Question on Home Depot Contractors

[jj987]

In the process of getting quotes for a system and the most competitive bid is from a contractor that also installs for HD. I contacted them directly and not through HD. They are spec'ing trane system with communicating system (95 furnace and 16 SEER AC). What I have liked about this contractor is that they have been very responsive, had the most detailed quote and had done their homework and knew the 16seer unit was as efficient as the 20seer unit in this application. They are a NATE contractor listed on the Trane website.

My only concern is the potential bad rep that HD contractors sometime have. I assume this is something that varies by contractor, but wanted to check with the folks here. A neighbor had them do an install with them and was happy with their service.

Thanks

[jimj]

In the process of getting quotes for a system and the most competitive bid is from a contractor that also installs for HD. I contacted them directly and not through HD. They are spec'ing trane system with communicating system (95 furnace and 16 SEER AC). What I have liked about this contractor is that they have been very responsive, had the most detailed quote and had done their homework and knew the 16seer unit was as efficient as the 20seer unit in this application. They are a NATE contractor listed on the Trane website.

My only concern is the potential bad rep that HD contractors sometime have. I assume this is something that varies by contractor, but wanted to check with the folks here. A neighbor had them do an install with them and was happy with their service.

Thanks

Every contractor with HD is different, sounds like you have chosen a good one.

[energy star]

Yeah...watch out. You never know the history of the contractors employees. Just may have been in jail in the past for being a crack addict.

[hvacvegas]

What I have liked about this contractor is that they have been very responsive, had the most detailed quote and had done their homework and knew the 16seer unit was as efficient as the 20seer unit in this application.

Sounds like you picked a winner.
I just don't understand the above statement. Anyone mind explaining?

[bwalley]

In the process of getting quotes for a system and the most competitive bid is from a contractor that also installs for HD. I contacted them directly and not through HD. They are spec'ing trane system with communicating system (95 furnace and 16 SEER AC). What I have liked about this contractor is that they have been very responsive, had the most detailed quote and had done their homework and knew the 16seer unit was as efficient as the 20seer unit in this application. They are a NATE contractor listed on the Trane website.

My only concern is the potential bad rep that HD contractors sometime have. I assume this is something that varies by contractor, but wanted to check with the folks here. A neighbor had them do an install with them and was happy with their service.

Thanks

How can a 16 SEER unit be as efficient as a 20 SEER unit?

[jj987]

Here are the references for the efficiencies:
XL16i unit - AHRI #3935328; eer 13, seer 17
XL20i unit - AHRI #3929781; eer 12, seer 16.25
Not sure why the 16i is a better fit in this size/configuration, but I didn't expect it either.

Thanks for all the responses. He also quoted the option to replace the line set, but said that they do a flush (mentioned RX-11 or something like that) and a nitrogen purge. He said that could change the lines if I wanted but they typically only do the flush. The line is a short run (20 feet or so) and fairly straight. Seems to be many opinions on this from what I have read on this board in a short time. The systems have a 10 yr parts and labor warranty from Trane (current special from contractor) and I want to make sure that a flush won't potentially impact the warranty.

[scottielaray]

The XL20i is less efficient on the SEER/EER but can run on the smaller compressor in mild conditions, which should be more efficient then the XL16i even at 80%. I lean more towards the XL20i, since it works better with our design and I am partial to it. Line set flush is good if applied properly, just like anything else. Nate is a plus for you and the contractor, what really matters is if all of the service/installers are certified or just one guy. HD contractors to me are just like any other, HD is just helping with leads, do your homework and you should be fine. So far sounds good. Best of luck.

[m-cooling]

Yeah...watch out. You never know the history of the contractors employees. Just may have been in jail in the past for being a crack addict.

wtf does that mean
sounds like you are on crack for saying something stupid like that

[genduct]

Hey Energystar

Yeah...watch out. You never know the history of the contractors employees. Just may have been in jail in the past for being a crack addict.

How would anyone know if you and yours weren't on the work release program?
Don't know if your remark re HD contractors who choose to do some wholesale work, not unlike those who do builder track work was unfair or just sounded like that

[jimj]

HD requires a background check on ALL field employees working on there jobs.

[Agent_C]

In the process of getting quotes for a system and the most competitive bid is from a contractor that also installs for HD. I contacted them directly and not through HD. They are spec'ing trane system with communicating system (95 furnace and 16 SEER AC). What I have liked about this contractor is that they have been very responsive, had the most detailed quote and had done their homework and knew the 16seer unit was as efficient as the 20seer unit in this application. They are a NATE contractor listed on the Trane website.

My only concern is the potential bad rep that HD contractors sometime have. I assume this is something that varies by contractor, but wanted to check with the folks here. A neighbor had them do an install with them and was happy with their service.

Thanks

Are you sure you're not confusing Home Depot with Sears?

I don't know a single person who's hired Sears to do home contracting work where it wasn't a disaster.

A_C

[beshvac]

HD requires a background check on ALL field employees working on there jobs.

How often do the "Home Depot Police" come around?

I think energy star was just venting because I also feel the same....I do great work and get a lot of referrals. I hate losing jobs to "big sales-machine Contractors" with professional salespeople (not necessarily HVAC experts) who come out and give the "100% Satisfaction Guarantee". Like one of the HUGE Guys In my area who told me once: "We just have to sell it! We will figure out how to install it later!"

I am a craftsman and am intensely proud of my work.

I have no sympathy for the recent posts: "I have a 100% gurantee from a company that is A+ rated, FAD, and BIG. Or I used SEARS.

On a positive note: HD has a better business model than Sears (who uses the cheapest subs they can find-like the ones who will accept SEARS's price list )