetically, if you are shocked by those rates then let me shock you one more time: I don't have any problem with big companies charging big prices.
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Same Day Service or It’s Free / On Time or It’s Free
By now, some of you must think I'm a real drama queen. That's only because you haven't spent years in the trade as I have. The corporate hustlers in this trade have turned to Madison Avenue for the answers. They've studied consumer behavior and have learned how to push your buttons. They know what you want to hear. They glibly promise anything and everything if only you'll call. And they do so convincingly. Many of them look and act like the all American guy next door.
Same day service is just one of many things they glibly promise. Quite often it's a promise they can indeed keep. I do same day service calls regularly. But naturally it's an impossible promise to keep 100% of the time. When a heat wave or a cold snap hits there are always going to be backlogs. As a result, they’ll end up paying out on the same day or it’s free offer. But then it doesn't really matter because their only concern is that you've made the appointment. They don't care how they hook you, only that they have hooked you. You'll still pay for the repair. In addition, therein lays the real payout. To paraphrase one consultant’s opinion on the subject:
“When you’re charging $250 an hour plus 500 percent markup on parts, who cares about the lousy service fee?”
The same applies to being on time. If they’re late and end up forgoing the service fee they really don't care. If they can’t get you coming they’ll always get you going. |
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Duct Cleaning
Duct cleaners promise cleaner air, improved system performance, the removal of dust mites, elimination of mold and mildew, improved health and finally… a map revealing the location of the Holy Grail. OK - So they haven’t offered up the map yet. But that’s only because they limit themselves to stories they think you’ll believe.
The reality is that they deliver dirtier air. They can actually make system performance worse by damaging your ducts. Dust mites rarely live in your ducts because most ducts are too dry. The same goes for mold and mildew. Moreover, of course since they don't actually improve air quality they're not doing anything for your health either. What they are improving is their bottom line. The indoor air quality side of the HVAC business runs very healthy margins. At least something is made healthy by their service.
Yes, yes. I know. Neighbor X had the service done and they rave about it. All I can say is that P.T. Barnum was right. However, should you wish to be more charitable then we can chalk it up to the placebo effect. Back when heart surgery was experimental studies, were performed to determine its effectiveness. Some patients got the real deal. Some just got a slice down the middle. I think you already know the result. A very small but vocal minority of the latter group proclaimed with joy how much better they felt. If fake heart surgery can “cure” a few nutty patients, duct cleaning can cure a few nutty neighbors.
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List of Simple Questions 3
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 here.
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!
Is it normal to have condensation under my house in the summer on ac ducts?
Of course not, if you are not living in the raised house like for example in New Orleans, but even in this case try to re-run your flex ductwork in a R-8 flex and/or put additional insulation on metal ductwork.
Why moisture on duct work causing hard wood floor to buckle?
Well, it is just because the moist wood is expanding in size.
How does humidity changes with airflow from air handler?
The slower the airflow - the lower the relative humidity.
Do multiple inlets for air return need dampers?
Yes.
Why two PVC drain lines coming from my ac handler?
There should be only one; the second one won't do any good.
Should be return air duct larger than return air drop?
No, its return drop should be large or the same size as the return air duct.
Can I install my own furnace?
Yes, you can. And you can buy one of them on the same page.
Should you run dryer vent up or down?
You can run it up or down...
Can I move an ac duct from my attic to inside my home?
Yes, of course, but there are a lot of variables.
What causes ductwork to whistle?
Your return duct is undersized or there is an obstruction.
Can low humidity in a house cause sinus problems?
Yes.
What causes gas furnaces to explode?
A gas leak.
Can you place a couch over cold air return duct?
Yes, if it is not blocked off and you are indifferent to the noise.
Can you use ½" pipe for a condensate pump?
No, it's against code, it should be ¾".
How does cold air return could be close to furnace?
More than 10 feet.
How to improve flex duct airflow.
Try to stretch and straighten it out as much as possible.
Do bathroom fans pull in fresh air from the furnace?
Do not worry for that unless you have an old style gravity furnace.
Funny pics of hvac install
Well, they are here and here.
How do I install ventilation fan on my microwave?
A ventilation fan should be part of your microwave unit.
How to insulate hvac ducts from sweating.
I have a paid page dedicated to this issue.
How to prevent my furnace from taking air from basement.
Seal the return duct, all sheeting, blockers and put a cover on the filter rack.
How to repair a vertical evaporator unit condensate line leak.
Just cut the leaking piece off of the pipe or elbow off and replace it with a new one plus couplings. And you can buy some on these fittings on the right.
How to wire ventilation fan for crawl space.
At first buy the fan on the right and you will get a wiring diagram and instructions with it.
I want to install my own ducting for a new a/c system.
So, what's the problem, just buy my "Ductwork Installation Guide" and DIY.
