HVAC in Southern Maryland
- Thread starter hurricane
- Start date
Looking to be updating the HVAC system in my house, and
looking to get a couple of estimates from a few different
companies. :shrug: Preferably Calvert (where I live) tho recommendations
from StMary's and Charles are good too.
Thanks!
-H
PM me and I'll give you some info.
Dupontster
Would THIS face lie?
I went by Winters this morning and their big billboard type sign said "$1000.00 off HVAC systems"....Worth a check out...
dn0121
New Member
I have spent a month researching this and can tell you you will need to get minimum 3 quotes (I had 6.) Also you must have them run a Manual J to determine the proper size. Do not let them just put in the same size you had or if you have nothing that they guess. This is very important.
There are two very helpful forums that you may want to research in.
Residential HVAC - HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration Discussion
DoItYourself.com Community Forums - Home Improvement & Home Repair Questions & Answers
With all my research I was able to find a company that has just been great. I had about 50 questions that I asked and he answered everyone of them. He found that my system was 1/2 ton oversized also.
It is easy to get screwed but with the proper homework you will be able to get a great system. Also system brand names are only 10% of it. The other and most important part is the installer. The best rated system can be installed by a crappy tech and you will be loosing money like crazy.
There are two very helpful forums that you may want to research in.
Residential HVAC - HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration Discussion
DoItYourself.com Community Forums - Home Improvement & Home Repair Questions & Answers
With all my research I was able to find a company that has just been great. I had about 50 questions that I asked and he answered everyone of them. He found that my system was 1/2 ton oversized also.
It is easy to get screwed but with the proper homework you will be able to get a great system. Also system brand names are only 10% of it. The other and most important part is the installer. The best rated system can be installed by a crappy tech and you will be loosing money like crazy.
dn0121
New Member
It is easy to say $1000 off of something when you don't know the price to begin with. Its like the signs that say 50% off of retail, when everyone else sells it for a normal price of 60% below retail.
That is not to say Winters is not a great company, but don't go by price alone.
Dupontster
Would THIS face lie?
Oh, I agree 100%....They could even mark the price up $1200 and knock $1000 off just to make you think you got a deal....I know of a certain car dealer that offers you $4000 for ANY trade....If you check the price of the car you are looking at, it's just about $4000 OVER retail in the NADA blue book....
red_explorer
Well-Known Member
Continental
Stay away from Continental- They were awful when they did ours! Six trips to get it right!
Looking to be updating the HVAC system in my house, and
looking to get a couple of estimates from a few different
companies. :shrug: Preferably Calvert (where I live) tho recommendations
from StMary's and Charles are good too.
Thanks!
-H
Stay away from Continental- They were awful when they did ours! Six trips to get it right!
Debbie92454
New Member
HVAC in Lexington Park
You can contact James C. Browne, Jr. At (301) 737-4636 at home or call (240) 298-9060. He has a masters license in HVAC and work for IAP on Pax. He also owns and operates Ice Man and Sons HVAC. He is very good and reliable. He can only do jobs in the evenings and on weekends because of his other job. He will look over what you have and tell you what you need. He will give you a written break down of cost before hand and often will need either the whole amount upfront or at least half. He does not work on credit accounts, nor does he order any parts on credit. What he gives you as an estimate is most often the final cost, unless a part he needs is higher then quoted and he will either asorb the increase himself or show you the written cost. He does not pad up the bill and most often in about 95% of the time, his price will be the cheaper then the higher cost business's. He is not in the business to get rich and he also has access to a licened electrican and if needed a plummer and if either is needed, their price for work is included with the quote. He can furnish you with clients that he has worked for and some that he has been doing work for on like restaurant equipment ect for years now. He is the only one that I let work on our furnance and we do not own the place we live in. I know if Jimmy fixes it, it is running right.
Give him a call, you may very well be glad you did. He will not sale you a unit you can't use like a smaller one nor will he talk you into buying a unit bigger then you need.
You can contact James C. Browne, Jr. At (301) 737-4636 at home or call (240) 298-9060. He has a masters license in HVAC and work for IAP on Pax. He also owns and operates Ice Man and Sons HVAC. He is very good and reliable. He can only do jobs in the evenings and on weekends because of his other job. He will look over what you have and tell you what you need. He will give you a written break down of cost before hand and often will need either the whole amount upfront or at least half. He does not work on credit accounts, nor does he order any parts on credit. What he gives you as an estimate is most often the final cost, unless a part he needs is higher then quoted and he will either asorb the increase himself or show you the written cost. He does not pad up the bill and most often in about 95% of the time, his price will be the cheaper then the higher cost business's. He is not in the business to get rich and he also has access to a licened electrican and if needed a plummer and if either is needed, their price for work is included with the quote. He can furnish you with clients that he has worked for and some that he has been doing work for on like restaurant equipment ect for years now. He is the only one that I let work on our furnance and we do not own the place we live in. I know if Jimmy fixes it, it is running right.
Give him a call, you may very well be glad you did. He will not sale you a unit you can't use like a smaller one nor will he talk you into buying a unit bigger then you need.
WitchyWoman79
Witchy
I use Winters and have never had a problem.
Debbie92454
New Member
heat pump to gas
Yes I would say that. I'm sure Ice Man could have done better. I've seen him do it for others.
Yes I would say that. I'm sure Ice Man could have done better. I've seen him do it for others.
P
Patch Tuesday
Guest
It's not unusual for Trane to run a $1,000 rebate on their systems. That could very well be the money being discussed...
I think Home Depot does Trane installs, worth asking as one of your quotes...
Relocate2paxmd
New Member
hi,
im checking with a company that i know does good work to see if they give free estimates. I will let you know the information as soon as they get back with me.
im checking with a company that i know does good work to see if they give free estimates. I will let you know the information as soon as they get back with me.
clevalley
...
Give Jim McCully a call - McCully's Heating and Air - they have been around a long time, do great work (did my Mom's house - furnace and a/c) - and they use Trane... 
Debbie92454
New Member
James does just that and he has been in business here in St Mary's for over 8 years, just a small business man. He also has only had one or two that he had to go back and adjust after installation. He will also insure that your thermostat will work with the new unit and if it's a package deal ( Ac and Heat) he will give you the price for a new themostat that works with the new systems if needed. He also does PM on the equipment including filters and nozzles. He doesn't just check your old system, he also checks to ensure that exsisting duck work can accomadate the new system.
dn0121
New Member
Oh sorry, my message wasn't directed at you. It was for the person that felt they may have been ripped off. I have spoken with James, very nice fellow.
dn0121
New Member
Estimates are always free, but make sure you get the Manual J run. Also get three quotes. Be informed!!
