All Forum Posts by: Jeffrey VanGilder

As a licensed hvac contractor from ct. I would recommend first and foremost finding a good service company in the area. Having them perform annual maintenance.... annually. It shouldn't take long with a gas appliance but needs to be done yearly. Ask for to see the results of their work performed. Second, have them look into what is called "outdoor reset". This additional control, added to a system without one, will still give you that possible 30% savings but without upgrading the entire boiler. Third, get a heat load survey done on your building. This is the only way to know if your boiler is sized right, then you will know for sure instead of guessing. Finally, a huge percentage of electrical use is from motors. The circulator pumps and and zone valves should be looked into replacement. I know in ct we had rebates available for upgrades but it varies state to state. Look into it in your area because we actually have a rebate available for installing the previously stated "outdoor reset control" Hope I helped a little. Any questions just give me a holler.

Luke the requirements vary from state to state. In ct, I had to go to trade school then work as an apprentice for four years before taking my exam and getting my journeymans license. After you have you journeymans for at least two years you can then sit and take the contractor test. 

As an licensed hvac contractor from ct, I can say there really isn't much you can do to prevent a unit from dying at the worst possibly time. Proper maintenance is key but still things can break two days after a tech has checked the unit. As the homeowner if your a diy'r just look up hvac service on you tube and you can fix at least half the issues yourself. Having window units is a great back up plan but I would put something in the lease about you scheduling the earliest service during regular business hours to save yourself from paying after hour rates. Now that you have stated these homes were somewhat recently built. Let's get into the importance of the proper installation of a system. Always ask your contractor for a heat load calculation, this tells you the size of the system needed to properly cool your home and each area inside. Then ask for their duct design layout to ensure they aren't winging it and they properly size the ductwork system to carry the needed to condition the space. These two steps are the only way to weed out the weekend warriors who only offer a tail light warranty and the true pros. Final tip always register your products with the manufacturer, in most cases the length of your warranty doubles.

Welcome. As a fellow resident in ct starting out I chose to get my real estate salesperson license. Step one almost done, next step I will be taking is to start networking with others in the area through meet ups and other avenues. Talk to others and get the idea of the numbers that work in your area. Always try to bring value to others and you will find a mentor. If not keep active on the forums and ask plenty of questions. Most importantly, don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Make a plan and execute, adjust your plan as needed, nothing is set in stone.

Air conditioning isn't an emergency repair in Connecticut but if we have a customer that is elderly, pregnant or with young children we make it an emergency. Besides that it can wait. In you situation though I would call and make an appointment for first available service during normal business hours. Also, think about buying portable units that can be moved from room to room or residence to residence to cover yourself.

Your relationship with your clients as a real estate agent is as a fiduciary already. With your back ground you could leverage that to your advantage. Or, you could open to separate businesses. While you can't make your real estate clients use your financial services, you can recommend yourself along with other financial advisors. Look into the ABA.

You get what you pay for.

John Supranovich, electrician. Based out of Burlington but covers the state. Great guy and very diverse base of knowledge in his field. 

affordable restorations roofing based out of enfield,ct. 

American eagle federal credit union.