Conference 7.286::home_work

Jay Moody - Lancaster Mass 534 9483. (but he covers all of eastern MA)

He is a sheet-metal house, but also does A/C, air cleaners, furnance
replacement, etc. I met him as the A/C company who did my house
subcontracted the duct work to him, and I have had him back to put in
an air cleaner, and extend a heating duct to an extra room. I can
describe him simply: very reasonable prices, no ripoff, and EXCELLENT
work.  (wish I had hired him for the whole A/C job, the guys from the 
A/C company looked quite unprofessional in comparison) He instills in
his whole crew a very professional attitude towards their work, they
do things <right>, no shortcuts. 

tell him I sent you. 

    
    I went with AirTech of Litchfield, NH. Their quote was lower than
    Air Design and I ended up waiting about 8 days instead of several
    weeks for the job to get done. I got a good installation and a nice
    coooooool house. The number is 889-5760.
                                                      
    						Trace

    Atlantic Refrigeration in Hudson, Ma.  They do top quality work
    at very reasonable prices.  They will be there when they say they
    will, and do a professional job in a timely manner.  The phone number
    is 563-7552.

    re .8
    
    As a followup to my previous note, we finally did use Air-Tech
    (Litchfield, NH)to have a York system installed. Although we 
    haven't had the opportunity yet to really check it out, the 
    installation was done promptly, professionally and the price 
    was competitive. Now we just need some more hot weather to see if
    it can really cool the house down!!
    mike
    
    

    The correct 'phone number for Atlantic Refrigeration in Hudson is
    508 562 7552.
    

Deb,

I can _HIGHLY_ recommend Dick Halley, who own Ultra Plumbing and Heating, of
Milford, NH! Not only was he among the lowest of bidders (among 10 - lower than
others by as much as 50%!), but he installed excellent equipment (Magic Chef
Ultra 93 hi-eff gas htr), was prompt, extremely courteous and professional, and
was fanatically concerned about the quality (both technically and asthetically)
of the installation. His concerns were obviously also the concerns of his 
helpers (some of whom he was training in *his* way of working) and 
sub-contractors (for electrical work). Nothing but satisfaction from his work!

Sorry, I can't find his business card, but he's listed in the Nashua directory.

Brian

    I also dealt with Dick Haley of Ultra Heating and Air Conditioning.  I
    was very satisfied.  He did our heating and soon will be doing our
    central air.  Glad to hear yours is working so well.  But I have every
    confidence in Mr. Haley and his employees.
    
    -Lisa
    

			PILSKI APPLIANCE REPAIR SERVICE

			 Repairs on all Makes & Models
	       			Reasonable Rates
	   		    Domestic and Commercial
			 	(508) 755-5702

	Have had Pilski Appliance repair many of my appliances over the
	past few years such as dish washer, dryer, washer and air conditioner.

	I have only positive things to say regarding Richard Pilski.  He takes
	the extra time to explain the problem, always shows up on time,
	rates are very very reasonable, polite, courteous and honest.

	The repairs have been from minor to major and he seems to be quite
	competent no matter what the job entails.  All his work has been
	completed in a timely fashion as well as very neat and clean.

	He is located in the Worcester area but does work in all surrounding 
	areas.

    I would like to also highly recommend Dick Haley of Ultria Heating and
    A/C, Brookline NH.  Dick recently installed a central A/C system in
    my house.  We originally called him on a Friday morning, and he came
    over the next day (Saturday) to do an estimate!  His quote was much
    lower than the other bids we got, and based on the recommendations in
    this file, we decided to hire him.  
    
    He showed up exactly when he said he was going to, and the job took
    exactly as long as he estimated (about 5 hrs.).  (This type of 
    responsiveness and reliability wins extremely high marks in my mind).
    
    Now we'll see how the unit operates when the next heat wave comes!

>>      <<< Note 2001.16 by NOVA::WASSERMAN "Deb Wasserman, DTN 264-1863" >>>
>>                    -< Ultra Heating and A/C, Brookline NH >-

	I'm curious,  how much did it cost for how big of a house?
	Did you already have forced hot air heat?
	
	Someday I want to add central A/C and I'm just looking for
	some idea of how much it'll cost.
	
	Garry

    Our house is a contemporary 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, about 2300 sq. ft. 
    Yes, we already had forced hot air (otherwise, I think the cost would
    be prohibitive).  An estimate by Lawrence J. Hall (the local Carrier
    distributor) 3 yrs. ago for $3500 scared us off.  This year's estimates
    were Air Tech $2300, and Ultra $1600.  Bob's Appliances in Milford came
    out to take a look, took a bunch of measurements, verbally discussed
    this and that equipment, and never sent a written bid.
    
