Question:
My daughter and son-in-law have a 2500 square foot home in Southwestern
Connecticut. They currently have electric baseboard heat and no central
air-conditioning.
They want to convert to forced hot air propane-fired heat and add central
air-conditioning. They have solicited proposals from several contractors who
have given estimates that range from $15,000 to $18,000. The proposed
systems will include both a furnace and a heat pump, and a 500 gallon
propane tank, along with the necessary ductwork. They plan to leave the
electric heat system in place rather than removing it. The guts of the new
system will be housed in their attic. My son-in-law says he will probably
not opt for the filter option since he doesn't feel like climbing up in the
attic every few months to change the filter.
Somehow I'm thinking this is flawed reasoning on his part.
Does anyone have any general advise for my daughter and son-in-law as they
embark on the selection process, or any specific advice pertaining to using
Sears as opposed to other local contractors for a project of this type. They
have heard conflicting reports about Sears. Some say Sears employs only
fully certified and competent contractors, while others say Sears uses only
low bid contractors and doesn't stand behind their work.
Answer:
I have to admit I'm a Trane fan, but the installing contractor & his reputation
are going to sway my vote much more than brand.
I've heard the Sears techs can be a problem if the installing contractor is
solely chosen by low bid.
Make sure the installer is reputable & will stand behind his work (Along
with Sears)
As for not wanting to climb in the attic to change filters,
you can get access panels for filter replacement that can be installed
above a ceiling in a closet or someplace to make the task easier.
Your son-in-law will have to maintain the filters monthly
whether he buys a higher end filter kit or not.
If the installer is opting to install any system without filters,
send him packing.
No forced air system should operate w/o filters.
