Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

5 Insider Tips That Will Prevent You From Getting Ripped Off!

First, Not All Connecticut Heating Companies Are Alike.

Below are five insider tips that can prevent you from getting ripped off, but read on before skipping to the good stuff.
Your furnace is one of the most expensive appliances you’ll ever buy for your home, due to the intense labor and all of the materials that are necessary for a proper installation.
Furnace manufactures state that your furnace must be installed as per the Local & National Mechanical Safety Codes.
All licensed CT contractors are supposed to follow the Local & National Mechanical Safety Codes. “If they ain’t pullin’ a permit to replace your furnace, you can bet that their not following the safety codes.”
It used to be that these codes were all about safety, but they started mandating efficiency codes as well. WHY? I’ll tell you why. Because consumers were being ripped off by furnace installation companies. Many of these companies were (and still are) taking shortcuts so they can get the job done quickly and charge the homeowner less money, just to land another job. A cheap price is not always the best option.
It is almost impossible to replace a furnace in 2 hours and do the job right (up to code).
And since you’ll be living with your new furnace for the next 15 to 20 years, it only makes sense to avoid such nightmares.
If you’ve been told that you need to replace your furnace, we will happily give you a FREE SECOND OPINION so you will have all the facts. Call: 203-303-4822
Or try our live-chat on our website www.AirIncHVAC.com.

Below Are 5 FREE Ways To Avoid Getting Ripped Off.

1. You’ve heard this; My Furnace Guy Said I Have To Get A New One.
Many furnaces are replaced that don’t need to be. Why would a deceiving heating contractor condemn a perfectly good furnace? Either to make money or their service technician wasn’t trained properly to fix it.
Many of these furnaces could have been inexpensively fixed compared to the price of a new furnace. The 3 reasons to get your furnace replaced may be: it has a cracked heat exchanger, it is old and inefficient or it’s too expensive to repair. If the repair man tells you that there is a crack in the heat exchanger, ask to see it.
Do you really need a new one? READ ON BEFORE BUYING A NEW FURNACE.

2. What Brand Is The Best For Me?
Furnaces and boilers manufactured today basically all have the same safety features. Similar controls, similar heat exchangers, similar choices of efficiencies, etc. Many of the manufactures buy their parts from the same factory and put their name on it. All furnaces (no matter what brand) should last 12 to 18 years with the proper maintenance. Ok I lied… a furnace can last much longer than that, BUT the cost of keeping that old clunker going can cost more in fuel and repairs than a new high efficient furnace. I have replaced 1000+ furnaces. Many of them were “The Brand” (in their day) and most of them were about the same age. Now, here’s the “dirty little secret” they don’t want you to know. Only about five percent of the satisfaction you’re going to get – is the result of the brand you choose. The other 95% is how well it’s installed. And there are 8 crucial procedures that should be done properly (if not, the brand is irrelevant).

3. Will I Save Money On My Fuel Bills If I Get A New One?
Simply installing a new furnace isn’t going to guarantee better heating and lower energy costs. If the HVAC contractor isn’t careful about checking to see that your ductwork is clean and unclogged, you could be throwing heating dollars out of the window. The installer MUST make the proper size measurements on sheet metal fittings to connect to the new furnace. (Now you tell me how they can do that out of the back of a van or pick-up truck)
If the Sheetmetal fittings are not done properly, air will be leaking all around the furnace or even worse the air can be restricted, causing premature failure of your brand new furnace. That is one of the 8 crucial procedures that should be done properly.

Having a programmable thermostat installed is another way to save money on your fuel bills.

