The Biannual Maintenance Agreement
As a homeowner you may have heard:
"Well sir or madam, as you can see this trumped up repair will cost you the righteous amount of $595. But if you sign up on our totally awesome maintenance agreement you’ll save 15% on a price that we recently raised by 50%. I’ll get a $30 spiff. You'll get priority service. We always prioritize suckers like you. When I return for the next maintenance I’ll put on a cool little dog and pony show where I buff the furnace, overcharge the air conditioner and fine tune nothing. You’d really be doing me a favor because we need filler work to stay busy during the slow season. Plus, when I return I’ll get yet another chance to foist bogus services and sham products on you. You’d be doing yourself a favor as well because you’ll think your system is running better. After all, perception is reality. And I’m perceiving me a nice commission check!”
OK. So you didn’t hear that. But if they were to mend their forked tongues that’s what they’d be saying. When HVAC contractors talk amongst themselves about residential maintenance agreements there’s one thing they don’t talk about: the actual benefit of twice-yearly maintenance to the homeowner. It’s been proven that residential maintenance agreement customers buy more, buy more often and shop around less. A customer who has a maintenance contract forms a kind of bond to that company. As a result the money flows. That the maintenance agreement actually benefits you or not is irrelevant.
Does your system actually need bi-annual maintenance? In some cases, especially in harsh climates and with oil burning furnaces, maybe. In most cases, especially in the mild climes of the SF Bay where we have extremely clean burning natural gas, no.
A single yearly visit to service both the furnace and air conditioner is plenty. As long as you're changing the air filters you can quite often get away with even less. One very large and famous HVAC manufacturer has acquiesced to as much. But you won’t hear about that because without the twice a year maintenance agreement contractors wouldn’t have as much filler work. Contractors have two slow seasons every year. Hence the maintenance agreement customer gets two visits every year. To add to the charade most maintenances are performed very poorly. In some cases, like when an air conditioner is given an unnecessary shot of Freon, the equipment actually runs worse after the maintenance. |
The Biannual Maintenance Agreement
As a homeowner you may have heard:
"Well sir or madam, as you can see this trumped up repair will cost you the righteous amount of $595. But if you sign up on our totally awesome maintenance agreement you’ll save 15% on a price that we recently raised by 50%. I’ll get a $30 spiff. You'll get priority service. We always prioritize suckers like you. When I return for the next maintenance I’ll put on a cool little dog and pony show where I buff the furnace, overcharge the air conditioner and fine tune nothing. You’d really be doing me a favor because we need filler work to stay busy during the slow season. Plus, when I return I’ll get yet another chance to foist bogus services and sham products on you. You’d be doing yourself a favor as well because you’ll think your system is running better. After all, perception is reality. And I’m perceiving me a nice commission check!”
OK. So you didn’t hear that. But if they were to mend their forked tongues that’s what they’d be saying. When HVAC contractors talk amongst themselves about residential maintenance agreements there’s one thing they don’t talk about: the actual benefit of twice-yearly maintenance to the homeowner. It’s been proven that residential maintenance agreement customers buy more, buy more often and shop around less. A customer who has a maintenance contract forms a kind of bond to that company. As a result the money flows. That the maintenance agreement actually benefits you or not is irrelevant.
Does your system actually need bi-annual maintenance? In some cases, especially in harsh climates and with oil burning furnaces, maybe. In most cases, especially in the mild climes of the SF Bay where we have extremely clean burning natural gas, no.
A single yearly visit to service both the furnace and air conditioner is plenty. As long as you're changing the air filters you can quite often get away with even less. One very large and famous HVAC manufacturer has acquiesced to as much. But you won’t hear about that because without the twice a year maintenance agreement contractors wouldn’t have as much filler work. Contractors have two slow seasons every year. Hence the maintenance agreement customer gets two visits every year. To add to the charade most maintenances are performed very poorly. In some cases, like when an air conditioner is given an unnecessary shot of Freon, the equipment actually runs worse after the maintenance. |
|
|
List of Simple Questions 4
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 an 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 anything be done to remedy lack of cold air return?
Just install an additional cold air return; read more and step-by-step tutorial on this page.
Can you cover fresh air vent for noise reduction in house?
There are no direct correlation between fresh air intake and noise in house. However if you don't have enough cold air returns fresh air intake may help a little.
Can you seal off a return heating register?
You can seal off whatever you like even cold air supply grill...
How to cut top of ductwork.
You can cut the top of ductwork with red or green aviation snips. Do not have one? Buy it on the right.
How long can flexible duct be in attic?
Should be no longer than 25'. And you can buy it on the right.
How to attach duct to microwave.
It is not difficult at all! The re is step-by-step tutorial on this page.
How to attach plenum to furnace.
You should attach plenum to furnace with several ½" zip screws.
How to connect new ductwork to existing basement ductwork.
This is a very simple DIY project, but at first, buy my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
How to install an hvac sheet metal register.
