Frustration in New Jersey!

[jahart7]

After reading many threads, I have noticed that most of you say the key factor in a good HVAC job is finding the right contractor. This is where I am having problems. I have called about 20-25 contractors from the phone book, looking to get estimates for a complete heating and AC overhaul (installing a furnace, AC and complete duct work). I have left lots of messages on answering machines but only had three contractors actually come to my house and two of the three seemed awful. They guestimated unit sizes and didn't ask for or take any measurements. The one contractor that seemed somewhat on the ball, I cannot get in touch with anymore. Does anyone know of a reliable contractor in North Jersey??

Another question I have is: How good is the HVAC-Calc software that is available through this forum?? I purchased a home owner license to do my own load calculations since one contractor quoted me for a 5 ton AC unit while another quoted me for a 3 ton. I did my own calculations using this software and it said my total heat gain was 23000 BTU (2 ton).

I am rather frustrated so any help will be encouraging right now!

[Senior Tech]

If you used the hvac calc available here correctly you will be right on the money.

[tinknocker service tech]

where about in north jersey
there are a lot of contractors i can give you depending on where you are

[jahart7]

I live in Landing, NJ (right off of Rt. 80 and less than a mile from Lake Hopatcong).

Heck, right now a contractor that comes to my house when he says he will is almost considered reliable.

[coolcray3]

ok back to the rules. I know that there is no advertising but are you allowed to reccomend a company or contractor

[tinknocker service tech]

Originally posted by coolcray3
ok back to the rules. I know that there is no advertising but are you allowed to reccomend a company or contractor

me bad sorry i think you are correct on this
my email is in my profile send me an email and i can give you some thing
you are way out of my range but there a a few good guys your way

[Jultzya]

Originally posted by coolcray3
ok back to the rules. I know that there is no advertising but are you allowed to reccomend a company or contractor

I don't see any problem with referring a company to someone when they ask.

There's nothing in the Rules about it...

[drcustom]

Jahart,

If you're still in the market, give our company a call. We're located in Bergen County and perform heat calcs before every estimate. Sheet of references with every proposal...201-310-3929.

[engineernj]

Good luck, amigo. I went through the same thing in NJ. We in this state are totally disconnected from the kind professionalism you find here on this board. Very frustrating....

[noimposters]

I am not suprised that no one wants to do a load calc on your home. If your input is accurate, can't overstress accurate, don't second guess the load program. Go over the figures carefully, espcially the AC/H and the glass area.

Go with what it says, then select a unit based on Manual S.

I too live in NJ...it's very rare to see any quality work down here in South Jersey. Our state is way too corrupt to even enforce the building codes that are on the books. The big builders have bought the state and the codes.

I think in North Jersey you have a better chance pf getting a good job.

You won't get a good job because the "town inspector" is looking at it. You'll get a job job because the installer you "bought", not the brand name, cares about this work and reputation.

Be patient and good luck.

[coolcray3]

Try accu aire 609-208-90001

[coolmen]

id be more than happy to take a look at what you have.im 15 min from you.#973 541 4840

[jahart7]

Sounds good to me, "Coolmen". When is the best time for me to call you??

[addfreon]

There are plenty of good HVAC contractors in NJ...I know...I have met plenty of good New Jersey HVAC techs in North Carolina...I don't Know who you called, but I'm sure there are many in the phonebook...unless you just called numbers you got on a web-site or this message-board(just kidding)...
About load sizing...there are some impotant things a person should Know about air flow and duct sizing if they are in the buisness...but load calc for a house is pretty simple...especially for any one with experience...
If your looking for someone to discuss the load-calc you got off the web...then it's no wonder no one has called you back...try to find someone who's interested in your comfort and listen to there proposal...
A wild guess Northern NJ...forced air heating system...2 story flat..1300 sq.ft 92'000btu furnace @ 90% effi.(perferably two stage) 2 Ton A/C and coil...your set...that will only set yot you back ?????????....Good Luck

[jahart7]

I wish my problem was as simple as the way you described. I called at least 20 HVAC companies from the phone book asking for estimates of which 3 came to my house. Of the three I only have one written estimate which was done without even stepping a foot on the second floor. He quoted me with a 3 ton AC and no mention at all of heat unit size. After the third company gave me a "verbal" AC size of 5 ton, also without taking any measurements or stepping a foot on the second floor, I questioned his reasoning. This led me to buy my own software to do a loac calc. I came to this site to see if anyone could recomend a reputable HVAC professional. I am willing to spend the $$$$ but want to make sure I get the right sized system installed correctly.

My house is a bi-level, 1900 sqft using oil fuel. No gas service from the street.

[tinknocker service tech]

jahart7
please send me you info again and i will send you some names. seems when i was reading your email i hit the delete button instead of replie button. i would like to keep the names of the forum.
sorry
wayne

[addfreon]

I don'mean to be caustic...sarcastic, of course, but not caustic....call some more...I am sure someone can deliver..... How about this...call a front page ad and say your "ready to buy today" if someone is ready to give a quote...If that dosn't work....then the problem is...well you figure it out... How about this...I gave you an estimate, now go with it and let the professionals handle it...Have it wrote in the proposal that the system will heat and cool your home...

Again, call around untill you are comfortable....Sincerly,
Good Luck.

[Edited by addfreon on 11-09-2005 at 05:29 AM]

[madhouse]

Not unusual for N.J. HVAC is not the only problem. Try getting any tradesman.
I think the problem is it is such an overpopulated state with many white-collar workers.
I tried to hire an electrician and plumber some time ago with the same results. Call 10 people, 3 call you back, 1 shows up to look at the job, no one gives an estimate.
I have had some guys tell me there is so much work out there that they can pick and choose their jobs. They only take the easy high profit ones. Anyone out there struggling come to N.J. You can become a millionaire in a couple of years and then get the hell out!
The other problem I see is most companies have one owner that sits in the office counting his money who hires a bunch of untrained kids for minimum wage and no benefits to do the work. Makes for some ugly stuff! You may want to ask people if they know anyone. Some of the good independent guys only work on word of mouth. They don’t bother with advertising. My suggestion is get a bunch of books, search the web, read, read, read and do it yourself. It will be a much better job.

[addfreon]

Maybe it is a madhhuse in NJ....It is unfortunate though.that a homeowner can't get a decent contractor...

[finnuchi]

same problem here in south jersey!! many calls, no answers. one bid so far. exxxxtreeeemely high. as was stated before "so much work out there they can pick and choose". i am totally frustrated.