Why Should I Choose Perfection Home Systems To Replace My Heat & Air Systems? And Other Important Questions Answered!

HVAC answers

In the third and final installment of our FAQ, we answer more of your questions. Have a question that wasn’t answered? Please let us know here!

  • Best Time To Replace
    • When is the best time to replace the system?
      • The best time would be during the off season when it is still working. 
        • There are usually incentives from the manufacturer or contractor in the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall).  
        • The weather is nicer, so you won’t be worried about being without heating or air conditioning while the technicians are working.
        • Lead times are much longer when we get busy in the peak seasons.
          • It is important to note- we do not raise our prices in the peak seasons, but the wait can be much longer. 
      • Once the system gets to be 15-20 years old you should start to consider replacement. Especially in large tract home communities where builders may have not used the highest quality equipment with the longest track records. 
  • Installation Process
    • How long will the installation take?
      • This is determined at the site visit with our installation manager ahead of starting work.  He assesses the project, takes photos and measurements, and determines how many days we’ll need on site to do the work.  This also gives us a chance to get all the materials needed ordered and have a meeting with our installation team the morning of your project, so they know what is expected before leaving our shop.
    • Are there any specific requirements or preparations needed before installation?
      • Our installation manager will point out if any furniture needs to be moved for better access (sometimes we can move it for you, and he will let you know).
      • All rooms will need to be accessed for the state required duct air flow testing.
      • If you have an attic access in a closet, we recommend removing some of the clothing directly where the ladder will be set up, however we can also drape plastic to help protect your belongings.
        • We also use drop cloths and shoe covers to protect the rest of your home.
  • Installation Cost
    • What is the total cost of the HVAC system?
      • Each individual project is different and that is why we provide personalized quotes for every job.
      • Every proposal we write will include the equipment, installation, permits, state testing, miscellaneous materials, complimentary tune-ups, and taxes. 
      • There will never be any change-orders due to our oversight. Once we’ve bid a job and our installation manager has done his pre-installation survey, if there is something that we missed, that is on us.  However, if you decide you want to have us move something or add something as an extra, there could be an additional charge. 
    • Are there financing options?
      • We offer long term financing as well as no-interest if paid in full short-term financing. Terms change from time to time so reach out to us for the current offerings. 
      • Reach out to us for the application for either finance option or you can see if you’re prequalified HERE. 
    • Rebates and other incentives available?
      • Currently SMUD, Roseville Electric, TECH Clean CA, and the Federal Tax Credit are available on qualifying equipment.
      • During the shoulder seasons manufacturer rebates are available. 
      • Discounts for payment by check.
      • Hop on over to our Specials page for the latest HVAC incentives available. 
  • References and Reviews
    • Can you provide references from previous installations?
      • Of course! We have a handful of customers who have given their blessing to pass their information on to potential customers.
      • We are always happy to contact customers in your neighborhood or who have had similar work done as well. 
    • Where can I check out your online reviews?
    • Can I see photos of jobs completed?
      • We have a lot of photos posted here on our website as well as the popular search sites mentioned above. 
  • Permits & Testing
    • Will there be permits necessary for the installation?
      • We pull the local city/county permit and there is nothing that you need to do on your end. This is done before work starts. If the job is cancelled by you after the permit has been pulled, you will be responsible for reimbursement of any fees not credited back by the city/county to us. 
      • After the installation is complete and the state testing paperwork has come back to our office, our dispatcher will help you coordinate a day for your final inspection. 
      • You will need to provide access to the city/county inspector for your inspection.
      • The cities and counties typically only schedule for a full day 8am-5pm window. The day of your inspection we try to reach the inspector for a smaller window of time. It doesn’t always work out, so we recommend having someone that is available all day for the inspector. 
    • What is a HERS test and why do I need one?
      • The State of California requires that the ductwork be sealed and air flow tested. This is in addition to the refrigerant charge test (on split systems).
      • After the installation of the system at your home, we perform these required tests to make sure that the system is installed for maximum performance and efficiency. 
      • A third-party HERS (Home Energy Rating System) tester will then come out and verify our testing (at no additional cost to you). This typically happens in a bundle of up to seven jobs. Once the one chosen job has passed the third-party verification, that group is considered passed. Not every customer is required to have the third-party test. You can decline if you so choose.  Conversely if you would like to have the third party test your installation, please let our installers know so we can make the proper arrangements. 