How to install ductboard collars.
Put a template on the duct board and trace it with a utility knife, insert a collar and bend all tabs out, seal it with mastic or duct sealant if necessary. And you can purchase a collar on the right.
How to insulate heating ducts in basement for sound.
Well this is impossible to do without replacing them all
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Is it ok to run ac duct from top of plenum?
No, this is code violation.
Is there stack duct for 6" wall?
Yes, you can use a regular 6" oval stack.
How do you seal ductwork with silver tape?
If this is old ductwork do not use silver tape, use a duct sealer. Buy a duct sealer on the right.
How to install dryer vent through brick video.
C'mon, just look at these pictures on the "Split Level Ranch" page, it's more than enough!
Why am I having microwave vent hood exterior exhaust issues?
The simple answer: because you still trying to save a couple of bucks on my paid page.
What are the causes of sweating air ducts in a crawlspace?
Jus read on this page and find the answer.
Why does furnace bang constantly?
There are a lot of causes for that, just read it on this page.
Does it pay to replace ac ductwork?
If it's very old, rusty and dirty outside and inside, if it's undersized or oversized, then the answer is yes.
Do you cover outside vents for intruders for furnace gas vents?
Yes, there are some metal or plastic screens available at the supply houses.
Is there bathroom residential wall mounted exhaust duct fans?
You can use just the regular one; see pictures of the installation on the "Top of the Line House" page. And you even can buy one on the right.
What is the best cold air intake basement position?
6 - 8 inches off the floor.
Where I can find furnace free book install?
You already got one - it is your furnace's installation manual!
Can I move the air ductwork to finish my basement?
Yep, I have two pages (1), (2) dedicated to this issue.
How to install the ductwork on a conditioned crawl space.
Just like in a basement.
Do you need hvac vent in basement bathroom?
Yes, of course, this is in the code.
How to prevent noisy cold air returns in new construction.
Your Heating Contractor must do a Manual D!
What cfm rated on a microwave hood mean?
It's saying how many cubic feet of air your microwave is exhausting to the outdoors
I am wanting to finish basement, but air and heat venting is old metal box type that hangs low, what could I replace it with in order to finish ceilings where they would not have to be so low?
Just purchase Chapter #1 (Materials) and find it out for yourself.
How many elbows in hvac ductwork?
As many as necessary!?!
Why water coming out of hole at bottom of furnace?
Because the drip pan of your evaporator is overflowing or the furnace's fan is blowing water away.
Can you install furnace ducting through floor joists?
Yes, if instead of floor joists they used trusses.
Can attic filters increase humidity?
Yes, if it's a new one.
Where I can see pictures of all ac duct installment tools?
Just purchase Chapter #1 (Tools) and you will see pictures and descriptions to every tool presented in the chapter.
Can you have a supply vent in basement without a return?
Yes, if this is an unfinished basement then you can have this most of the time.
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Can a dirty filter short the breaker box?
Yes.
How to fix popping sounds in attic.
You can find an answer on this page.
Is there an in line backflow preventer for dryer exhaust?
No.
What I need to install ducts?
First off, my "Ductwork Installation Guide" book.
Do isolated rooms need a return duct?
Absolutely!
What diameter should microwave exhaust fan vent be?
At least 6".
What happens if your furnace was sitting in water?
It will rust.
How to eliminate expansion contraction noise from ductwork finished basement.
Find a solution on this page.
How to install a heat register in a drop ceiling.
I have a chapter from my "Finished Basement Edition" book dedicated to this issue.
What is a duct blaster test for?
A duct blaster test is used to find an air leakage in duct seams, joints, and connections. It is not intended to determine if the ducts can flow air properly or not.
What happens if your fresh air intake is above your exhaust air?
Nothing, if it's more than 10' away.
What makes insulated ductwork sweat?
High level of humidity, dirty filters, low on Freon, etc.
Will a lined return duct stop fan noise?
It may reduce the level of the noise.
I have condensation build up on one supply outlet the ducts and cans are insulated, any ideas of the root of the problem.
Usually indicates that air is being pulled in around the ceiling can. Seal the can to the ceiling.
Can you seal old ductwork from the inside?
Yes, I heard about this technique.
How do I level my furnace?
You have to use a level and metal shims.
What do I need to get fresh air return in a sub-basement?
At least look around on my website!
How to make a sheet metal offset from rectangular to round?
This question is rather about a transition than an offset. The easiest way to do that is to tap in a collar to the rectangular box.
What to do with ugly PVC pipes & noise from high efficiency furnaces?
Well if they look ugly you can rerun them; if they make nose you can eliminate it.
Can I tap into my heating system to heat my basement?
Yes.
Can I use a furnace with the return on the wrong side?
Well, you can patch the wrong side, but better if the next time you won’t buy a stolen furnace…
Why can't a downflow furnace be in the basement?
