Why is it so difficult

Steamhead (in transit)

things were that bad on the scorched-air side around here. We're pretty booked up but if you just can't find anyone to test properly, get back in touch and we'll make time for you.

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Maine Doug_43

Getting a system checked

Called a recommended company a week ago Monday to arrange to have my Baltimore son's NG furnace cleaned, checked and serviced. You know, like clean the blower wheel, clean and service burners and pilot, check high temp shutoff, rewire so burner goes off when you turn off the power switch, check the HX for leaks/cracks, check the stack and chimney. And of course, CO test.

No call back in a week. Called again Monday with a "just let us know if you will be able to do this, I understand you are busy". No call back yet.

Hit the yellow pages. Big fancy ads. Started calling and asked, do you check combustion and set burners using an electronic CO tester? Do you use a tester to check the HX?

Sample answers:

-No, you can go to Home Depot and buy a CO detector there.

-No, you have to call the fire department.

-No, we look at the flame.

-No, blah blah blah..... etc. etc

By now I am back in Maine. So my wife flagged down the van of an outfit that was on a service call on our street. "Well we do service but no one has a CO tester." Yeah, we are finding that out but need some work done.

Three techs are required, one to service the NG stove whose oven I know is not burning clean. Another tech to hook up the new NG dryer whose vent I just finished installing Sunday. And a third tech to do the furnace service. $89.00 each to show up and $25.00 each per 15 minute increment and I am not there to verify that the work gets done. Scheduled for Nov 1. They will probably be tripping over each other.

I told my son to leave a window open if he uses the oven. I am ordering CoExperts detectors. Life should not be this difficult!
Maybe I'd feel better about this if I had not just driven 650 miles.

Ken_40

Frank? Gordy?

These guys are the best of the best and could do the testing with their eyes closed!

Frank "Steamhead" Wilsey, and his partner in crime, El Gordo will read this and give you a shout I'm sure.

They live and work in Bal'more

Maine Doug_43

Already checked

with Frank. They do not do furnaces. I must admit I thought the old row home would be much better with steam but I am not going to finance the kid. If we do steam, we do it in my place!

Mark Hunt

Doug


Go here and look for an NCI certified tech. Make sure you choose combustion and CO certified from the drop down menu.

Type your son's zip code in and you should get some names.

Hope this helps.

Mark H

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Maine Doug_43

Thank you

The work is supposed to be done on Nov 1 so he can turn the heat on. If they do not do a proper test I may have to call you. It would not be an emergency of course. I am going back mid Nov or so to check on things for my son. Racking up some wicked Jeep miles.

I just turned on the slab circ here. So much mass to warm up, I am being very friendly with a panel rad under the desk while the floor gathers British Thermal Underwears.

Marianne_2

Angie's List

I crossed this site trying to learn about steam heat. My home inspector recommended a boiler contractor and then I checked them out on Angie's List. I have had really good luck with contractors that I have used off the list since I've joined. Granted, it is worth it for me since I own rental properties. However, you might want to consider it because then you can check out what people like you and I said about each particular contractor. Much better than just looking at the phone book. That being said, I hate how you have to search on Angie's List. Boilers are unders Heating and A/C. It isn't easy to find who specializes in boilers. Let's face it, it's a dying art. Best of luck to you!

Steamhead (in transit)

\"Dying Art\"?

Not as long as we're here!

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