Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_113807006

Are these annual A/C tune up findings legitimate and necessary?

last month
last modified: last month

We just had our first annual A/C tune up under a HVAC maintenance agreement we purchased. Our house is just seven (7) years old yet we received estimates of $760 for repairs, $1,595 for an air scrubber, and $517.50 for surge protectors related to the following findings:


FINDINGS: Homeowner declines entry to indoor portion of home:

-no ss2 safety switch, in the event the main drain clogs, water will drain out the secondary which is exposed to the stand on which the equipment sits on. Highly recommend adding safety switch to the hvac system.

Invoice #25278 Page 1 of 43ZONE system, homeowner starts 1st thermostat at the Left side home, small bedrooms and we record 1.27” w.c on supply

side alone.

-HIGH STATIC PRESSURE.

Recording .1.49” w.c across both sides today with 1 zone open and .71l w.c across both sides. Fau blower motor can operate at a maximum of .50” w.c (resistance of airflow). Beyond this measurement we lose actual volume of airflow the unit was designed for and is trying to deliver. Will run under a stressed state, delivering less airflow. High inefficiency sign.

Zone system should be removed running the entire home from 1 thermostat, this will successfully open up all the ductwork, bringing efficiency and comfort. However, home is lacking airflow even with all 3 zones open, ductwork should be inspected for repairs or adding home run comfort ducts to the cold spots in the home. Technician also recommends not using high restrictive filters and switch to Merv 8 or lower. To combat smoke seasons, pollens, dust, allergens, and even many viruses both airborne and surface levels, we recommend installing an air scrubber in the ductwork.

Designed for NASA, available for residential:

-Maintain good indoor air quality by preventing the circulation of dust, allergens, mold, bacteria, and other contaminants.

This is particularly important for individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Products can be added to

a system to assist with these issues such UV light, Air Purifiers, and better filtration.

Energy Efficiency: When air ducts are clogged with debris, the HVAC system must work harder to distribute air throughout

your home. This reduced efficiency leads to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills.

*Health and Safety: Dirty air ducts can harbor mold and bacteria, which can negatively impact your health. In extreme cases,

contaminated ducts can contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, causing symptoms like headaches, coughing, and fatigue.

*Preventing Contaminant Spread: When air ducts are dirty, the HVAC system can spread contaminants throughout your

home, which can exacerbate health issues and degrade indoor air quality.

Fire Safety: In rare cases, dust and debris built up in air ducts can pose a fire hazard. Regular cleaning can reduce this risk.


HVAC System Longevity: A clean HVAC system is less likely to suffer from wear and tear, so regular duct cleaning can extend the life of your equipment and prevent costly repairs or replacements. This will greatly reduce air pollution, contaminants, pet dander, odors, and dust. Also things like mold, staph, Covid and MRSA as discussed above.

---Having surge protectors for computers, TVs, and other appliances at home and in the office is crucial. Power surges can lead to data loss, rendering your devices useless. Power surges can originate from external factors like thunderstorms,

lightning strikes, blown transformers, and damaged power lines. They can also arise internally from faulty breakers or appliances in your home.


An HVAC surge protector works by diverting any excess electricity away from your HVAC system and acts as a pass-through for excess electricity from the power source to your HVAC system. When a power surge occurs, the protector works to prevent your unit from getting too much electricity and will absorb the surge or spike instead of it reaching the HVAC equipment. Homeowner declines repairs at this time.


Ductwork Liability Disclaimer: Please note that the existing ductwork is undersized for modern HVAC equipment due to zone system. While it is possible to proceed with using the current duct system, performance and efficiency may be impacted. Nevada heating is not liable for any breakdowns that may occur. A response fee may be charged if static pressure is a result of the breakdown, as a repair route was given and declined.

Comments (11)

  • last month

    There's no way of saying whether finds are lagit and repairs are necessary. I get a sense of double talk shaded towards scare tactic. I will also say benefits of duct cleaning is far overstated.

    HU-113807006 thanked klem1
  • PRO
    last month

    Sounds like PE money has entered the home, if you ask me.


    Typically they provide gimmick type advertising where they guarantee the tune up will provide you with zero chance of a break down for the season, the gotchya is that you are required to fix whatever they deem is wrong with the system.


    That said, problems with air flow / sizing of duct work / zone system issues and or filtration methods are known problem spots for high static pressure. High static pressure in time doesn't do anything good for your HVAC system.


    Builder installed zone systems are notorious for having issues, sometimes less than 3 years of use. So probably get a second opinion on high static, in the mean time replace your filters use a filter that is less restrictive (the filter will cost less and the merv rating shouldn't be that high)


    Another keen way is that putting the filter in place with the blower motor on, the filter should not be sucked in hard, just enough pressure to hold it in place. If it's sucked in hard that is likely the biggest culprit. Worst offenders may require a complete duct work / assessment / rip out and do over etc. -- it may not require a complete rip out, but some companies may only do it to make the job more profitable, some further may require you to replace the system... a more of a sign PE money has entered the fray.

    HU-113807006 thanked Austin Air Companie
  • last month

    Some of that sounds like scare tactics to me. I’d find me a new HVAC company to work with. Get a second opinion.


    I feel like I can’t trust anyone now a days. I know it’s sad. Had a plumber out from Roto Rooter to fix a tankless water heater. What is the first thing he does before doing any diagnosis? Hands my husband an estimate for a new tankless water heater(Navien) install. $3500. How could we even trust what his diagnosis would be at that point? Funniest part about it is his company must have forgotten to tell him that he was actually being sent out and paid by Rinnai(brand of current tankless).

    HU-113807006 thanked Clyde Kalvin
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Looks legitimate. Your HVA/C may have always operated in that condition. The shop has evaluated your system and have made reccomdations. It is their business model, inspections and upgrades in the off season, repairs during the summer/winter.

    HU-113807006 thanked A Mat
  • last month

    Ours is 18 years old. Have never had it serviced. My husband cleans it and changes the capacitor when needed. 25 bucks.

    HU-113807006 thanked spindle22
  • PRO
    last month

    I'd seek out a more expert opinion regarding the suitability of the existing ductwork, air handler, and associated controls. High static pressure could be the product of improperly sized ductwork, but it could also be rooted in a control issue--e.g., a damper in the wrong position, a fan speed issue or lack of a bypass if the fan is a fixed-speed fan. The system needs an on-site evaluation by someone who's not selling snake oil.

    HU-113807006 thanked Charles Ross Homes
  • last month

    The report appears to be thorough and valid. Unfortunately, the HVAC profession now is just one up from used car salesmen and trust in them has deservedly been completely eroded over the last 3-4 decades. Similarly, a second opinion may just bring you more of the same.

    What's a homeowner to do? If your system is working, leave it alone. When something breaks, it'll cost less than the sum of the "service" recommendations by this company.

    HU-113807006 thanked sktn77a
  • PRO
    last month

    The "snake oil" sales approach calls into question the thoroughness and validity of the report. I submit the OP will be well served to ignore all of it.

    The "do nothing" alternative is always an option. I concur that doing nothing in this case is likely to be the least cost alternative.

    HU-113807006 thanked Charles Ross Homes
  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Thanks for providing such detailed information, which has helped us realize we actually do have an air pressure issue as 1) strong suction when we changed the air filter, and 2) open bedroom doors sucked closed when the heater kicks on. We will seek a second opinion.

  • 29 days ago

    If you’re not circling the earth in the space station, I doubt you need scrubbers.