No, it can be installed in the basement if you have underground ductwork.
Why does a ductless mini split need to be a minimum of 5' off the floor?
Basically it needs a certain amount of return air, i.e. warm air to go over the cold coil.
It could get to a point where cold air is the only air that the unit can process and that will either turn the unit off in an uncomfortable room or it will freeze the coil on you and be a big mess.
Also, they generally want that 5 foot height because their air discharge is from the bottom. And you can buy one on the right.
Can water in the condensate tub be sucked back up into the ac unit?
Yes, if an AC coil sits on the return side and the P-trap isn’t installed.
Tips on installing duct work.
Bad idea! You do not need just a few tips you need a Ductwork Installation Guide book!
Does heat ductwork need to be level?
Yes.
Does inducer motor suck air in or blow air out?
Both.
I have an older train furnace that did work but now the blower will not shut off.
Sounds like the fan on/off temperature switch is stuck in the closed position keeping the blower on.
If it’s electrical air handler, take the fan relay out and remove the little pc board from the relay, and put the two wires back onto the relay.
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How do you run ductwork for a two-story house with the furnace on the first level?
You can run it in trusses or in attic.
How to add a second cold air return.
Do not add a second return - add returns to every room of your house, except the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room.
How to attach heating duct to furnace?
You have to use a plenum first.
Is it necessary to have a cold air vent in finished basement?
Yes.
Are there problems with putting heating and air conditioning ducts in exterior walls?
If you can put R-8 insulation in the wall behind the duct, then you won't have any problems at all.
Is there a place where to learn how to install ductwork?
Yes, on this site.
Where I can find info for hvac installation procedures and free online training.
In your dreams.
How to relocate a furnace.
This one is a very difficult task, because too many changes to your ductwork, gas line, electrical wiring, etc. should be done.
Do you know any cool features to include in finished basement?
A lot of them just check it out this page.
How to connect ductwork that has come apart.
You cannot simply paste this kind of question in Google and find an answer online, unless you are an idiot. Even Google needs more specifically designed questions.
Can you run ductwork off of plenum going into crawl space?
Well, it is what you should do anyway. See some pics of this kind of installation on this page.
How does the s-lock work on ductwork?
S-lock is a misleading term unless you are using a bottom puncher and put an S-cleat (the right term) on the duct's S-side in a certain way. The purpose of the S-cleat is to hold S-sides of ducts in place.
What is a clearance from gas furnace exhaust and dryer vent?
10'.
How is best way to insulate round metal ducts.
You may use wrap insulation or sleeve insulation, but for the second one you must take heat runs apart. Buy sleeve insulation here on the right.
How to get cold air from basement to first floor.
It would never work. Your basement won't even keep up with the load. However you can give it a try. If you are having a furnace (air handler) with ductwork in your basement open up an end cap on your return duct, if not, install a level-to-level fan.
How to run cold air returns through attic.
Well, this one isn't really a simple question, but on the "Split Level Ranch Remodeling" and "Top of the Line House" pages you can see quite a bit of pictures dedicated to this issue.
What does a return on a furnace do?
The return on a furnace is returning air to the furnace.
Will insulation stop metal ductwork from sweating?
Absolutely!
What is return air duct material?
Sheet metal or duct board.
Where to find split-level remodeling books?
I cannot help you with this one, but I would recommend you to look at the "Split Level Ranch Remodeling" page. Besides ductwork installation, you may find a lot of other remodeling ideas.
What exhaust fan is needed for laundry with dryer?
Just the smallest one - 3" 50 cfm or you can buy one on the right.
When do you install ductwork?
Usually from 7 am to 3.30 pm.
Can the fan on the furnace draw humidity from the basement up to the second story?
It might unless you have an AC.
How do you insulate attic ductwork?
This one is a very strange question:
If you are an installer you must know that or learn it from your co-workers.
If you are a homeowner, your ductwork should be already insulated!
However, in both cases I would recommend you to read on the "Ductwork Insulation" page.
How far can fresh air intake be from dryer exhaust?
10'.
How to insulate an exterior wall hvac return.
You can use aluminum faced foam insulation, or double bubble insulation. And you can buy it on the right.
Should you insulate intake heating duct?
No, unless your basement is very warm and humid.
Should I have solid 90"S and 45's at the bends in my flex duct off the distribution box, and in the ceiling registers?
If you are making bends or connecting the flex to register boots make sure you use a wide radius when making the turns and support them if needed. No sharp bends.
Would clogged condensate affect cooling?
No, but may affect your furnace/air handler.
Do you need the 6 inch ductwork for microwave?
Yes.
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 still cannot find an answer to your simple question, just ask it on this page.
If your question requires more than a 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 already have a paid page with the answer to your question, you will pay nothing. If that page is pricier than $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.
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