HVAC questions

#1
volinbham

volinbham

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#1
Since you guys were so helpful on the tankless water heater issue I thought I'd seek more advice.

I'm looking to replace my current HVAC - it's at least 30 years old (maybe more for the furnance).

A couple questions:

1. How's the Heil brand? Should I find equipment then ask a contractor to install or go with their recommendation?

2. Value of things like the UV light system (for killing mold?) and spaceguard/Aprilaire filter systems? Are these worth the $ or just profit makers for the contractor?

3. I have some asbestos so they are proposing capping some pipes (not used) and "hanging" and wrapping them in place - does that sound normal?

4. How many quotes should I get? I had one done about 2-3 years ago from another contractor and it was about the same as the one I got today.

Thanks in advance
 
#2
#2
1) The work I do is in the commercial/industrial market, so I'm not terribly familiar with Heil. Generally any large manufacturer is going to offer similar quality. Most of the equipment we install is Trane.

2) I don't really see that a UV system has much value, but high efficiency filters can be a major plus, especially if you are susceptible to allergens. Keep in mind that MERV 13 or similar filters require more fan power, and thus more electricity to push the air through.

3) Again, as far as asbestos abatement goes I am no expert. Generally I would expect them to want to demolish and remove asbestos or other similar carcinogens. In the hospital project I am working on now, no asbestos materials are to remain. They MUST be removed. It is possible that just capping them is a viable option. I imagine that if it were dangerous there would be a code issue with doing so.

4) 2-3 quotes. Just to check and make sure a guy is in the ballpark. Not necessarily that they are trying to gig you on price, but possibly they are missing some of the scope you expect them to do. If the quotes aren't within 5-10% of each other and the equipment is the same, someone missed something.
 
#3
#3
I'll comment on the asbestos since I dealt with it when I bought my house. Normally they just leave it alone if they are in good shape. I have some on pipes in my attic that they said would be fine as long as the insulation was kept intact. Removing it will cost a pretty penny because of the environmental regs.
 
#4
#4
utvolpj said:
I'll comment on the asbestos since I dealt with it when I bought my house. Normally they just leave it alone if they are in good shape. I have some on pipes in my attic that they said would be fine as long as the insulation was kept intact. Removing it will cost a pretty penny because of the environmental regs.
Click to expand...

That's the story I'm getting - an abatement company wouldn't do it since it's a "small job" but if they did it would be thousands.

There's what looks to be an insulating pipe where the furnace pipe goes into the attic (where all the duct work is). It's a solid formed piece and the contractor thinks they can remove that intact. The disconnected pipes in the attic will be left but stabilized and wrapped.
 
#5
#5
1) I sell Trane and highly recommend their equipment, but quality of install is more important than brand. Go with a reputable company.

2) The filter systems are worth the money if you have allergies. The UV systems aren't worth the money. If everything is setup and working properly you shouldn't have mold.

3) The asbestos shouldn't be a problem if it's not disturbed.

4) 3 quotes. Make sure they are pricing comparable equipment. Quality of install is more important than brand.
 
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