4. How Much Will It Cost For A New One?
“Time to give away the Trade Secrets”
$1,350… High Efficient Furnace
$ 125… Sheet Metal Fittings
$ 50… Condensate Pump & Piping
$ 50… Fuel Piping
$ 75… Smoke Pipe and Fittings (Flue)
$ 30… 4” X 8” X 16” Solid Concrete Blocks
$ 100… Electrical Wiring, Service Switch & Receptacle
$ 25… Fire Safety Switch
$ 60… Digital Thermostat or Digital Programmable Thermostat
$1,000… Installers Labor
($75 per hour for the Licensed Installer and $50 per hour for the helper x 8 hours)
$ 716… 20% Net Profit
$ 398… 10% Sales Commission
$ 80… Installers Incentive if they do a superb job
$ 258… Connecticut Sale Tax (6.35%)
$4,317.00… Total Fair Price Installed

And that’s how we price our jobs.
Some furnace installations may be a bit more, some less depending on the size of the home and ease or difficulty of the installation. If the installers have to work in tight conditions, if your home is larger or you need more ductwork than others then it will be more. If your furnace is in an open basement and/or is easily accessible then it may be less.
Also, you may want to consider other products to improve the air that you breathe in your home, like a humidification system or a good air filtration system. These are what we call accessories or indoor air quality products (IAQ). They run about $500 to $1500 and a little more labor plus a 20% profit on top of that.
We try our hardest to make a 20% net profit so that we can fix our trucks or buy new ones, give incentives, provide health insurance, provide warranty service, give to charity or the community and other things that are important to the individual contractor. BUT it never seems to work out that way. The average furnace contractor earns about 2% net profit or less. And that is why so many go out of business within 5 years. Many Contractors will under-price a job, just to get the job. They are not helping the customer because it will be impossible to find these contractors in 5 years, when things start to break. Some older companies fall into that rut too. They have been in business for so long that they forget to raise their prices or are simply afraid to because they think they will loose customers. Well the problem with that is, you can’t take care of your customers if you are not making money. They will eventually end up in the same boat as those other contractors, WORKING FOR ME!
Well, that’s basically how a good solid HVAC contractor prices their jobs.
My competition is going to hate me when they read this…oh well.

5. How Many Years Is The Warranty?
There are two types of warranties in the furnace business. There is the manufactures warranty and the furnace contractor’s warranty. The manufactures warranty covers the equipment and all of the parts in it. The furnace contractor’s warranty covers the labor costs involved in making the repairs to the equipment and any other work that was done, like sheet metal work, electrical wiring, etc.
The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) products have a separate warranty (usually less) than the furnace so be aware of that when purchasing them.

Some companies have a guarantee that stops the minute they leave your driveway. Or they will say that they’ll give you a 10 year warranty and POOF, they’re gone in 5 years.
For your own protection, INSIST on a written 100% Money Back Guarantee on the Installation Work.

So You May Not Have To Replace Your Furnace.
You can always call me to get a FREE SECOND OPINION. This way you’ll have all the facts.
Also, there is NO cost or obligation for one of our FREE estimates. Call: 203-303-4822

Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

“Connecticut homeowners do not have to wait for the gas company to service their furnace or boiler when it breaks down.”

If you have a Gas Furnace or Boiler, you do not have to call the gas company for service.

There are over 900 heating contractors in Connecticut that are available for repairs, and replacement of all brands of furnaces and boilers.

The gas company will not fix most major problems that occur with your furnace or boiler. They also do not install heating equipment. So why do you need the headache of calling the gas company, pressing 2 – 5 buttons on your telephone so that you get to the right department and waiting for a gas company employee to get to your home just to find out that you need to call a heating contractor to fix your heating system.

As I am writing this, I called a popular gas company in CT and I had to press 3 different numbers on my phone and then listen to a recording for about 3 minutes.

The representative finally answered and I told her my furnace is not working and my home is in Branford, CT. She asked for my account # or my Social Security #. That’s right, she asked me for my Social Security #.
The representative (who never told me her name) said, because I am not a service member, I will have to pay $79 first 30 minutes $50 for ever 30 minutes after the first 30 minutes (get the calculator out).
(I think that for the amount we pay for gas to heat our homes, year after year, we should automatically be a service member)

I asked her when they could send a repair man to my home and she said “it will be considered an All Day Service Call”.

