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System Checkup
Link: http://www.duanesworld.net/duanesworld.net.geothermal.WEL.live.htm
Ok, Maybe I spoke too soon after Optimal Energy replaced my thermostat. Yes, they were prompt. Yes it works. Yes, I am satisfied.
I had them back to do a checkup on my system before the cold weather of winter hit. I wanted them to come in and check the Heat Pump, ground loop pressure and freon pressure. I wanted this since it bit me in the back side a winter or two ago.
I did not want their heat pump / geothermal system check. I am capable of 90 percent of what is included for $300.00, and I do the maintenance as required.
Ok, they were supposed to come in at $1xx.xx per hour and check freeze protection, loop pressure, freon pressure, and general heat pump. What actually took place was the heat pump was checked, freeze protection was checked and the loop pressure was checked. Freon loop was not checked. The tech was pretty strong in that “as a rule we don’t check the freon pressure". The freon pressure is calculated from the ground loop pressure and the temperature. Then, a problem with my system was discovered. This took another hour and a half. Spinning wheels for an hour and a half including spending about 45 minutes on the phone with the manufacturer. The issue I have with this service, there was no problem that needed this troubleshooting to start with. However, I gave the tech the benefit of the doubt since this is his area of expertise.
Well, after an hour and a half, I had to go. I pulled the plug on the tech and told him nicely to leave. Then I get the line “15 more minutes and I’ll have it fixed". Well, magically the issue was resolved.
I still feel strongly that there was no issue. There was a lack of data from my monitoring system since I had disconnected a portion of it the evening before, in anticipation of the tech pointing the finger that the monitoring system is to blame for the economy. I will think twice or three times before placing a call to Optimal Energy.
4 comments
One reason to keep from checking pressures is that the freon loop is a closed system, so every time you attach a set of gauges you are opening the system to contaminates (like air) and if the operating temperatures are right, there's really no need.
How does that saying go, "Sometimes it is hard to see the forest through the trees"?
They were pissed because all I wanted them to do was to check the loop pressure. Which by the way was a little low and needed a slight addition. After this was checked and added, the tech did not understand the electronics of the installation and while on site 'troubleshooting' he made a few calls to his office and to WaterFurnace for their guidance. After a frustrating (for me) time, I finally told the tech enough and I wanted him to stop. He said "fifteen more minutes" and magically within that time the system was again operating properly. Not understanding the system or padding the time to make $300 for the call? I still wonder.
The filter is a permanent filter which I clean and keep clean. No other work was performed. No cleaning, nothing. For the regular service this firm charges $300 for there is a list of points which they check. I am not a goethermal hvac professional but I know enough about my system that most of what they do is unnecessary. That is why I wanted them out for the loop pressure check only.
Here is the Service Agreement in a nutshell (This service for $179.00 includes as visit in spring and one in fall):
1. Furnish tools and labor to perform HVAC maintenance service and checkup for the HVAC system.
2. Check condition of existing air filter.
3. Clean/Vacuum equipment housing, burners.
4. Lubricate all necessary parts.
5. Check electrical and low voltage controls.
6. Check all electrical connections located within equipment housing.
7. Check refrigerant pressure and charge. Add up to 1/2 lb. refrigerant if necessary (Conventional HVAC systems only).
8. Check blower and make adjustments as necessary.
9. Start up equipment and check temperature of the supply and return air.
10. Check temperature of supply/return loop water (geothermal hvac systems only).
11. Check operation of loop circulating pump(s).
12. Check freeze protection limit (geothermal hvac systems only).
13. Check Auxiliary electric heater operation (geothermal hvac systems only).
14. Check Desuperheater pump operation (geothermal hvac systems only).
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