All Forum Posts by: Nicholas M.

Started in the field of HVAC in 2006 working with my uncle as a 16 year old. It’s been my career ever since. I’ve installed Central Air, Boilers, Humidifiers, Air Cleaners, Ductwork, Mini Split System’s. Currently working in Commercial HVAC. I perform air balancing and starts-up on new equipment. I have worked in kitchen ventilation. I think you get the point.

I’m starting this threat to answer questions for people less knowledgeable. “Adding Value” What questions do you have BP?

@Casey Culver

All I have to say at this point is no HVAC contractor can judge how many pounds low your system is with out physically adding it with a scale. You will get ripped off with this trick. Most systems only have a couple of Pounds in them. If your low of Ref. You have a leak? the leak should be found and repaired. It’s negligible to just add it when it’s low. A professional could get fined 1000’s for that type of work if caught. Because it’s polluting the environment. 15 years is a good life for a newer hvac system unfortunately. Old ones aren’t like the new, they would be around for 40 years. After 20 swap it out it’s so inefficient at that point. To ANYONE reading this feel free to message me with HVAC questions.

@Satha Palani

I agree with the other comment. You should do central air if you are down to the studs, BUT, you should get 2 systems. 1 for the 3rd floor and one for 1st & 2nd. Using 1 central air system to heat 3 floors will not be comfortable. Not that it can’t be sized correctly but if you don’t get someone with the right experience, you will be unhappy when it doesn’t work properly. With heat rising one floor will be hotter or colder than the next. I’ve been doing HVAC since 2006. Located in Totowa NJ so I know this climate. You could do ductless systems like you said in your post but the equipment cost is higher and I’m my opinion more temperamental. The down side is they are an eye sore, and less appealing when it comes time to resale. The best advice I can give you is hire the right hvac company. The right company will tell you what’s best for your home based their experience. You could do central on 1 and 2 and a ductless just for the 3rd. 3rd floor will be the hottest in summer and winter that’s why I suggest it’s own unit either way. You can message me directly If you have other questions.

@Margaret Mahon

Yes I agree

@Cameron Dye

Try to find likeminded people like your self at school. My brother found a friend. Everyday he would be the last out of the library along with one other person. They started talking as they noticed each other. Since he graduated, his new friend came to him for an investment in a vacant lot. His new friend also got another investor, his college professor who happened to be a land appraiser as well. The 3 formed an LLC and when in on this investment. Connections. Meet new people, recognize who the right people are. Most important of all remember why your in school, stay focused.

@Nolan Brodskiy I believe NJ is one of the most if not the most populated states per square mile. NYC is so close to north jersey. The truth-state area has a constant flow of people. Visitors, Employment opportunities, overall a really competitive place. The house in question for this post was purchased about a year and a half ago. And it’s appreciated about 100k. There is tons of development going on all over in and around the area. It’s forcing appreciation, companies opening and expanding business. There is a ferry terminal possibly being put in close to the property.

@Shawn M. I do install and repair as well. I do water heater changes too. I’ve got a full time job so my weekends are when I can do my other work. Thanks for the advice from everyone. I believe it could appraise for full asking price or close to it. Hard to say because we’re talking about over 100K increase in value in less than 2 years. Realtor says we’ll send out a highest and best letter.

FHA vs Cash Buyer 2 Family home for sale close to NYC. There are multiple offers on the house. 2 stand out. One buyer is coming with just shy of 40% down and the 2nd offer is bidding 30k more on the home with 5% down. What advice would you have in this situation. I believe cash is the better choice?

@Joel Owens I believe there’s value in spending a couple extra buck for higher quality. I’m new to the site here btw. Still trying to figure out the blog. I’ve never been on one before. cheers

@Brian Mathews You must know everything there is to know about hvac. I’ll keep you in mind for the future.