How to find a HVAC consultant
Bon_Vivant
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
I have a almost 100 year old home in Chicagoland.
I want to install ducted minisplit heat pumps in the conditioned attic and the Mitsubishi inter-joist heat pumps downstairs.
But i want an independent professional to cross check my thoughts, do the manuals, and design the system. I’m concerned if I ask the installer contractor to design the system I’ll get “upsold”.
Is this just a waste of money? How would I find this professional?
Replies
https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/get-started/contractors
Since you like this manufacturer, the web site offers to set up appointments for someone to consult with you or to provide a full quote.
You also might benefit from a home energy analysis. Google or your search engine of choice should identify options. Paying for a detailed check is not a bad idea.
I like to try to get a couple options. Quotes from more than one contractor. Discussion with them will reveal if they perform manual-J and other calculations to inform design based on the reality of existing structure and your location, or if they just use a rule of thumb. I don't have any problem showing a contractor sales person the door if they are not responsive to my requests.
Most really want you happy at the end of the day, so you are in a position to provide good reviews.
You are smart to ask for such calculations, since it is not uncommon to oversize units as the easy way out, and since sales profit increases with a larger cost and larger capacity unit.
With the current post-pandemic activity levels, it might be challenging to get good options, but be nice and be persistent.
Google will also generate options if you search for "Chicago area HVAC design"
After a more careful reading of the OP I'll take back what I said. Considering that it's an old house and you're doing ducted mini-splits an AC engineer would be money well spent although I'd still listen to what the guy on the ground says.
My original comment
(I think it's a waste. If you can't trust your installer to help you choose the system then you can't trust them to install it either. AC contractors depend on your repeat business and customer referrals so most of them want to do a good job. Not to say there aren't shysters, they are in every business. Ask your friends and business associates who they use.)
ten years ago, I did a manual J calculation and put in a 2 1/2 ton AC system. replaced the 3 ton that was there. works fine and keeps the house cool, even when it gets over 100 and humid.
I have looked at houses in the neighborhood, similar age and design, and I see a lot of 4 ton systems put in.
Every one was happy with the service, but that is because they got questions answered, folks were on time, and if something broke, they came back to fix it.