You can find step-by-step explanations in Chapter #52 on this page.
How to install ceiling register.
If for the finished basement, you can find step-by-step explanations in Chapter #6 on this page.
How to install dampers in ductwork.
Pierce a hole in a duct with a scratch awl, by turning it back and forth make a hole larger, insert damper, put on a handle and tighten it up with the wing nut. And you can buy a scratch awl here on the right.
How to install ductwork for bathroom fan.
You can find step-by-step explanations in the Chapter #23 on this page.
How to install rectangular duct.
You can find step-by-step explanations in the Chapter #39 on this page.
Do the modern clothes dryers leave clothes damp?
It seems to me that your exhaust pipe is clogged with the lint, find a solution on this page.
My house vent duct sweat and rotted my floor!
Really? Then stay on this site and go to this page.
Types for heat duct rigid or flex.
Rigid is always better.
What gauge duct for dryer venting?
30 gauges is enough.
What type of ductwork do I need to run return fresh air supply to furnace?
You can use insulated flex.
Do you insulate round ductwork?
Yep.
Do you put cold air returns in a kitchen?
No cold air returns in kitchens and bathrooms allowed by code.
For each season which hvac return register do you open and close?
This question only seems simple, please read on this page.
How to make ducts.
First off, buy a tin shop...
Is it worth moving return registers close to ceiling?
Absolutely!
I notice that every time the ac starts, I get a burst of warm air out of the supply grills. It goes away instantly then I begin to feel the cold air coming out of the register. Is this normal?
This is normal. The ducts are in the hot attic, the air that is just "sitting" in the ducts when the system is off will get warm. Once the system comes on and starts cooling, the warm air is blown out of the ducts and into the house.
Can I replace a furnace door switch myself?
Yes you can. Just buy one on the right.
|
|
What is circumference of 4" ductwork?
Are you kidding? I guess this is back to school time!
Why you should not add fresh air intake to home furnace?
This is an interesting question. But really, why?
Can air conditioner vents under cabinets cause your hardwood floors to buckle?
If these vents aren't extended to the openings in the cabinet's bases then I think they can.
Can I install a duct booster fan in my heat pump?
Absolutely! And you can buy it on this page, on the right.
Condensing unit is making a buzzing sound even when off.
Even if it's off you have low voltage wires to the unit and a relay that is always energized by them.
Do I need fresh air for wood stove?
If you are asking about combustion air then the answer is yes.
Does a furnace plenum need to be insulated?
In a conditioned space you can skip on it.
Does air return run down your wall or up?
In the most cases it depends on location of your furnace/air handler.
How far should be cold air return from furnace?
If this is basement cold air return - the 10'.
How to install a toe kick heat register.
You can get step-by-step tutorial in a Chapter #1 of the "Kitchen Remodeling Edition" book.
How to install crawl space ductwork for a gas furnace
Just like in a basement.
How to quiet ductwork when walking on floor.
I believe you can fly! But seriously, stay on my site and read on this page for God sake.
How to size hvac condensate drain.
There are no calculations for this matter, just use ¾" PVC pipes and fittings.
Is it good to install ductwork in attic?
No, furthermore, personally I consider it as a crime!
Is there a good web site that explains how to install ductwork?
Wake up dude you are already there!
What is purpose of the T line behind the condensation trap?
It is designed for the cleaning purposes.
Should an air conditioner condensate drain into a washing machine trap?
Yes, you can use it if you are out of the other options.
Should my cold air return duct in the attic be sealed tight?
Absolutely!
What causes return air vent to whistle?
Most likely lack of cold air returns.
What kind of ductwork do you use for kitchen exhaust systems?
Just regular sheet metal ducts.
What would happen if you install microwave without the vent?
Really not much, you just cannot get rid of the smell completely and have to change filters more often.
Which duct installation is proper? Both supply and return registers on inside walls or outside walls, supply register on outside and return register on inside, supply register on inside and return register on outside.
The second one. For more info visit this page and download a pdf file, it's free of charge.
Black insulation not covering air condition hose.
Name of this black insulation is armaflex; you can buy it at any HVAC supply house.
How to install cold air return to furnace room.
No cold air returns from mechanical rooms allowed by code.
Is there a guide for pop noise removal?
Yes, you can find it on this page and it is working already for five years on my site flawlessly!
What do you do when your old cold air returns are dented?
Well, I have a quiz dedicated to this issue. Find an instant answer to this question on this page.
|
|
Can I install booster fans inside my furnace air ducts?
Yes, you can! Get more info on this page.
Can you vent a gas furnace with a draft inducer blower through a wall in the crawlspace?
Technically, you can, but it would be against a manufacturer's instruction and code. However, they allow you to run an exhaust from a garage heater or from all kinds of suspended heaters in the commercial applications...
Why my dryer exhaust constantly clogs with moist lint?
Because you are not using a dryer exhaust booster! Buy it on the right on this page.
How much drop does a condensate drain need on a air conditioner?
