Cripe Heating and Air

As we head into the busy season, it’s important to remember that our industry’s responsibility goes far beyond simply installing equipment. Our commitment should always be to deliver complete, high-quality solutions that perform as intended.

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to report a staggering statistic: approximately 65% of HVAC systems tested are installed incorrectly. Why is this such a serious issue?

One major factor is the lack of ongoing education across the industry. Too often, new technicians are not receiving the level of training they truly need. As a result, companies are left to invest significant time and resources into additional training even after formal schooling is completed. Unfortunately, there is still a mindset among some professionals that says, “We’ve always done it this way, so why change?” That approach is holding our industry back.

Even with one of our newer technicians, who came in with prior experience, nearly 50% of the inspections he has performed have uncovered installation issues. He was also surprised by the number of service calls involving systems that were improperly charged from the start.

Another major challenge is pricing. Too many contractors price their work out of fear rather than based on the value they provide. The DOE has acknowledged that choosing the lowest bid often costs homeowners more in the long run through increased energy consumption, reduced equipment lifespan, and decreased comfort.

Whether you choose our company or another contractor, always ask for a load calculation. In my last two estimates, the existing system recommendations were oversized for the home. Proper system sizing matters. Also, ask for an installation commissioning report so you can be confident the system was installed, tested, and verified to perform at its best.

The right equipment is important, but proper design, installation, and commissioning are what truly determine long-term performance.