    I have no idea why the 1988 Carrier estimate was so high, but I think
    the difference in the current estimates have to do with what size and
    efficiency unit they propose.  Our house required a 3-ton unit.  (I
    think Bob's wanted to put in 3.5 tons, with a very high efficiency). 
    We calculated that for our part of the country (N.H.), the higher
    cost of the high efficiency unit would pay back in something like 10
    years.  Definitely not worth it, although I guess if you're in Phoenix
    the considerations would be different.

    I'm not sure where this note belongs.  I didn't see any other 
similar note, so I'll post it here!

    I just had two A/C contractors give me estimates for installing 
central A/C in my house.  BTW, I used tow people recommended in this 
note, Jay Moody and Dick Haley.   The biggest difference (aside from 
their quotes) was that the former suggested using a 4 ton York (10 sear) and 
the latter suggested a 3.5 ton Rheam unit (10 sear).  The difference 
in their estimates was roughly $1400.  Has anyone ever heard of or had 
any experience with Rheam AC units?  I'm not sure of the spelling.

    Thanks.
    Phil

If you're concerned about spelling, it's "Rheem" and "SEER".

The June Consumer Reports has a series of articles on air conditioning,
including a new (to me) design called "split ductless" which seems very
promising for retrofitting into houses without existing ducts.

				Steve

    
    	Phil...
    
    		For what it's worth, the latest issue of Consumer 
    	Reports lists Trane units as needing the least repairs.  I 
    	realize you're not trying to compare Trane to anything, 
    	just thought I throw this in.  Also, this issue has 3 or 4
    	good articles on a/c.  Might be worth reading...
    
    	Ed

    Thanks Ed and Steve.  I'll check it out.  One of the A/C 
contractors suggested the ductless-split system for out family room 
which is 24'x24' and sits over the garage adjacent to the main house.  
These babies are not cheap!

-Phil

    	I have a split unit Sanyo. I opted for this over retrofitting
        the house for central. It's cheaper that the central air method
    	but not as cheap and an in-window style conditioner.
    
    	The Sanyo I have is also a heat pump and can supply heat as well
    	as AC. It's quiet and efficient. The top-of-wall flush mounts are
    	rarely noticed by anyone until they are either pointed out or they
    	sit in the cool air stream. All-in-all, I like this system over
        loosing my closets to ducting.

>    	I have a split unit Sanyo. I opted for this over retrofitting
>        the house for central. It's cheaper that the central air method
>    	but not as cheap and an in-window style conditioner.

    Hmm, interesting.  What style of house do you have?  How big a 
unit?

    /Phil

    For reasons I won't go into now, the unit is a total of 18,000 BTU for
    AC, about 16,000 for heat. Because I was using it as a heat pump first
    to reduce electric costs, both units are on the first floor cover about
    1100 sq ft and doing it fairly easily. The problem with splits is the
    inability to disperse air well around lots of corners and turns. I
    placed 1 in the kitchen blowing toward the back room and one in the
    livingroom blowing toward the dining area. Works great but the upstairs
    of my cape is still using room AC units. Now, I replaced my electric 
    heat with FHW oil, I'm warm now in winter, cool in summer, no ducts in
    my closets, and an electric bill last month of $50 running both heat
    some days and AC others. 
    
    If you have a large open home, you may be able to do with one split but
    I'd plan on two if you have a two story home like my cape. 

    
    Depending on how your house is designed, and the heat gain (BTUs
    cooling required/tons) of it, you might be able to get away with
    a mobile home type unit.  It's all self contained with flexi-duct
    going off to different areas.  For a small home with no ductwork,
    they are fine, and cheaper than having a whole system installed.
    Easier to work on also.
    
    Fred
    

    I have just one more question regarding central A/C.  I'm leaning 
    towards using Dick Haley (Ultra Systems) of New hampshire to install 
    the A/C based on his low quote and recommendations found in this 
    notesfile.  My biggest concern at this point is that it appears as 
    if nooone in Mass. deals with Rheem anymore.  What happens if that 
    is still the case 5 or 10 years from now when a problem occurs and 
    Dick isn't around?

    Thanks.

    /Phil

    
    Just about every part in those things can be substituted with
    the exception of outer shells and condenser coils.  Thermostats,
    relays, fan motors and compressors can readily be replaced by
    a service tech.   You run into mounting problems when a mfg. like
    carrier makes or has items made specifically to thier dimensions.
    
    Problem you may have is work covered under warrantee if the orig-
    inal installer goes under.  By the time the factory OKs the work
    to be done by "X", the hot weather's gone.
    
