Northside:  804-740-3851

Southside:  804-745-0294
 

Serving Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Since 1917

"What Are My Options When Shopping For A Heating & Cooling System?"


                        

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We offer 2 levels of service or replacment approach options when it's time to install a new comfort system in your home. Both options include an ACCA Manual J Load Calculation as required by all the equipment manufacturers, Department of Energy and local code officials.

 Remember  all heating & cooling contractors are NOT created equal. Just because a particular piece of equipment is capable of 13 - 20 SEER or 96% efficiency, does not mean that it will be installed correctly to actually deliver the level of utility savings and comfort the machine can produce.  

Please review the information below and decide on which "buying approach" would best suit your needs and level of commitment to the project. Consider the following when choosing any contractor for your project:

Option B helps to ensure you get what your paying for, it also greatly reduces the chance the wrong size equipment or ductwork will be installed, and lastly insist that a computerized Manual J Load Calculation is completed before signing any contract or agreement.

Remember if there's no test, than it's a guess! The average duct system leaks 25% - 40% of the air a heating & cooling system produces. Ask yourself, how much extra $$$ are you willing to spend on heating & cooling your crawl space, attic or other areas outside your home each month? 

Be sure a review the information at the bottom of this page for collateral regarding leaky and inefficient system installation studies.

   

 Option A:

       Basic Free Estimate   

   

 Option B:

Home Performance Test with Computerized Right-Sizing and Duct Leakage Analysis by %

  
 Tasks Performed:  
Tasks Performed are same as Option A, Plus:
 
  • Visual inspection of existing equipment
  • Interview (basic questions)
  • Explanation of different equipment options (efficiency, brands, warranties, service plans)
  • Explanation of accsssories (air cleaners, humidfiers zone controls, UV lights)
  • Explanation of financing options

 
  • Measurment of your homes dimentions & insulation levels to determine proper equipment sizing (ACCA Manual J)
  • Measurment (instead of guessing) of Manual J air infiltration rate
  • Negitive Pressure testing to pinpoint air leaks in ducts & house
  • Infra-Red Camera scan to identify insulation deficiencies
  • Ductwork Static Pressure measurment and assessment of your existing duct system air flow, this helps ensure compatibility with your new heating & cooling system
  • Explanation of all findings with a prioritization of any improvments which we are recommended to be done at the same time as your new equipment instllation vs the other improvements which can wait

 Allow: 60-90 minutes  Allow: 2-3 hours (can be split into 2 trips)

 


  • Have no real comfort issues, such as hot or cold spots or inadequate capacity on hottest or coldest days
  • Are planning to replace with just the same size you have now
  • Have no existing humidity issues in the summer or winter
  • Have no concern about excessive dust, or respiratory allergies or asthma
  • Are not concerned about achieving significant monthly utility bill savings
  • Looking to minimize the initial investment, leaning towards minimum efficiency or entry-level equipment
  • Are not inclined to invest much time or attention to the topic
  • Are possibly moving in the next year or two

    •  

    • Have higher expectations, want a new system to work better than the old one
    • Have some existing comfort issues, such as hot and/or cold spots; or inadequate capacity on hottest or coldest days
    • Are possibly thinking they need a bigger system than they have now
    • Have existing humidity issues such as winter dryness, or excessive humidity, condesation or clamminess
    • Have concerns about excessive dust, or respiratory allergies or asthma
    • Want to achieve significant reductions in monthly utility bills
    • Are not focused just on the upfront price, are considering higher efficiency equipment to reduce long-term cost of ownership
    • Want to follow recommended "industry best practices" to achieve a Quality installation
    • Are curious about "non equipment" ways to save energy & money, improve air quality, carbon monoxide safety, such as duct work improvements, insulation, air balancing, solar energy solutions & do it yourself opportunities.
    • Are interested in developing a long term prioritized improvement plan with specific recommendations and options for the home
    • Are willing to invest a little bit more time and attention to get all the facts or order to get the best value for your investment
    • Are planning on being in the home longer than 2 years
    • Are wanting to do their part to help the enviroment. 
       

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    FACTS AND STUDIES ON BAD INSTALLATIONS
     
    Advanced Energy of North Carolina Study On New System Installations 
    (non profit organization) 
    • 90% of all units tested exhibited some sort of energy waste problem
    • 50% of all installations had an improper refrigerant charge
    • 40% failed to meet the minimum requirements for air flow standards
    • A 20% reduction in air flow will reduce SEER about 17% (12/8, 14/9, 18/14)
    • A 15% return air leak from 120 degree attic will easily reduce a 12 SEER TO 6 SEER

    APS (Arizona Public Service Company)

    • Improvements to duct leakage and insulation can save 16% on cooling cost
    • Properly insulated ducts and efficient units can reduce cooling usage by 42%
    • 64% of units tested had air flow less than 350 CFM per ton (Ideal CFM is 400)
    • 82% were improperly charged (average improper charge reduces efficiency 31%)
    • Installation technicians frequently do not evacuate a system properly with Micron Gauges
    • 53% of units tested were oversized causing wear and tear, and thus higher energy costs

    Texas A&M University

    • A 15% savings can be observed when one disconnected duct was repaired
    • A 7.5% savings can be observed when one diffuser air leakage was repaired
    • A 5.6% savings can be observed when air flow circulation was balanced correctly
    • A 18.4% savings can be observed when air leaks were sealed and refrigerant charges were correct
    HVAC Manufacturers
     (Trane, Lennox & Carrier they all agree)
     
    • A 13 SEER condenser mismatched with an existing air handler will typically lower SEER to 9.2, which is a 30% efficiency loss
    • Mismatched equipment, or replacing components in pieces and not installing the entire system new, typically will lower overall efficiency by as much as 45% and can void the manufacturer’s warranty
     
    Goodman Plumbing Heating AC
    Goodman Plumbing and Heating is a Virginia Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Air Conditioning Service and Replacement Company located in Chesterfield, VA, that services Richmond, VA, Colonial Heights, VA, Chester, VA, Petersburg, VA, Prince George, VA, Hopewell, VA, Powhattan, VA, Hanover, VA, Henrico, VA, Shortpump, VA, Goochland, Va.
    Goodman Plumbing, Heating & AC - 600 Research Rd. Richmond, VA. 23236  Northside: 804-740-3851 - Southside: 804-745-029
    Office Hours:  Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30 pm, Sat 8am - 4:30pm, Sun - Closed, NO OVERTIME CHARGES 8am - 8pm Mon - Sat