When consumers decide to buy toaster ovens, televisions and trash compactors, the process is typically to go out, check prices and buy the product with the best price. Price shopping makes the purchase easy: the price tells us who to buy from.
But, when it comes to buying a heating and cooling system, price may get you into deep trouble. Many consumers ask us: How can the price be different when all three contractors are quoting the same unit?
The answer is easy and difficult at the same time. Heating and cooling systems are not toaster ovens. They do not just come out of the box, plug in and operate. When a contractor estimates a system, the equipment itself is only 40% to 50% of the price. The balance is in design, labor, parts, materials, warranty, wiring, controls and other components.
So, when the consumer is presented with the price, they must know that a significant portion of the total bill is for things other than equipment. It's a fact that, when there is a difference in price on heating and cooling systems, there is always a difference in the scope of the job.
Consumers must take great care in educating themselves on the contractor and their sales representative, because bottom line, you are not just buying a heating and cooling system, you are buying a contractor. Always buy from the contractor in whom you have the most confidence. Period. Be sure that your contractor gets to know you and takes the time to discover how you live, your comfort problems and your plans for your home. All of this information will help him or her in the process of designing the system that is just right for you.
Still have questions? Feel free to give us a call at (804) 798-1371. We'd be happy to help!
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