sizing jobs

This isn't the way to do it.....

I get emails through a local organization from consumers that are looking for HVAC (and other home improvement) work. I've been a member since the inception about a year ago and haven’t gotten a single job through them. Fortunately, membership is free.

Here's an example of the most recent request:

"Ac unit needs replacing. 2 ton 13/S contact me with offer"

That was it. So, here's my reply (with the pricing changed):

"We would be happy to give you an approximate cost on replacement of the cooling system in your house.

Since we haven't had a chance to actually look at it, we don't know what condition the furnace and ductwork is in. This can play an important part in the unit working correctly and efficiently. Thirteen SEER cooling equipment needs proper airflow and we have found that about 45% of the existing houses out there don't have the necessary and properly installed ductwork to accomplish this.

We can give you a 'ballpark' quote of about $XX.XX to install this system, but this will not be binding in any way until we actually visit your home and see the existing system.

Thank you."

Now the acid response from the customer. Notice that he knows it all:

"I know the duct work is fine, the property is 5 yrs
old. The ouote I need is for the outside uinit only I
don't need any extra work. There are no issues
complicating this job. I need a quote for a ton ton
13 seer unit. The unit is on a pad the old one needs
to be cut off and replaced."

Interesting. No evap coil needed, he is absolutly POSITIVE the ducting is okay and the furnace will have enough air flow through the perfect ductwork to make it okay.

Now to my next response:

"Just because the system works fine now does not mean that the system will be okay for a 13 SEER unit. Besides, to get a full 13 SEER from the new condenser, the evaporator coil will have to be replaced unless the existing unit is a 13 SEER one. The evaporators and condensing units are tested by ARI (the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute) to properly match up as a system.

There are contractors out there that will replace just the outside unit and walk away. I am not one of those contractors. The outside unit is part of a system and all components work together to provide your heating and cooling needs.

If the existing unit is a 10 SEER one, I may be able to get a new 2 ton condensing unit. Can you provide the brand of the unit, the model number and possibly the serial number?"

This happened late last week. For some reason, he never responded to my last message.

To me, this is kinda typical of the homeowners’ perspective of our trade. Most people have no idea what goes into our business and want something done cheap and fast, as long as it works.