How can I find out the first cost, the operating cost, payback and return on investment for a new system?
We will be happy to use our sophisticated computer programs and extensive knowledge in commercial equipment and controls to provide you with a detailed analysis of different efficiency systems and control strategies so you can select the systems that best fit your needs. To view a sample copy of what the report we provide might look like, please click here.

  I would like to have individual control for each office/work space, will this cost more in first cost? in operating cost?
We are experts in providing zoning systems that give you individual control for each office and work area. Zoning systems when combined with light activated thermostats, with occupancy sensors for the lights, can give you the best of both worlds, providing comfort and lighting when the work space is occupied, and saving on lighting, heating and air conditioning operating expense when the office is not occupied. You can have the comfort of individually controlled temperatures in each office and a savings in operating costs that can provide a payback in only a few years of operation. The operating cost savings will continue for the life of the system and will get greater as the utility costs increase from year to year.
Click here to read more about light activated thermostats.

  I have an indoor air quality problem, what can be done to correct this?
Most indoor air quality problems are caused by mold and mildew in the cooling coils, drain pans and duct work. We have a UV light solution that can kill the mold bacteria and mildew and leave you with a spring fresh building. We will be happy to present the materials and facts on this system and the pricing to add such a system.
Click here to read more about indoor air quailty.

  What items should I look for in a quote from a contractor that will insure the greatest savings in operating costs?
We recommend that no matter which contractor that you choose that you look at the following items:

(a) The manufacturer of the equipment and controls. We highly recommend that you use a major manufacturer who can back up their products. We use Carrier heating & air conditioning equipment and controls, which is the largest and best financed of any air conditioning equipment company in the world.

(b) You should look at the project being a turn-key project with the air conditioning contractor being responsible for the complete job, including equipment, controls and wiring. There is nothing more frustrating than when after the job is completed being not satisfied with the system and having each of the different parties blame the other for the problems.

(c) The contractor should provide a one-year parts and labor warranty on the products and controls.

(d) Never purchase a heating & air conditioning system from a contractor who requires more than 10% down to start on the job and do not make a final payment until the job is completed.

(e) Always get references from the contractor. Check with those references to make sure of the quality of the equipment and installation.

(f) Make sure the quote spells out exactly the efficiency of the equipment and manufacturer, with total cost and the warranty included.

(g) Check with the state licensing board to ensure that the contractor is licensed.

(h) Always deal with a contractor that gives you choices and an analysis of the different systems and operating costs. A contractor that only gives you one quote with sketchy details on the equipment is probably providing you the least efficient equipment on the market today. As a result the lower first cost you might get from this contractor will be eaten up very quickly by the increased operating costs of the system. Also if first cost is the only factor with this contractor then you can almost be assured it will not be a system that will provide you the comfort that you desire.

  Is financing available for a new system?
We have several companies available to finance your heating & air conditioning system. We will work with you to come up with the best financing plan. In many cases the savings in operating costs may even take care of the total monthly payment to the financing company. Of course once that financing company is paid off the savings will be going into your pocket.

  What type of controls are available to give me individual comfort and lowest operating costs?
Although with high efficiency equipment you save 25% or more in operating costs, the controls systems can save another 25% in operating costs while providing increased comfort. Our recommendation is that you use the highest efficiency equipment available on the market. This is especially true with the huge increase this year in gas and electric prices, with no end in sight to double digit increases in energy costs for the foreseeable future. We also recommend that you use an economizer system for free cooling whenever possible and controls that provide setback of temperatures and turn off the lights when the spaces are not occupied. We also recommend zoning. This gives you individual control for every work area or space, which greatly increases the comfort of the occupants, it also reduces the operating costs, as you are not heating and cooling spaces when they are not occupied.

  HVAC terms
Click here for HVAC terms.