Articles

Following The Rules
Posted: November 2007

    FOLLOWING THE RULES

 During the past 10 years I’ve been involved in heating and air conditioning sales. I continue to be surprised how many times I have been given a set of plans for a remodel or a new house where no provisions were made for the heating and air conditioning system.

     Oh, there are numerous notes and detailed descriptions on the plans about the types and sizes of windows and doors, the details regarding the enormous Master Bedroom closet, the granite countertops, where the huge entertainment system will go, but no mention of the heating and air conditioning system or where it will be located.

     I’m always amazed when talking with the architect or general contractor that they too had given little thought as to where the equipment could be installed. They only knew that it had to go somewhere.

     I mean, heating and air conditioning equipment is bigger than a breadbox. Where did they think it was going to go? Did the architect think that we could just tuck in one corner of the pantry? Maybe it could all be stuffed into that 18" tall attic space. Heaven forbid we ask to take some of the precious space allotted for the Master Bedroom closet!

     I guess that is the reason that some new homes have such poor HVAC installations. The installation contractor was not given enough room to do the installation correctly, or they had to utilize a space that was an afterthought and way too small. So, they installed smaller ducts, didn’t install proper plenums, and installed the equipment without a thought that it needed to work correctly or that someone may need to service it in the future.

     It’s truly a shame but this is the way that it is typically done. The unsuspecting homeowner is the one who will need to pay for future repairs, or have the systems replaced due to these faulty installations. Or even worse, they’ll have to live with a system that doesn’t perform well.

     I think that that a residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installation Model is long overdue. This model would guide, no mandate contractors as to; What are the appropriate duct sizes for each system; What size refrigerant lines would be acceptable; What capacity system would be acceptable for each home; What are the proper means to connect ducts to a system, and more.

     There are installation manuals and computer programs that can easily supply this information to the installation contractor. The problem is that many contractors choose not to follow proper installation techniques or the “manufacturer recommendations”.

     If you’re buying a newly constructed home you may not have as many options. However, if you’re replacing an existing system, doing a remodel, or building a custom home you can certainly make sure that you don’t get a “tract house” heating and air conditioning system.

     You’re invited to our next Homeowner Workshop. Anyone thinking about replacing an existing system, or installing a new system should attend. There is no cost, so call our office at (818) 886-2600 for upcoming dates and times and to reserve a seat. You can also pick up a free copy of The 2007 Edition of The Homeowners Heating  & Air Conditioning Buying Guide, browse through our literature section, and see a working demo of a Honeywell zoning system and their new HEPA filtration system.

Jim Berry was a heating and air conditioning service technician prior to becoming a Sales Consultant for

Kahn Air Conditioning. Kahn hosts free monthly workshops to help homeowners learn more about their heating

and air conditioning systems. For any questions regarding heating or air conditioning, send an e-mail to

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