G'morning!
If you're already aware of "huge changes" coming in the HVAC industry, you can skip this.
Then again, if you're like me and feel the need to check your home's thermostat several times a day, this may be food for thought.
The other day I woke from a nap to ask, "Is it me, or does it feel warm in here?" Yep. When I wasn't paying attention, our unit decided to take a break. Already, I had visions of throwing a change of clothes in a bag and finding a (dog-friendly) hotel room. Seriously. I.Don't.DO.Heat.
Fortunately, when we moved here 6 years ago Tom signed us up for a 'preferred' agreement with the HVAC company that previously serviced our home. Supposedly, for a nominal monthly fee, if we have an issue we're bumped up to the first in line.
Sure enough. Within the hour, a tech was standing at the door; a few minutes later his boss. He correctly diagnosed and corrected the issue. No charge!
Yet because I'd seen something my girlfriend shared on FB the day before, I had to ask, "Is this a rumor? If not, what is XXXX doing to prepare (your) customers for this?"
Of course they were aware. "As a matter of fact, our team was just discussing this."
Because (a) we've been experiencing record heat and (b) at 5 o'clock they still had half dozen more stops, we set up an appointment to have the 'comfort specialist' come out on Tuesday and talk numbers. I don't know what a warranty means anymore these days, but ours just 'graduated' out of parts and labor this spring.
Here's an excerpt of what my friend shared.
If you're a homeowner or soon to be one, you might want to take a moment to read this.
They have made a change to the refrigerant in the AC systems.
The reason it's a big deal this time, unlike last time, is the suddenness of the change. No crossover time to learn the new product.
The proper way when changing refrigerant has always been to replace the entire indoor and outdoor system to match.
However, in the event a customer was not in a financial position to replace everything at once, there was a way to mix-match and at least get them through until everything could be replaced.
The new refrigerant will not allow this.
He concludes,
If I were in the position for needing a replacement, I would rush to make the change before the change-over is mandatory.
No HVAC contractor asked for this. Our goal is never to make things harder than they have to be.
Also, my friend discovered a (more rational) press release from the National Association of Home Builders. You can click here if you'd like.
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Okay, I'd better start getting ready for church. I hope everyone enjoys a beautiful September (yay!) day.
Hugs, Myra
