Installer and Sales Guy Disagree

[motytrah]

Having a Bryant System put in. The sales guy made a couple points in his proposal that the installers seem to disagree with.

1) Reusing existing PVC Venting. Sales guy said it just good practice to replace the PVC vent pipes (about 20 years old). He also said the "snorkle", while ugly, was designed to deal with certain rare problems that could interfere with combustion. The installer says the PVC is fine and they would warranty the pipe.

2) Combustible Air - When I indicated that I intended to finish the basement later this year he took measurements, checked my fireplace, and indicated the install should have an outside combustible air feed. The installer doesn't think that's necessary.

I guess the sales guy could have been a bit overzealous on the install. Out of the three bids he was the only one to do a vent and return count and verify the system size. The rest of the sales guys just looked at what was there already. Should I push on these with the installers or is it nothing to worry about?

[Mr Bill]

I personally would be listening to the sales guy, why have to worry about the pipe at all,replace it, you do need a combustion air vent if your sealing off any room, sounds like your have a lazy installer and a great salesman.

[garya505]

Sounds like the sales guy knows his stuff and the installer is trying to cut corners. If it was me, I'd require them to put in what they quoted.

[Todd S 2]

As a sales person, if I sell it based on what I told a customer, it should go in like that. Period. End of discussion.

[Mr Bill]

As a sales person, if I sell it based on what I told a customer, it should go in like that. Period. End of discussion.

There you go! If they rolled your new car out without a steering wheel, and a steering wheel was part of the quote, would you say, that's cool, I will worry about that later if I have any problems.

[tipsrfine]

Having a Bryant System put in. The sales guy made a couple points in his proposal that the installers seem to disagree with.

1) Reusing existing PVC Venting. Sales guy said it just good practice to replace the PVC vent pipes (about 20 years old). He also said the "snorkle", while ugly, was designed to deal with certain rare problems that could interfere with combustion. The installer says the PVC is fine and they would warranty the pipe.

2) Combustible Air - When I indicated that I intended to finish the basement later this year he took measurements, checked my fireplace, and indicated the install should have an outside combustible air feed. The installer doesn't think that's necessary.
I guess the sales guy could have been a bit overzealous on the install. Out of the three bids he was the only one to do a vent and return count and verify the system size. The rest of the sales guys just looked at what was there already. Should I push on these with the installers or is it nothing to worry about?

About 300 cfms will be going out of the fireplace when in use. "Air out, air in" rule. Piping in combustion air will ensure their will be enough combustion air for it while fireplace is in use.

[Todd S 2]

There you go! If they rolled your new car out without a steering wheel, and a steering wheel was part of the quote, would you say, that's cool, I will worry about that later if I have any problems.

I don't understand why customers (that are paying for a service) are afraid to speak up.

It seems obvious that what your told and sold is what you should expect.

[b26440510]

maybe you should tell the sales guy that you want a different installer.

[HVAC Teacher]

I NEVER thought I'd say it: THE SALES GUY IS RIGHT!

First time for everything!

[Todd S 2]

I NEVER thought I'd say it: THE SALES GUY IS RIGHT!

First time for everything!

There are a few. LOL, I am one. But I'm always under pressure from above, if you get my drift.

[fishintime]

maybe you should tell the sales guy that you want a different installer.

This one wins the prize. The problem with "making" your installer do these things is now you have some friction between the two of you. What else will he try and do you don't know about? I normally would throw and commissioned sales guy under the bus but he is right on the money. Fresh air feed isn't just a good idea...

[seatonheating]

How is it worded on the contract??

Is this something the sales guy said verbally or did he spell it out?

Why not get him on the phone while the installer is present and have a conference call?

[hvacvegas]

Unless it's something messed up, you shouldn't "have" to replace pvc piping. Theres really only 4 situations that come to my mind about why I would choose to do so. 1: That crappy black pipe that got recalled. 2. Incorrect pipe sizing. 3. Bad joints, cracked pipe, something messed up with normal pvc pipe. 4. No combustion air for a sealed combustion furnace, I always prefer direct vent (2 pvc pipes).

BUT thats neither here, nor there. What you "have" to have, is totally different that what you paid for.