      • Sometimes these tests can be delayed due to outdoor temperatures. Standard practice is that it needs to be over 70 degrees outside for the refrigerant test. This can delay getting your city/county permit finaled. Know it is normal, and we get them scheduled just as quickly as we can. Winter just seems to add a twist to the process!
  • Timeline
    • When can the installation be scheduled?
      • Once our installation manager has reviewed the project on site we’ll know how many days the job will take. 
      • We verify equipment availability locally and luckily haven’t run into as many supply chain issues as in the early post-COVID years. 
    • Is there flexibility in the timeline?
      • Occasionally if we have enough advanced notice we can schedule a job into a Saturday.
      • If you have a dire need and we can move you up sooner in our schedule, we will. We are very grateful for our customers who have a working system when they can move to accommodate an emergency situation. It doesn’t always work out, but we really do try.
  • Warranty and Maintenance
    • What is the warranty coverage for the new HVAC system?
      • Most systems include a 10-year parts warranty with a 2-year labor warranty. 
      • Our Platinum systems include a 10 year extended warranty on labor for added peace of mind. 
      • Optional extended labor warranties are available up to two years from the date of installation. Contact our office for pricing. 
      • Just out of warranty? American Standard has a very cool concessions program. As a Customer Care dealer, if your system is just out of warranty and a part failed that really shouldn’t have, we can get the part at no cost from American Standard as long as we don’t charge labor.  This is at our technicians’ discretion to decide.  Can you imagine if a car manufacturer did that? Because you know that things only go wrong once you’ve ticked passed 36k miles!
    • What maintenance is required?
      • Keeping the filter clean is your #1 responsibility for keeping your warranty valid. This is why we try to upgrade to lower-maintenance filter replacement options as often as we can. 
      • All manufacturer fine print notes that maintenance is required to keep a warranty valid. Typically on new systems we recommend at minimum once per year. 
      • We include a complimentary tune-up on each piece of equipment. Example: furnace – one tune-up, a/c – one tune-up, complete system replacement – two tune-ups.
  • Perfection Home Systems
    • Why should we choose your HVAC company over others?
      • We have been in business for over 40 years with little to no advertising. We rely on word of mouth which means we do the best job possible every time. We are installing systems that we initially installed 20-40 years ago!  Also installing systems for the children of customers as they grow up and move into their own homes.
      • Everyone works for us. We do not subcontract any of our work other than the crane service as needed. If there is a problem, you are making one phone call to our office and we’re taking care of it ASAP.
      • We have two employees that have been with the company for over 35 years. Two have been with us over 20 years. Two technicians over 10 years, and our office staff all over five years. This hopefully reflects how we are as an employer that our staff want to stick around through the good times and the slower times.
      • A real life human will answer the phone during business hours, sometimes even the boss! While voicemail trees are nice when we are out of the office, we pride ourselves on knowing when you call, we will pick up the phone to help.
      • Quick quotes by email.  If you have a need to replace your system, but aren’t quite ready to commit to the time required to have us come out on site to go over your options, we have a simple questionnaire that can dial in a pretty accurate quote right over email.
      • No sales people! Jennifer, the owner, or our installation manager are the only ones coming out to your home to work up a proposal of work. We don’t have sales people inflating prices for a bigger commission or making promises that aren’t communicated to the team just for a sale.
      • Flat rate pricing. Whether it is for a repair or installation, the price you are quoted is the price you are paying. If we miss something or the job is taking longer than anticipated; this is a PHS problem, not a you problem.
      • High end equipment and materials. We don’t short cut on supplies to save money. We want to make sure the system and materials hold up over time.
      • Protecting your home. Any time we are in your home we’re using shoe covers, drop cloths, and plastic wrap to protect your home and belongings. If something happens and there is damage caused accident, we will immediately be rectifying the problem to your satisfaction.
      • Pulling permits on every installation. It is required by every city and county and we don’t try and cut corners. Would it save you and us some money? Sure. But we don’t want to be fined and you don’t want any headaches down the road should you sell your house with unpermitted work performed.
      • We go the extra mile. Have a burned out light bulb in your spare bathroom? We’ll replace it! Need a troublesome hedge removed? We can cut it out for you! Fence gate out of alignment? Let us fix it while we are there. Little things that we can help you with while we are there, at no extra charge. Just ask!
      • Highly rated and reviewed. Check out what others have experienced and you’ll see that we stand behind our work.
      • Hattie the CFO! We have a shop cat to keep us in line and provide morale during the day, making this a fun place to work.

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