"*CBHVAC*" wrote

Carrier looks at EVERY customer as a Guiniea Pig...

:-/

That said...they are not bad units, even though most every dealer went to
R410a and didnt get fully trained on it..

That must be a local thing too. I'm a refrigeration man as well and wasn't
the least bit worried about this 410a. Just another color bottle on the
rack. :-)



What I would like is some feedback from anyone that has had
to purchase a package unit. I would like to hear the horror
stories as well as kudos about different brands.

Ok...its like this...what contractor is licenced, insured and took time to
measure the home, and do a proper manual J load calculation, show the
results to you, and then do a manual D duct size calculation? If the
answer
is none...then you need to keep looking...period.
You are about to buy the single most expensive appliance in your home. You
are going to depend on it day, and night, and only want to think about it
twice a year for general service.....properly sized and installed, you
wont
think about it till you get your service reminder in the
mail.....installed
wrong...even as simple as a gas pack...you will worry, wonder and hate it.

Exactly.



The name on the unit really means nothing....its the company that looks at
you as a real customer, not a dollar bill that matters.

Licence....ask for the number, and verify it if your state requires
one...running gas line requires at least one in most areas, and if you
are
in NC for example, you better be sure that they have either a limited
electrical, or have a licenced electrician that will make the final high
voltage connections.

Insurance...allow NO work on your home till you have a copy of the
insurance
certificate in your hands, and have verification that the policy is good.
on that same note..you might ask to see the workers comp certificate,
otherwise, YOU will be liable if a worker gets hurt at your home.
PERMITS. If your area requires them, demand that you SEE the permit.
Verify
that it has your name and address on it and that ALL inspections are
performed.
Manual J...heat gain/loss calculation...REQUIRED to determine the correct
size unit for your home..there ARE NO RULES OF THUMB in HVAC...other than
most techs have two opposable ones...
Manual D...Duct sizing calculation, that takes the airflow of the unit,
BTUs
needed per room, and area, and distance and static pressures of the system
in operation into acount. Without it....your duct might not blow..but
suck....lol...

Anyone that will not do that...show them the door. Period.


Any help is very much appreciated.

Thank you

Kathleen