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Are There Really No Professionals In Western NY?

Chuck Sorce
Chuck Sorce Member Posts: 17
in THE MAIN WALL
that with all of the older houses in the Rochester/Buffalo area that there are no professionals within 100 miles who know of this site.

Anyone out there just no registered on this site?

Comments

  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,231
    maybe you just never got another perspective...

    i live slightly West of you and i have heard of this site.
  • Dave_22
    Dave_22 Member Posts: 232


    I believe there are a few but none that I know of that advertise on here. there is one in Hamburg- here'a the link: http://www.radiantfloorheat.com/
  • Tony_8
    Tony_8 Member Posts: 608
    There's some here

    I'm not interested in going to Bflo or Roch much, it's 1-1/2 hours away (that's 90 miles to you city guys ;))

    My days are long enough already. I have been contemplating an ad here wondering if it would bring a little more "premium" work and enable me to drop some lower end stuff. I still don't want to drive more than an hour all the time. Besides, have you seen how many heating contractors are in the Erie County Yellow Pages ?
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    WNY Professionals

    I'm Here,I'm Here!!! All we do is radiant! With a little high velocity air, HRV, gypsum concrete. We have been doing this since 1991. We are currently working on a 14000 sq.ft. house with 9 zones of Unico, 10 zones of radiant, 2 zones of snowmelt, and 4 HRV's. That is one of 15 current projects. If you would like to see our work or discuss your project,just call. Radiant Floor Heating Co.,716-649-5723
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    Troy,

    maybe you should have an ad here?
    Retired and loving it.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    ad

    Dan would you email me the cost? I guess it is time.sorry dan I just found it. Check is in the mail.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    I'd be happy to.

    That way, the prospects will find you and they won't have to come here to the Wall looking for help.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Mad Dog
    Mad Dog Member Posts: 2,595
    TRoy...........Its a pittance..................................

    in comparison to the nice work you can land. Mad Dog

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • radiant_4
    radiant_4 Member Posts: 30
    Hey Troy

    Hey Troy, I call you but you don't call back. And if "all you do is radiant", why did you attempt to heal our geothermal/radiant system and leave us with the system working at half capacity. Be glad to have you return and fix it. At least call us. (sorry to do this on the Wall but you don't return calls)
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    I hope

    he does.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    Bullhonkey

    Sally: how many trips to your house have I made?1-1/2 hours away. I called Econar from Florida last week and talked to the rep. on my cell about your job. Since I was out of town he said he would relate the info to you. I'm sure you are willing to pay for my 45 minute long distance call???? Hesaid he would reiterate what I have explained 3 times. The geothermal produces heat to the water. When your demand exceeds your distribution through your radiant floor you must engage your Unico air backup. If you are unwilling to operate the way someone else designed your system I must wash my hands. If you feel I'm not telling you something square than post away. I'm very comfortable with what i've done to try and help. Is this why the installing contractor won't return your call? This is why I shouldn't jump into a pot of crap. I tend to smell. Go ahead educate me I'm ready. By the way Econar agrees with me 100% By the way the full name is Sally Greer from Jamestown NY. Be forwarned.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8
    I have to say......

    Sorry, but I have to pipe up.....I have tried to get in touch with your company also- for parts on equipment you provided. Twice I never had my call returned and when I had a friend who looked at my boiler and confirmed the parts I needed- he never had his calls returned either (and he talked to his secretary twice). It's good to know your company is busy, but somehow you have to balance the people you provided services to who still need your help.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    I'm Here

    My cell is 716-913-4166. I have it on 24 hrs. a day. My name is Troy. Call me. I'm a big boy and I can take criticism. I do pride myself on service. If you fell between the cracks I appologize! It does happen. I can't help wondering since you are not a big enough boy to show your face if you are Sally's installing contractor Who saved her 10k on a system that is flawed. I can only help if you call. Ball is in your court. Please save my cell #.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8
    No

    I don't have a clue who Sally even is. I am just a person with a "small" condensing boiler that was having trouble and tried numerous times to get help-finally had to go to someone else. Sorry to do it on here, but it just goes to show you....... you never know who's watching.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    This would be easier to believe

    if you gave your name.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    Emotions...

    ... Troy, few of us enjoy being criticized in public. Furthermore, none of the rest of us have the background on the situation that you and your clients do. However, your side of the story certainly seems to make sense.

    So, you may have done everything right for Sally, and I certainly read a lot of frustration between the lines in your post, but unfortunately your post quickly goes from professional to profane...

