Making Good Choices

How to select heating, air conditioning equipment and a mechanical contractor

Customer service is the most important element at Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating.
We feel it is best to make sure you are making choices that are right for you and the only way to do that is by having all the right information at your finger tips.

Here are some things to consider when making decisions concerning heating and cooling your home or business:

Due Diligence
A little extra research will go a long way in conserving energy in the future.
Hasty decisions can create numerous headaches and affect your pocketbook as well.
If you don’t do your homework, poor decisions can cost you money for years.
Many people make the mistake of making their decision based on price.
By doing this, you are leaving out some of the most important elements to making a sound decision, such as:

• Servicing The Product After The Sale
  • Does the manufacturer have good representation and can you call direct for technical support?
    This is most important that solid relationships are in place between contractor, distributor, and manufacturer.
  • Are parts readily available in your geographic area?
    Service company and distributor should stock common repair components
  • What is the life expectancy of the product?
    Did you know almost all wallhung boilers have a life expectancy of only ten years?
    Do your homework.
    I always use the analogy that automobiles that operate starting and stopping frequently require much more maintenance; the same is true for wallhung boilers with low volume.
    Be prepared to replace multiple parts during life of these low cost boilers.
  • How often will it need service?
    Annual service is required on everything to reduce breakdown and promote efficiency
  • What is operational cost vs other products in the industry?
    This is important with cost of energy today. Is new system weather responsive? Are the motors variable speeds to reduce electrical cost?
  • Warranty on product
    
• Choosing The Right Contractor
  • Do plenty of research on contractor you are hiring
    Talk to clients of past projects, verify certificate of insurance, check to make sure they are paying there bills with local wholesalers and distributors.
    Don’t purchase just on price, look for the best value.
  • Do they support the community?
    Such as Youth organizations, churches, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, soup kitchens, are they connected?
  • How well do they take care of there employees?
    Are they provided Health insurance, retirement plan, vacation time, clothing, and profit sharing.
  • Do you feel confident the contractor knows the product?
    How long have they been installing product and how much training have they received?

Additional Resources

Visit the Hydronic Heating Association

Founded by Richard Trethewey, heating and plumbing expert on This Old House, the website for HHA features a list compiled by Richard through his travels and his contact with leading manufacturers who know who the "good guys" (and gals) are. This website is an excellent resource to find the right contractor for hydronic heating (radiant floor heating, radiators, baseboard, hydro-air, mini-duct and heating/AC systems). Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating is proudly listed among the contractors for the Maine Coast.