I asked what she meant by that and she said that an All Day Service Call means, “between now (10:30 AM 12/27/2011) and 12:00 midnight”.
I told her I will try to call another heating company and she said OK, bye.

If it was freezing cold outside and I tried to call them, I would have been put on hold a lot longer and I bet she would have told me that she would consider my “no heat emergency” to be an “All Month Service call”.

This is no joke!

Think about that for a minute…What does an average homeowner really know about a gas furnace?
Let’s say that a person who has no idea about their furnace calls the gas company and says “I hear a sound coming from my furnace that is not usually there” and the gas company tells the homeowner that problem is considered to be an All Day Service Call or maybe longer if it is really cold outside and they are swamped with calls.

No big deal… What’s the worst that could happen?

• A simple noise can be creating a potential carbon monoxide problem. (You can’t smell Carbon Monoxide and it can kill you)
• Water pipes can freeze and crack causing major damage to your home.
• A little noise can be the beginning of a major problem which can be much more costly to repair or you may even need to have your furnace replaced.
• A fan or blower making a noise can cause overheating of your furnace which may a cause fire.
  Your family may have to find another place to live until your furnace is fixed.

Those are just a few things off the top of my head.

Thank god there are over 900 heating contractors in Connecticut who would leave their family in the middle of the night, get in their cold trucks and drive to your home to make sure that your family is warm and safe.

I have 3 recommendations for you when calling a heating contractor in the State of Connecticut:

1. Be sure that they have a valid Heating Contractors License.
   A technician that maintains, repairs or installs heating systems must hold a heating license. That is mandated and governed by the CT Department of Consumer Protection and your homeowners insurance will only cover you if your heating system was worked on by a licensed technician (if there was a problem caused by your heating system).

2. If you call and you get an answering machine DO NOT LEAVE A MESSAGE.
   Remember… There are over 900 heating contractors to choose from. This is an emergency and it should be treated as one. There is no reason that you should have to wait for someone to call you back.

3. Ask them if they have a fully stocked truck with parts to fix most any brand furnace or boiler.
   I have worked for a few companies before opening my own in 1991 and the owners of some of those companies would only let me stock the truck with the bare minimum so that he didn’t have to spend the money on parts that may just sit there for months. Well this is great for the company but what about the homeowner that has to wait because the technician has to order the part the next day and then wait another day for it to be shipped. And let’s not forget that if that company charge$ by the hour, the homeowner will have to pay for the technician to come back out and make the repair.

You can save yourself a lot of hassle and just call my company and my staff will be more than happy to serve you. 203-315-0323

Thank you for reading this and I hope it helps.

Wayne Krasnow
President
Air, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning

Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

Choosing a new furnace, boiler or cooling system for your home can be an intimidating process.

There are nearly 100 different brands of furnace and boilers, and thousands of different models. I visit many homes in Connecticut that are in need of a new furnace or boiler and I am always amazed when I get to see their existing heating system These heating systems were unsafe, unhealthy and just a mess in general. Many of these furnaces and boilers were installed by homeowners, a friend in the business or even a licensed contractor.

Heating & Air Conditioning systems can be complex in terms of installation. The installation process of a furnace, boiler or air conditioning unit may seem simple but in reality it requires many skills all bunched up into the HVAC profession; such as, high voltage electrical, low voltage electrical, carpentry, plumbing, roofing, refrigeration and… oh yeah, a CODE OF ETHICS!

Should you be more concerned about the installing contractor or the brand name?
Any furnace, boiler or central air conditioning equipment that is on the market today will give good service if properly installed and sized. Poorly installed equipment will not give good service, regardless of the brand.

Part of a “brands” popularity is name recognition. This is gained by advertising, it doesn’t make the brand any better, but it does make certain brands jump out when HVAC equipment is mentioned. This costs money and a large part of the high cost of many “brand name” units is the dollars spent on advertising.

