73Stingray
11-10-2009, 11:50 PM
I am mostly a service guy, but have done a few installs and my former boss was trying to make a tin knocker out of me ...anyway...
I know that according to code (at least in my neck of the woods) the furnace has to sit on a non combustible surface and/or have appropriate clearances....
They sell that fancy board at the supply houses that is like a foam covered in a cement type coating on the outside (kind of like cement backer board for tiling a floor or wall) and I have used them before... no problem...I noticed that on the last furnace I took out there were 6 of those patio paver stone type rectangular blocks underneath, and now I am wondering if I should just use them, or toss them and use the foam/cement board that I can buy at the wholesaler....Is one better that the other or does it matter? Do some people just put them right down on the cement floors in the basement?? I am interested in what the seasoned professionals do, as I am only doing my 4th install job since going out on my own..
I am trying to streamline things to make it easier to prepare quotes and estimating and stuff...it is a real learning experience with a steep learning curve. I have gotten in the habit of just including things in the quote and putting them on even if it is over and above the bare minimum just to get by like some guys I have worked with will do. For instance, I will do a quote and make a materials list, I will allow for a decent "programmable" digital t-stat, and the nice looking foam cement block to set the unit on...I make the customer aware that he will be getting a nice digital programmable stat (would you like a horizontal or vertical mount) and just pay the $40 or $50 for it at the supplier.(now if they want the fancy a$$ Honeywell IAQ Vision Pro or whatever then the can fork over a couple hundred more...lol ))..In the end the customer is stoked because he has a nice fancy digital programmable stat and the install looks clean and sweet on a nice fancy cement board block...its kinda like eye candy for a homeowner to see it and it is easier for them to appreciate...JMHO...
I have worked with other contractors who just hit the supply house and say give me the cheapest digital stat u got...and who cares what the customer wants this is what I am sticking on the wall. And oh we will just cut some pieces of s cleat and level this thing off since the cement on the basement floor is not level....wtf...Is it just me or do I put just a little too much care in my work?
I know that according to code (at least in my neck of the woods) the furnace has to sit on a non combustible surface and/or have appropriate clearances....
They sell that fancy board at the supply houses that is like a foam covered in a cement type coating on the outside (kind of like cement backer board for tiling a floor or wall) and I have used them before... no problem...I noticed that on the last furnace I took out there were 6 of those patio paver stone type rectangular blocks underneath, and now I am wondering if I should just use them, or toss them and use the foam/cement board that I can buy at the wholesaler....Is one better that the other or does it matter? Do some people just put them right down on the cement floors in the basement?? I am interested in what the seasoned professionals do, as I am only doing my 4th install job since going out on my own..
I am trying to streamline things to make it easier to prepare quotes and estimating and stuff...it is a real learning experience with a steep learning curve. I have gotten in the habit of just including things in the quote and putting them on even if it is over and above the bare minimum just to get by like some guys I have worked with will do. For instance, I will do a quote and make a materials list, I will allow for a decent "programmable" digital t-stat, and the nice looking foam cement block to set the unit on...I make the customer aware that he will be getting a nice digital programmable stat (would you like a horizontal or vertical mount) and just pay the $40 or $50 for it at the supplier.(now if they want the fancy a$$ Honeywell IAQ Vision Pro or whatever then the can fork over a couple hundred more...lol ))..In the end the customer is stoked because he has a nice fancy digital programmable stat and the install looks clean and sweet on a nice fancy cement board block...its kinda like eye candy for a homeowner to see it and it is easier for them to appreciate...JMHO...
I have worked with other contractors who just hit the supply house and say give me the cheapest digital stat u got...and who cares what the customer wants this is what I am sticking on the wall. And oh we will just cut some pieces of s cleat and level this thing off since the cement on the basement floor is not level....wtf...Is it just me or do I put just a little too much care in my work?