    Why do this? Potential clients may read this stuff and decide that going with you may include a public lambasting if things don't work out as planned. Then, someone else will get the job.

    Keep it professional, and let the rest of us make up our minds based on the facts, not the profanities.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8
    Yes

    I live in Lawtons,NY- you supplied me with a Munchkin and the equipment I needed. Unfortunately, I had another contractor install it- He was the first one on the HTP list for certified installers in my area. No primary/sec, no diff. bypass valve- my system cycles like crazy. A couple other cheesy installation tricks too!!! The equipment wasn't cheap- even though you didn't install it, I would have hoped I could have got some support. Between the cheesy installation from the other guy and the lack of support, it's no wonder sometimes that people are scared to have anything done to there home. If you don't remember me,I'm sure you can look back into your records and find me...
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    You're talking to

    Dan Holohan now. I run HeatingHelp.com. What's your name?
    Retired and loving it.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8


    I know who you are Dan. Nice to meet you- great site you run!! :)
  • jackchips_2
    jackchips_2 Member Posts: 1,337
    Your credibility

    just took a turn south, Unknown.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8


    Took a turn south???? Why? Because I offered a compliment? This is a great site- I don't feel like I should have to give my name if I want to remain unknown. Why should I give it out to however many thousand people are on this site? I said my piece and that's all I really have to say- I'm sure I could be found if records were checked.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8


    I don't hold him responsibe AT ALL!!! I was just hoping that after purchasing several thousand dollars worth of equipment, I could have had him supply me with a replacement part that I was going to pay full price for. I was not going to hold him responsible what so ever.
  • DanHolohan
    DanHolohan Member, Moderator, Administrator Posts: 16,616
    Consider, dear readers,

    that Unknown may be Troy's competitor. Let's take his comments with a grain of salt.
    Retired and loving it.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    Sorry

    I couldn't help. Hope your happy with the other company. Like you may have read on other posts it is important to have a relationship with your heating contractor similar to other professionals.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    Constantin

    I agree wholeheartedly with keeping it professional. I have tried hard to restrain myself. Profanity???? When? I quoted this job 4 years ago. Told the owner with geothermal it must be installed in gypsum concrete. My competitor was cheaper and installed it under the floor with suspended tube. I have tried very hard to help. If you feel you can help Constantin? Step up my man. There is room for all willing. Everything I have done has been agreed to by the manufacturer. I never brought this to a public forum. But when I'm atacked publicly I WILL RESPOND. My reputation is all I got.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    Moral of the story

    The real point is Homeowners- check out your contractors carefully. When a system is flawed at design and installation there is only so much that can be done to correct it. It gets expensive to try and fix a bad system. Much more than doing it right the first time. No body wants to be the second guy in. Getting the blame and legitimate frustration of the homeowner who feel they paid once to have a system installed and reasonably expect it to work. I get involved because one bad radiant system kills many potentials. However I never seem to make money on fixes and they cause so much stress and frustration for us and the owner. So tell me how do you guys handle it? Should I say -sorry you were warned. Now live with it. I don't have all the answers but I'm learning every day.
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    Why the comment about the pot of crap, smells, etc?

    Why not just give us the background about the system? Your follow-up comment is not only enlightening, it also explains why Ms. Greers system is not performing well at all. Just state the facts:
    • Quoted a gypcrete system with embedded tubes to complement her GSHP
    • Customer declined to use my services, went for low-quote installer who installed suspended tubes instead. As we all know, suspended tubes require very high water temps, temps that the GSHP cannot reach.
    • etc.
    • Customer calls for me to come fix the other installers job...
    • etc.
    • This system can only work on two-stage basis unless it gets re-worked completely. Manufacturer of GSHP agrees and has told her so.
    • etc.
    I also agree that you should defend your reputation whenever it is attacked. However, outing bad customers is usually best left to e-mails when other contractors inquire, rather than posting on a public forum where people might become angry enough to take you to court for libel. Whether she would have a case or not is not the question, by the way, this is America where anyone can sue everyone, for anything.