And what happens if your “home comfort system” isn’t working correctly after it is installed? Will the manufacturer send a technician to solve the problem? Typically the answer is NO! The manufacturer expects the contractor who installed the HVAC equipment to deal with this issue. This is yet another reason that you need to choose your CT Heating Contractor carefully.

A furnace, boiler or central air conditioner is a big-ticket item. You can expect to spend anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 or more by the time your new heating and/or AC system is installed and working. And, you should expect to enjoy (or resent!) your home comfort system for the next 25 years or more!

If you are the daring “Do It Yourself” homeowner, remember, a faulty furnace or boiler installation can hurt the efficiency, the family and the longevity your heating unit as well as possibly voiding the warranty.

It really makes sense to hire a professional and ethical CT HVAC contractor to do the work.
A qualified HVAC contractor with good experience installing heating or air conditioning systems will ensure proper set up and the adjustments required to get the efficiency it is capable of.

You will get the energy savings you expect and the kind of durability you should get when it is correctly installed. Contact Air, Inc. 203.303.4822 to see how we can help you make the right decisions regarding your home heating system.

Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

Since our founding in 1991, our goal has been to provide our customers with the best service and value in southern Connecticut. Communicating with customers has always been a big part of that. It’s especially important these days with the challenging economy and ever-changing technology.

At no charge, we can have one of our Home Comfort Consultants share tips with you for saving energy and money. They can also update you on our products and services, which could make a significant difference to your home comfort. Whether you are interested in heating, cooling or indoor air quality, we offer the best products, high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service.

We are experts in the latest technologies, and we install the newest, most efficient equipment available. Most important, we stand behind our work, from installations and repairs to preventive maintenance. Thank you for your trust. We hope to provide you with many years of comfort and peace of mind. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. 203-315-0323

Here is what Hank E. from Greenwich, CT is saying about Air, Inc. Heating & Air Conditioning:

Air, Inc. brings “professional” to an entirely new level. Jonathan, the “comfort consultant” spent significant time reviewing my home for a new install of a mini-split(ductless) A/C system. Of the 4 other servicemagic contractors, only two showed up and only 1 of them actually gave me a quote (i.e. very unprofessional). Anyway, once Air, Inc arrived to install the system, the *entire* crew was friendly, extremely professional, smart, efficient, and did an absolute perfect job (and they all spoke English). Very clean, excellent install. I’m very happy with Air, Inc and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing A/C install or repairs.

Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

"So the answer is NO… Maintaining your heating system really doesn’t cost you anything."

Having your furnace maintained by a professional technician will ensure that it’s working when you need it most.
A tune-up prevents those untimely breakdowns that can leave you and your family out in the cold.

Think of your Heating system like a car. It has a motor and runs off a certain type of energy. In the same way that you change your car’s oil, spark plugs, recharge the battery, etc, these Heating systems also need regular attention to run efficiently and effectively.

The very best idea for central heating maintenance is to have a service professional out to give your system a checkup. HVAC contractors regularly handle these exact tasks, and they can provide you with a thorough check of your system and ensure that it will run effectively all winter.

It is important to have your air filters replaced or cleaned at least twice per year. This will not only make you breathe a little better in your home, but it will also keep your home from being so dusty. Checking your furnace filters each month is also a good idea.

Dirty air filters are the primary cause of heating system failure, causing your unit to run less than efficiently and possibly break down.

As with air conditioning, make sure there are no drapes, furniture, or plants blocking the vents. Proper flow of air from the vents will ensure that the heat coming from the system will get out into all the spaces that need it.

Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

When you are in your home, wouldn’t you like the temperature in your home to be as comfortable as possible? I can help because that is what I do for a living. I have been servicing Home Comfort Systems in Connecticut since 1991 and I know the codes, climate and construction in your area. I know what works and what doesn’t work. I will not use you as my testing ground.

Many home owners have told me that there is no way to get central air conditioning in their home and I usually find a way.

Central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners. In addition, they are out of the way, quiet, and convenient to operate.

It’s time to get rid of those loud inefficient window units and treat yourself to a new Home Comfort system.