At least 1/8" per foot.
How to duct microwave exhaust to outside.
Find a solution on this page.
How to get furnace ductwork to not bang and make noise.
Find a solution on this page.
How to install commercial duct.
You can find the answer on this page.
How to install suspended furnace in attic.
I do not have a tutorial for the attic, but its similar installation, which is described in the Chapter #62 from my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
How to run an air conditioner trunk line.
This actually is a very complicated question, but you may find answers in my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
Is it normal to have moisture on outside of plenum when air is running?
No.
Should you insulate ductwork in walls?
If these are the exterior walls then yes.
Who can install kitchen microwave ductwork?
You!
What are recommended humidity settings in a cold climate?
40% - 50% RH.
How do I hook ductwork to existing ductwork?
It is not really a simple question; get more info on this page.
How often should ac ductwork be replaced?
If it is in a good shape, then never.
Is it safe to run your central heat if the outside unit is disconnected?
If this is a furnace only, then yes, but if this is a heat pump it won’t work anyway.
Will closing supply vent stop banging?
No. Get more info on this page.
Do Honeywell humidifiers waste water?
Yes, learn how to reduce water consumption on this page.
What is back drafting on a gas furnace?
It’s when furnace or/and water heater fumes are drawn back into the basement.
|
|
Does every heat vent need a cold air return?
Well, in the perfectly designed system, it does, but nothing is perfect.
How to cap or plug unneeded heating duct vents in ceiling.
Disconnect it from hanger, put a 10 x 4 end cap on, push it up and fix the drywall.
I have to put an air return vent above my bedroom door but the header is in the way.
Then do not put it there, run it through the wall or install a cold air return in the ceiling/wall.
Is a fresh air intake recommended for heat pump systems?
Yes.
What do I need to make my own ductwork?
As I've said above, buy a tin shop or you can learn a very simple technique on this page.
Who can perform heat loss gain calculations?
Even you can do it, just purchase calculation software online.
Can a builder be sued over ductwork condensation?
In America? No questions asked!
Can I have a return vent in my basement to my furnace?
Yes.
Does furnace fresh air intake lower heating cost?
Maybe just a bit, but learn how to make it work for you on this page.
How to eliminate sound transfer in cold air return.
In order to achieve that you have to use an acoustic duct liner, but you cannot install it on your existing system, because it should be glued to the ductwork inside.
How long should ductwork runs be before extending main duct?
There are no regulation for this matter. You can set a heat run right on the plenum.
How much fresh combustion air required for gas furnace?
There is a method on how to determine amount like this, just read on this page.
How to hook up return duct to main duct.
Well, it is not really simple question, but you can learn how to do that in the Chapters #34 - #36 of my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
How to install ducts to plenum in home heating system.
Read Chapter #38 of my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
What tool do I use to cut into the top of my supply plenum?
It is not allowed by code to cut into the top of the supply plenum.
How to install additional take off to heating duct.
I have a paid page that answers to this question.
Should you put a filter in the return air grill?
If it's designed for a filter then the answer is yes.
What type worker extends ductwork from dryer to outside vent?
C'mon, even you can do it, just read Chapter #26 from my "Ductwork Installation Guide".
Will every chimney make ticking noises?
No, but if you have this problem, find a solution on the "Ticking Noise Elimination" page.
Can I install my air conditioning ducts in the attic?
Yes, you can, but find a better solution.
How to effectively cover a cold air return and not compromise the efficiency of your furnace?
This is a good question, but stop f-g around and find a solution on this page!
What do you have to do to get your ductwork moved from under your house to above it?
Well, you must gut your house.
What is the best way to run your hvac ducting in the attic?
The best way is not to run it at all, otherwise look around I have quite a few paid and free pages dedicated to this issue.
How to vent our microwave hood around 2 x 4.
Cut the stud, nail two headers, run exhaust through the wall. If you run it up or down it’s not necessary to be dead on center. Get more info on this page.
Our furnace is 20 years old and needs replacing. The problem is our house is just over 4200SF and the builder did not 2 zone the air and heat we have a 150,000 BTU furnace and so far the 2 guys that came over for an estimate says they do not make a high efficiency furnace in that size. One guy said he would try connecting 2 smaller units in parallel. The other guy wants to redo the duct work and 2 zone it, (way too much $$$, we will never recoup that cost). My question is what can I do?
A 150,000 BTU input 80% efficient furnace, is 120,000 BTUs output.
A 120,000 BTU input 95% efficient furnace is 114,000 BTUs output. Doubt you will miss 6,000 BTUs.
A load calc will probably show that a 120,000 95% input furnace is more then enough heat for your house. You can do your own load calc and find out what size you really need.
Two furnaces can be twinned to get the size you need, if it would turn out that you need the full 120,000 BTU output. The new furnaces will have instructions how to twin them. Done right, you will end up with a nice two stage heating system and probably save a lot of money on your heating bill.
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 |
|
|
|