    Hey, I've had my fair share of flame-wars, here. But to the extent that you can keep things calm and civil, do. IMHO, it enhances your reputation and standing. Lastly, it sounds like you tried everything to please this customer and failed... that's too bad... however, at least you tried, and I'm sure you gave her the option that I would suggest, which is to start over if she really wants to make use of that GSHP properly.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8
    Yes

    I am actually sorry I did not go ahead with your company for the install also. I really do not mean any disrespect- I guess this post and seeing some things on here drummed up feelings about the past when I couldn't get parts in winter for my boiler. It wasn't the installers fault that the part failed either- from what I see on here, it is something that quite a few people have had fail on these "little " boilers.
  • John Starcher_4
    John Starcher_4 Member Posts: 794
    Falling through the cracks......

    .....it happens to the best of us. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

    We emphasize communication, as all pros do. There is no excuse for a non-returned call, period. I'll be the first to admit, though, that I have been guilty. It's always worse during the hectic times. Nothing worse than the feeling when you clean your desk, and find a note dated two weeks ago to call Mrs. Jones ASAP!!!!!!!!!!

    I had the hair-pulling experience not too long ago of having four different people tell me (in the same week, no less) that they had left messages here, and no one ever called them back. Baffled, I confronted my dispatcher, who swore on his children's heads that he had never received any messages from these folks. We grilled all the techs, and anyone else who may have answered a phone, and all denied talking to these people.

    Certain that SOMEONE was being less than truthful, I beat my head against the wall trying to figure out a cure for this problem. About a month later, I just happened to be talking to a customer who was shopping in our hardware store. Small talk turned into a discussion of the services we offer.

    Out of the blue, he says, "For some reason, I get messages on my machine at home for you guys all the time." Asked him his phone number, and sure enough it's one digit off from mine!

    Evidently, when people were accidentally dialing his number, it never occurred to them that the generic "we can't take your call" greeting they heard was NOT my office!!!

    Starch

  • steve_80
    steve_80 Member Posts: 2


    Another moral of the story is that returning phone calls is very important to customer satisfaction.

    Even if you are so busy that you can't handle any more work, still call back, if only to tell them that you can't take on more work at this time. Don't have your message taker promise that you will call back unless you actually will. Crazy as it sounds you also might suggest other places they could turn for help if you can't help them at this time.

    Both responses make it more likely that customers will not give up on you, and that they will tell friends that it's worth giving you a call.
  • Unknown_2
    Unknown_2 Member Posts: 8
    excellent

    Excellent advice!!! ho-rah!!! That would have been a great help and gave me even more positive feelings about the company. I understand your busy-could you point me in the right direction?? Perfect advice Steve- couldn't say it any better.
  • Weezbo
    Weezbo Member Posts: 6,231
    *`/;)

    When you designe a system leave some room for the 25 degree colder week that drops in out of siberia...leave a system so it has space for the upgrades to a higher quality system, if there isnt room for upgrades leave it alone and suggest that they deal with someone else... when you inherit systems ,perhaps the installer had no idea that our "profession"has areas of expertise and newer products that are becoming available beyond the level that he /she extall as the finest available...moral of that is study and get ready for change...if you cant fix someones problem it isnt the end of the world, Leave it alone. when you know what it takes to make the system go, were it install correctly and it isnt. to quote my friend "Its Not My Problem." you do injury to yourself to help bad people look good. give some other company the chance of discovery....and learn to say No.
  • tls_9
    tls_9 Member Posts: 89
    To answer the question.......

    Yes, there are professionals in Western New York. Why they are not listed here I can not answer.

    Western New York is a very large area, can you narrow it down some?

    What type of service do you need? New install?, steam repair? Hot water repair remodel? Etc.

    Here’s a link that might help.

    http://www.ualocal22.com/contractors.htm

    Try also, calling three supply houses and see if they will give you a list of contractors in your area.

    Western NY has many professionals, finding them.... well ....


    Good Luck

    Tom
  • radiant_4
    radiant_4 Member Posts: 30


    I don't know how I became the "bad" customer here. All we want is communication with our contractor on how to at least get our heat pumps back to where they should be - without insulation melting, running with a desuperheater, and 5 primary, 4 secondary. We were glad to have you take on our job, Troy, since the locals would/could not and you made good upgrades but the desuperheater is still deactivated and the pumps are in reverse order of optimum operation. You were going to find out why the melting insulation; Will you please call.
  • Troy_3
    Troy_3 Member Posts: 479
    Thanx for the help

    Constantin. Please understand my reference was to jumping into a crappy situation not a crappy customer. Sorry to offend. Sometimes I get too graphic. Advice taken.
  • Constantin
    Constantin Member Posts: 3,796
    Thanks for the note, Troy!

    I appreciate your thoughtful response. Cheers!
This discussion has been closed.

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