    But the way I see Rheem advertizing, you should be ok.  
    
    Fred

    
>    But the way I see Rheem advertizing, you should be ok.  
    
    Where?  In MA or NH?

    Thanks
    -Phil

    
    Greater media cable, central mass area.
    
    Fred

    Are there any other recommendations for the central MA (Northboro)
    area for Air Conditioning Contractor? We are going to have central
    air installed this spring and would like to get a few estimates.
    
    We had the duct work done when the house was built, so that should
    help the cost of the estimates.
    
    We've called Atlantic, but would like to get others estimates also.
    
    Thanks,
    Michael

    
    I've read the notes on air conditioner contractors in this stream and others, and
    I'm not sure where this question belongs, but I need advice
    desperately!
    
    the airconditioning unit in my house (rented) died this past weekend.
    The property management company got 4 estimates in NH area (they are
    pretty different
    
    Company             Brand         Size      Price   Warranty
    
    Austin Plumbing     Janitrol      4Ton      $1550     5 year
    
    HG Wells            York          3.5 tons  $1250     5 Year
    
    Crossroads          Heil          4 Tons    $2200     5year
    
    Ultra Systems       ??            ??        $1600     5 year
    
    
still waiting on what size of one from Ultra.  HG Wells says they will NOT
    quote a 4 Ton unit as it is too big for the house 2800sq ft and
    is bigger than what is there and will cause humidity problems.
    (they have done work at the house before, plumbing and heating)
    .  The others are also quoting to replace and say it is 4Ton.  
    This is a LOT more than I expect for a replacement unit
     (as ductwork is there)  The tenant is calling twice a day complaining
    and asking  when  it will be fixed.  I'm not there, and I'm worried to
    put the wrong unit in and have problems for the next 10 years,
    (We will be moving back to the house in a year)
    
    
    Any help, advice, consulting is very much appreciated
    
    -linda
    
    

I found it hard to believe that HG Wells had gone into the HVAC business,
so I looked in the phone book.  It's Harry W. Wells & Son.

    Well, I dunno, he did have that nice time machine.
    
    I don't have central AC so haven't dealt with Wells in that
    capacity, but I'm delighted with all the plumbing and heating
    work they've done for me.
    
    					Steve

    
    If the capacity of the old unit was ok, replace it with the 
    same size.   
    
    When you say it died,  what happened - exactly?  
    
    Fred

    My problem is I do not know what the size of the old unit, as
    It was there when I bought it.  The different contractors
    who are in the US, looking at the unit are in disagreement
    over the size that they are replacing.  Wells says it
    is 3.5, 2 others say it was a 4ton.
    
    What I know, the person taking care of the house said
    that the air conditioning has been fine when he has turned it on.
    
    The tenant moved in 1 week ago.  They turned on the unit, and
    they said that it can on and then stopped.
    
    One person said that the compressor needed replacing, but that the
    existing unit was 12 years old (age of the house) and
    that if only replaced compressor (800) then it would likely
    that other parts would wear out soon.,
    
    -l

    I am still waiting for the rest of the bid information from
    Ultra Systems,  They are not responsive to the phone calls
    from me nor the property management company (6 messages left)
    asking for the information on the brand, size and warranty
    for the unit they wish to install, even though they said they
    would get it to us 4 days ago.
    
    just fyi

If I were you I'd cross Ultra Systems off my list.

			Steve

    Have "YOU" looked at the physical condition of the unit?
    
    You have a compressor and a fan motor in the outside unit
    and a fan motor with the fan connected directly onto it's
    shaft OR a fan motor with a belt driven blower (fan) inside.
    If the compressor went and the rest of it looks like it'll
    take another 5 years, I'd replace the compressor.  If it
    was a "slow burnout", the entire system is contaminated and
    it'll require extra cost to clean it up.  The outside fan
    motor could be lubed if "IT" didn't quit and cause the comp-
    ressor problem.  The inside unit will need new filters, 
    lube the blower motor and fan bearings and a belt.
    
    Best  thing to do is for you and your husband (assuming your married)
    to go thru a visual with the contractor and ask "why" to most
    everything.   
    
    It's rough not seeing the equipment. 
    Also, I know nothing of those contractors.
    
    Fred      

    In response to the last note: I am physically in Europe. My house
    is in NH.  This is why it is difficult for me to get information
    with the time delay and not being able to physicaly see.  
    
    Steve:  I have crossed Ultra off the list due to unresponsiveness.
    
