Timing of OTHER activities for new HVAC installation.

[NelsonG]

Hello all. Just discovered this forum and have killed the better part of a Sunday morning browsing and learning. Thanks to all the experts who share their knowledge.
I have committed to having my old AC/Heat Pump replaced. The indoor unit is a Bryant - not sure what year - probably vintage 80's - and there's a sticker that indicates the outside unit was replaced in 1999.
In the hopes of having this done in the most cost efficient manner possible, I want to coordinate other activities and timing with the installation of my new system.
My questions are:

1. In the heat of the Central Florida summer, will I get a better, more competititve bid if I wait until fall/winter to begin shopping?
2. I need to blow in more insulation in the attic. To make it easier on the installers, should I wait until after the new unit goes in (assuming the existing duct work is fine, since it was replaced about 2 years ago)?
3. The placement of the existing filter is "klugie", inconvenient and allows way too much unfiltered air in. I want to replace the two return air registers with the kind with filters in them. Should I wait until after the new installation to do this?

Thanks in advance for the helpful advice.

[sprintmj19]

1. Do you mean cheaper? Equipment costs the same, labor costs the same. Someone from your area will comment on this better than me. I charge more to install a boiler in the winter, only because it's a "must have" and I know I'll be putting in long hours, meanig overtime. In the summer, I know I can take my time, and there won't be any late nights, unless I want to.

2. I'd wait, but I'd also make sure the a/c guys know you're doing this. They (the a/c guys) can tell you what to keep the insulation away from. They're the ones that are going to service it in the future.

3. Your a/c guy will address this in his quote.

What does "klugie" mean?

[NelsonG]

Originally Posted by sprintmj19

1. Do you mean cheaper? Equipment costs the same, labor costs the same. Someone from your area will comment on this better than me. I charge more to install a boiler in the winter, only because it's a "must have" and I know I'll be putting in long hours, meanig overtime. In the summer, I know I can take my time, and there won't be any late nights, unless I want to.

2. I'd wait, but I'd also make sure the a/c guys know you're doing this. They (the a/c guys) can tell you what to keep the insulation away from. They're the ones that are going to service it in the future.

3. Your a/c guy will address this in his quote.

What does "klugie" mean?

Thanks for the response. Sorry about the confusion with my terminology.

kluge
Definition
Something not built according a design or plan, but assembled from whatever is available to 'make do.'


If "labor costs the same", as you put it, then why do you also say "I charge more to install a boiler in the winter"?
I was assuming the local AC companies here would use that same logic in pricing an installation, hence my question about getting a better bid in the winter.

[jerryd_2008]

Originally Posted by sprintmj19

1. Do you mean cheaper? Equipment costs the same, labor costs the same. Someone from your area will comment on this better than me. I charge more to install a boiler in the winter, only because it's a "must have" and I know I'll be putting in long hours, meanig overtime. In the summer, I know I can take my time, and there won't be any late nights, unless I want to.

...

Touches on a good point. In the collar seasons, it seems like more good people are available, prices may be more competitive due to those looking for work, they'll have more time to do a great job, no time without the AC/heat (it was not nice with high 90's and no AC for 2 days and 1 night). Add on to that, rebates may be better and this tax credit mess may be better defined later in 2009 and surely by tax time in April 2010.

[ChuckHVAC]

Originally Posted by NelsonG

If "labor costs the same", as you put it, then why do you also say "I charge more to install a boiler in the winter"?
I was assuming the local AC companies here would use that same logic in pricing an installation, hence my question about getting a better bid in the winter.

Basic "supply and demand" Why cut prices when barely keeping up with work load and paying overtime to employees? Naturally a contractor will often discount when work is scarce.

[SarahW]

NelsonG--I'm in TX, but I have had a bid on HVAC replacement that includes a substantial discount if I wait until "slow season" for the installation. Since our old unit is limping along, we have decided to wait till the fall and save a little money.

[Phasewolf]

I would wait until the winter just to be kind to the HVAC guys that are going to be installing the unit. They will be working in the attic which in the summer heat will be really hot and they will be wanting nothing more then to get out of there as fast as they can. But if it is cooler up there you (may) get a better install sense they will be more willing to take there time. Think about it what would you rather do? Work in a attic that is 80 or 120+

[sprintmj19]

I charge more in the winter because of having to work late, long hours. I charge more because changing a boiler in the middle of winter means 12-14, sometimes 16 hour days. You pay for the overtime.