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- By James Wisler
- HVAC
- [otfliker]
Replacing HVAC systems is possibly a mastered craft by some contractors, but for others, it is still a learning process. There are many small details that can be easily overlooked, yet every nitty-gritty makes the difference in terms of a quality installation and a satisfied customer.
Here are the top three mistakes that we see contractors making when they replace or install HVAC systems.
Mistake #1: Relying on Rule of Thumbs
There are many rules of thumb used in the HVAC industry that contractors mistakenly use in every project they work on. For instance, they may say things like, “the average BTU we found optimal for every square foot” or “generally speaking, the insulation value on your wall is going to be X because that’s a good rule of thumb.”
A client’s house and setting might fit the average, but every household is different. Therefore, the approach, the calculations, and specifications should be tailored-fit to the customer’s home and not taken out of an HVAC beginner’s handbook.
For example, contractors have to be exact when calculating the heat load. This is done by considering all the factors that influence the value. This includes the direction of the household, the walls used for plugging in, every shading inside the house, and the type of insulation they used, among others.
Accounting for these elements will enable contractors to understand heat loss and heat gain in a household, and provide customers with a custom solution that soothes their problems better.
HVAC service providers can’t rely on rules of thumb if you’re dealing with comfort. The key to being a trustworthy business is being completely accurate.
Mistake #2: Improper ductwork sizing
If the ductwork isn’t sized properly, it can result in low airflow. This mistake is often made by contractors who take a “one size fits all” approach or who don’t understand the proper way to calculate airflow. Every ductwork installed in a household requires a certain amount of airflow to work properly, whether that’s the supply duct going into different rooms or the return duct.
For example, ductwork that’s too small will restrict air flow, making it difficult to cool or heat a home evenly. This can lead to higher energy bills as your HVAC system will have to work harder to make up for the restricted airflow. While ductwork that’s too large causes the HVAC system to cycle on and off more frequently, which puts unnecessary wear and tear on the system and can shorten its lifespan.
Being precise with ductwork helps improve the efficiency of an HVAC system, which can save customers money in the long run.
Mistake #3: Dwelling in a “that’s good enough” mindset
Being in the HVAC industry means understanding what matters most for clients: comfort. With that being said, every tech or contractor must have that same endgame in mind when working on a household. They must stray away from rules of thumb or shortcuts that will get the contract fulfilled but not provide what clients are ultimately looking for.
HVAC installations or replacements can be expensive. Clients don’t want to spend a bunch of money for mediocre and disappointing results.
Nowadays, the equipment used for HVAC is getting more advanced. With that said, the energy guidelines are also getting higher and every piece of tech equipment used is receiving tighter tolerances. Every contractor must pay close attention to the most minor nuances, as reliance on shortcuts can result in improper installations.
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, committing any of the 3 errors above can lead to customers’ comforts being sacrificed and them not receiving a good return on their investment. Ultimately, this can be a bad look for a business and jeopardize a contractor’s reputation in the industry.
Customers like you are always looking for top-notch service for every dime they spend and we can make that happen. If you’re ready to replace yours, call Wisler Plumbing and Air at 540-483-9382.