    I have decided to go with Wells. (no time machine ;-) )
    and they are doing another inspection with the property manager
    to demonstrate why they believe it is 3.5
    
    thanks
    -lz

    Looking for recommendations of reasonable-priced and good quality
    central air people for the Central Mass. area.
    
    Thanks,
    Judy  237-3165
    

They put in a/c for me last year.  I was very impressed with technical
expertise, honesty, professionalism.  It's a family business. They
were on schedule, neat, reliable, personable.  Their prices were about
the same as everyone's; maybe a tad lower.  (I found it amazing that all 
the a/c bids I got were extremely close. )

They offered Lennox or Janitrol (or some other low end name, I forget.)  
I went with the Lennox. I missed the Lennox early-bird financing plan, 
but I bet it's still available now.

There was a bit of a technical glitch at the end with an add-on installation 
of the programmable thermostat on an additional heating-only zone, but they 
came through eventually.

I also had them do my annual oil burner cleaning in the fall and they
identified and replaced a $10 part that was wreaking havoc with my
tankless hot water system success. Previous contractors had said that part
was okay and I would have to go the Store-More, Boiler-mate route if
I wanted long, hot showers, but that's another story...

Phone numbers: 508-433-5373 or 800-498-5373

    We just received 2 quotes for central air (top floor only) for our home.
    (Forced hot water heating system unfortunately).
                                                    
    May & Halley in Groton (Steve Engel installer) came in about 10-15%
    higher than Atlantic Heating and A/C from Townsend (Bob Savoie).
    
    May & Halley uses Rheem equipment, Atlantic uses Goodman.
    
    M&H was very "down" on Goodman as a manufacturer; however Goodman offers
    a full 5 yr warranty on ALL Parts (whereas Rheem had a variable
    warranty on parts - depending on the part.)  
    
    Anyone have experience with	May & Halley or Atlantic as a contractor?

    Or Rheem vs Goodman as a Manufacturer?
    
    					Thanks, Stan 

I just went through the same thing last year (top floor only - fhw...).
I got about 4-5 bids at the time and I was amazed that they all came 
in at nearly the same price.  It almost seemed like they talked to 
each other; that's how close some of them were :-)

I don't know about either of those contractors and I've never heard
of Goodman equipment, but if you are interested in getting another 
bid, I highly recommend Wilson Bros in Pepperell.  I think I posted
something somewhere about them.  

They were the only ones I had contacted that offered Trane equipment 
(as well as a brand-x Janitrol w/5 yr warranty).  I had decided I wanted
to go with either Trane (<-Wilson Bros) or Lennox (<-Acton Refrigeration).
I personally am a believer in top brand names, even though I 
logically realize that they are not always necessary.  I felt this 
was one of those times that it could be beneficial.

I recall another interesting part of the bidding process was
the size of the A/C unit that they spec'ed.  Some spec'ed 1 ton,
1.5 ton; 2 tons, 2.5 tons. That helped eliminate contractors
quickly!  Duct material was a factor too.
One thing I liked about Wilson Bros is that Tom was great
at offering choices (fiber duct board or reg, etc. etc) and
explaining pro's and con's.  He also had the most sensible plan for 
register and return placement. 

By the way, I think the top floor approach is going to work out
fine.  I haven't had the A/C during much serious heat yet, but
it does seem to keep most of downstairs comfortable, so far.

Good luck!

 Wendy

    
    We have been waiting for weeks for Wilson Bros. to show up and give
    a quote. They schedule, postpone (but they give 30 minutes notice
    before postponing... whee!), reschedule, postpone and have to be chased
    like a rabid dog to get them to return phone calls.
    
    Thumbs down.
    
    								- Mac

    
    Lorden Oil, Heating and Air Conditioning. 
    
     So far it took them a week to respond to our call to schedule a quote.
    
     Then two weeks after they "inspected" the house, I had not received a 
     quote... so I called and was told they'd call back.
    
     One week passes, call again.
    
     One week passes, call again, again.
    
     Thumbs down.
    
    								- Mac 
    
     

I would not do business with any firm that treated me with that degree of
indifference.

				Steve

    I've started the process of getting estimates for the installation of
    central air.  So far Chaves Air Conditioning, Manny Chaves, Hudson, MA 
    is the leader.  I'm looking for recommendations and anyone who has past
    experience with Manny's work.  
    
    Manny came in at $5600 for 3 ton Trane high efficiency unit (model 
    1200 ?, 10 year warranty on all parts and 2 years on labor).  This is
    for a 2300 sqft house and includes 
    
    	- supplies and returns for four 2nd floor bedrooms
    	- three supplies, through closets, for 1st floor (kitchen, dining and
    	  living rooms)
    	- supplies in two 2nd floor baths
    	- supply and large return in ceiling of 2nd floor hall (open foyer)
    	- supply in cathedral ceiling of family room
                                   
    Manny's policy is no money down until all the work is finished and
    we're satisfied.
    
