Need reliable HVAC installer in Knoxville, TN

[jimpy]

I have had little luck getting anyone to do a manual J. I've posted about this before. They all want to do the 500-600 sf per ton rule of thumb. They also seem to possibly be oversizing their unit recommendations, given my insulation. Does anyone know a good HVAC company in Knoxville, TN or nearby? Help.

Jimpy

[corny]

Call you local electric utility and ask for a list of tva energy right contractors. These people install hvac equipment and have to follow certain standards. You can get finacing thru the utility...or many of the contracters will do the same quality work and will get the local energy right inspector to come out and make sure the unit and system are installed correctly...they will check the load calculation, check that the unit is working right by checking capacity, and will also air balance the system.
The tva inspector will look over the whole job too...ductwork, mechanical, electrical...and you can be assured of getting a decent job.

[signalmountainman]

Go duel fuel, especially since you live in the TVA power service area. Natural gas prices are getting out of control. I'm switching to duel fuel in a few weeks myself.

[davidr]

Originally posted by corny
they will check the load calculation, check that the unit is working right by checking capacity, and will also air balance the system.


corny,

I am curious what types of methods are TVA using to determine capacity & air balance the system?

[jimpy]

Sorry, but I have already checked with my local utility and the only way I can get a TVA energy right approved contractor is to apply for financing of a new unit through the utility company.

My latest experience with a HVAC contractor was hilarious and sad at the same time. He gave me this big song and dance about how hard the job was going to be and how much labor, etc. Basically, he proposed to do a unit change out with the addition of a few new supply runs to a new room addition, so I couldn't understand why it was such a hard job if he wasn't tearing out and replacing all the ductwork, but anyway. After much crying about how hard my job was going to be...he quoted the highest price I've received yet. When I asked how much less the cost would be if I dropped from a 15 SEER to 14 or 13 SEER, he simply said "No different". When asked why, he simply said I was getting such a good deal on the 15 SEER. By the time he left, I was happy to see him go. The sad thing is, the same guy sold a unit to my neighbor, who obviously fell for his routine.

Still looking for a good HVAC contractor in Knoxville area.


Help

[mdavis3238]

Hi, still looking,, I run a small company out of Greeneville, I service Knoxville to Bristol.. Im a Sears Cert contractor. Do their work from Knox to Bristol and also sub for a company servicing the Cell phone towers Hvac systems...Im reliable .Totally Kool Heating and Air.
Thomas Davis. email ... <removed>

[Irishmist]

I had the same question as David R in regard to the verification of the operation of the system. It seems if I understand your answer that the way you receive this 'valuable' service is by taking advantage of their financing. I believe you also stated that a 'pre-qualified' contractor had to perform the work. Sounds like a nice tight little circle of friends. :rolleyes:

It should not be this difficult to get a quality contractor on the job to provide you not only a Manual J load calculation but also a thorough and complete proposal.

I have always suggested contacting co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, fellow church members, etc. to get their recommendations and referrals.

I can't believe you are the one and only individual in Knoxville that cannot seem to find a reliable contractor.

some of these questions can actually be asked at the time you make the initial contact, i.e. "will you be performing a manual j load calc for my job?"
"is all the work performed by you and your personnel or is it subcontracted out?"

You can also inquire about service and warranties.

Don't hesitate to ask for some referrals from the contractor as well and then don't be shy about contacting them and getting their feedback.

Is there a local ACCA branch or some other trade organization that you could access?

I would hate to think I was limited in dealing with a contractor that was tied to a financing program.

all the best, Irish

[mr big]

Jimpy, contact AA Air in Knoxville. Talk to Donna. Tell her an old, retired, Carrier rep in Kingsport referred you to her. I think you will be impressed. Her phone is in yellow & white pages.