Even if you don’t have ductwork and can’t get ductwork in your home, I can help. I have Ductless air conditioning systems that will cool your home as good and efficient as a central air conditioning system.

Now is the time to make the air in your home clean and comfortable, like you want it. You will receive many rebates and qualify for the federal tax credit with a new high efficiency air conditioning system. You can save up to $2,100.

Have one of my Comfort Consultants come to your home and perform a complete energy analysis and give you an affordable price on a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

Wayne Krasnow
Your HVAC Expert

There are many choices that will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your home heating bills and you don’t have to go out and cut a tree down to do it.

1. Hybrid Heat is one of the best options. A HYBRID HEAT system includes a High Efficiency Furnace (Oil, Gas or LP) and the High Efficiency Heat Pump. This smart system automatically switches between the heat pump and furnace depending on outside temperatures. And because the HYBRID HEAT system also provides cool, indoor comfort, this system becomes your total, year round home comfort solution. No additional air conditioning unit is required.
2. Get your friends or neighbors together. Assess how much oil or propane you and all of your friends and neighbors will need, so that you can ask for an accurate oil or propane request and ask for a lower price. Now remember that you are asking something “out of the ordinary” from a local oil or propane company, so you will have to make a few calls until one of them will work with you and they agree to make a deal.
3. Switch to Natural Gas. Natural Gas prices don’t rise as much as oil prices. Natural Gas Furnaces and Boilers are much more efficient and they burn cleaner than oil. In most cases, if a main gas line is near or runs by your home, it is FREE to have the gas company run a gas line and put a meter outside of your house. A good Heating contractor will help set up the process with the gas company so that everything will go smoothly. When you switch to Natural Gas, you have more choices. Natural Gas can run a Water Heater, Clothes Dryer, Oven & Cook top, Fireplace Insert, Outdoor Grill, Outdoor Fire Pit, Pool Heater and many other appliances.
4. Switch to Propane (LP). LP prices raise when oil prices rise but LP Furnaces and Boilers are much more efficient and they burn cleaner than oil. It is usually FREE to have the LP Company install an LP tank outside of your house. A good Heating contractor will help set up the process with the LP Company so that everything will go smoothly. When you switch to LP, you will have the all of the same options for other appliances that use Natural gas.

   Note: I hear many people say that they are afraid of or that they don’t like Natural Gas or LP Gas. All newer Natural Gas or LP Gas appliances have many safety devices that simply stop the flow of gas to prevent a fire or explosion. Millions of Natural Gas or LP Gas appliances are installed throughout the United States and other countries around the world. With the proper installation procedures followed by a licensed heating contractor, you will not have to worry about heating your home with Natural Gas or LP Gas. It is a very safe, clean and efficient way to keep your family comfortable.

5. Have a High Efficiency Heat Pump installed. A Heat Pump is one of the most efficient ways to Heat and Cool your home. It is simply an air conditioner in the summer and it reverses its cycle to heat your home in the winter. It does require a backup heater that is built into the system, but that only has to work at colder temperatures (below 30o F). A Heat Pump can be up to 300% efficient. Let’s see an oil furnace do that!
6. Ductless Heat Pumps are a big money saver for heating and cooling your entire home. Each area’s temperature can be controlled separately (Zoned) even if you don’t have ductwork and can’t fit ductwork in your home. Ductless Heat Pump systems will, in some cases, heat and cool your home better and more efficiently than a central heating and air conditioning system.

CALL ME IF YOU NEED HELP DECIDING WHICH OPTION IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME.
203-303-4822

OK… I have to mention the Geothermal Heat Pump system. But the reason I didn’t put it in my list (there’s always a but) is because, as a heating and air conditioning serviceman of more than 25 years, I have to say that, in my experience, this system is too expensive to install and repair and has not proven the energy savings that the media is portraying. Knowing that this statement may upset some of the Geothermal Heat Pump installers or owners, I ask that you to call me to prove otherwise.