    Bill
    
    
    

    This is a strong recommendation for:
    
    	Michael Mahan
    	North Shore Air
    	617-938-8529
    
    Michael is a first-class act. He works for Carrier (Distributor Corp.
    in the Boston and suburban area) and does repairs, etc. on his own time. 
    He does both residential and commercial work and everything from sales to
    service and installation.
    
    He is polite and honest and shows up when he says he will.
    
    

    
    Anyone heard of American Standard?  Is it good?
    Is SEEP rating 10 good enough?
    My contractor told me that to get higher rating, I have to
    pay couple hundreds more.  Is this true?
    
    
    Jason

>    Is SEEP rating 10 good enough?
    
    I think you mean SEER rating.  It's a measure of how efficient your air
    conditioner is.  SEER of 10 is your "standard" air conditioner, these
    days.
    
>    My contractor told me that to get higher rating, I have to
>    pay couple hundreds more.  Is this true?
    
    You do pay more for a more efficient unit, but whether you do so up to
    you.  In our case, the electric company (Detroit Edison) gave us a
    rebate (based on tonage and SEER rating) to get a higher SEER unit so
    it made it more justifiable.
    
    We also got a separate meter and interruptible service.  Last year I
    don't think I spent more than $20.00 per month on air conditioning (3
    ton unit).

Re: .50

�    Is SEEP rating 10 good enough?

It depends upon where you live (how much air conditioning you require).  I
live in Colorado Springs, where the sun is intense but it never gets
*really* hot (95 is a hot day, 65 is a hot night).  I wanted a SEER of 15,
and every contractor I got a quote from strongly discouraged that.  When I
did the energy cost calculations for my house, the payoff time for a SEER of
15 vs. 10 was 15 years!  Of course, we've got real cheap electricity, too.

There is a highly non-linear relationship between SEER and cost.  I believe
that the Feds mandate a minimum SEER of 10.  12 and 15 are readily
available, but I seem to recall that 15 costs more than twice what 10 costs.

Your contractor should have the figures that show how much cooling your
house needs, and should be able to translate that into dollars based on your
local electric rate.  Calculate how long it will take for energy savings to
make up for the extra cost of the higher efficiency unit.  Look for a payoff
time of 5 years or less.

I bought a unit with a SEER of 10, and am very happy with it.  It's a Trane
3.5 ton unit, and it's in a 3800 square foot house.

American Standard is a well-known brand of toilets and sinks.  I didn't know
they did air conditioners.

					Steve

    
    My contractor is pushing me very hard to install it this Saturday.
    He said is all booked but Saturday.  He offer me $400 off if I will
    do it this Saturday.  Everyone in my office recommend to go with
    Sears.  But this guy says he works for Sears as subcontractor.  I
    know Sears charges more than $5000 compared to his $3300 for a 5 tons
    unit.  I live in Los Angeles.  It can get very hot in summer.  But
    usually it cools down in the night.  That is why it is not too hot
    in the house.  Also the electricity cost here is high.  But they
    are going to de-regulate it soon.  
    
    I am concern about the Freon used.  I know car air has changed to
    new coolant.  This guy says American Standard use a new type of Freon.
    I am not convinced on this. I don't want be in a situation that the
    machine use old coolant and there is no place I can buy it except black
    market(high price).
    
    My back neighbor installed Carrier(sp?) unit last summer.  It is
    so noisy.  So I try to avoid that brand.  Another problem is whenever
    my neighbor's unit turns on,  my lights get dimmed.  Is this a 
    power supply problem?
    
    Jason
    I can't find Consumer Report on American Standard which was brought
    by Trane(sp?).  

Nobody uses the "old type" Freon anymore.  Indeed, home air conditioners have
used R-22 (I think) for many years.

			Steve

    American Standard sells AC units under it's own name and the TRANE
    label. The metal coverings look slightly different, but the guts of the
    units are the same. They have the same warantee. Due to name
    recognition, you can usually get the Amer.Std unit for a couple of
    hundred dollars less.

I'm very happy with my TRANE A/C unit (two years old now).  The metal
covering was a major consideration given the severe hailstorms that we get
here in Colorado Springs (the last big hailstorm caused $1500 damage to the
car, $10K damage to the roof, and $0 damage to the A/C).

    
    I have a three yr old trane 4ton central AC and matching Trane FHA
    furnace. I have had no problems and am extremely happy with Trane.
    
    Bill