Archive for June, 2012

Debby Damage: Things to Know

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Debby’s floodwaters damaged many homes. Among the casualties are many, many outdoor air conditioning units. For some of these homeowners, there’s a more serious issue that they haven’t considered yet.

Back in March, our codes changes. These are the codes that govern the replacement of units in existing homes. From the 15th of March forward, the counties have decreed that permits cannot be pulled unless the units match and provide a SEER of 13 or higher.

For many homeowners in the wake of Debby, this will mean that the entire system will have to be replaced. How can you tell if you need to replace the whole system? You will have to do some homework. Take the time to educate yourself so no one will lead you astray. Go to the arhi.org website. Click the consumer link. Type in the model of the inside unit of your aair conditioning system. Look for 13 SEER matches. If you can’t find the match, the odds are pretty good that you will have to purchase a new system to be code compliant. Make certain your insurance agent allows for that! If you need help, email or call Eric or Cathy at 800-535-4505; both of them are on the site daily and would be happy to look up this information for you anytime. Or email in your model number to kris@bayonet-inc.com and I will look it up and let you know!

Another change is that your AC contractor must run a heat load calculation to affirm that your unit is the right size for your home. If you’ve added on to the home, upgraded windows, added insulation, or made other changes, don’t be surprised if the size of your AC changes too. You will be glad in the long run, as it will lead to greater comfort.

Our estimates are always no cost or obligation. Make sure you don’t pay too much. After a tragedy like Debby, we’re here to help our neighbors. Don’t sweat, Call Bayonet!

 

 

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Devistating Debby

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

Debby has devastated our home county of Pasco. Bay News 9 reported that the Anclote and Pithlachascotee rivers met. This surpasses the 100-year flood plan. Many people have lost so much, and many will be facing insurance battles when they rebuild. The blogs this week will feature some things to keep in mind when you’re considering contractors. Remember that tragedies like Debby can bring out the “Storm Chasers,” the here-today, gone-tomorrow contractors you will wish you’d never met.

If you need help with your ac or plumbing, we’re here to serve as always. If you need a service we don’t offer, try going to Asktheseal.com for a reputable contractor that you will bee sure is licensed, bonded and insured. Using a Seal verified contractor also protect you because they verify that felons and sex offenders aren’t on the payroll or in your home.

Please be safe and we hope everyone can return home soon.

 

 

Watch for AC replacement tips Friday!

 

 

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Maintenance is more important than you might think…

Tuesday, June 19th, 2012

It’s a harsh reality, but one that has hit home recently. Take care that it doesn’t hit your home. Manufacturers are tightening up on regulations when it comes to warranties!

When you purchase a car, you know that you must change your oil every 3,000 miles. If you don’t and your engine is damaged, your warranty is void. It’s your responsibility, and it’s in the manual. Guess what: air conditioning manufacturers are invoking the same policy on your air conditioning system and heat pump.

They’ve said for years that they could request maintenance records for warranty claims. Over the last 15 years, we’ve never had them requested. Until last month. It began: our claims for parts that to us should have been a no-questions-asked warranty claim were marked “pending additional documentation.” The manufacturers requested that we provide the maintenance records for the systems with claims dating back to the installation date. For one customer, this wasn’t a problem, as they’d been an MVP member since we installed her system. For the other, the story doesn’t end so well. Bayonet didn’t install the system, it wasn’t registered properly, she had no maintenance records, and, in the end, the manufacturer denied the part failure claim, leaving her with a bill.

Maintenance is not only the key to longevity and minimizing system failures, it will also protect you from being caught in this uncomfortable situation. Bayonet’s MVP program is designed to make it easy for you to keep your warranty intact and your system in great shape. As an MVP member, you will enjoy two AC maintenance visits per year, one plumbing maintenance visit, and many other benefits. You’ll enjoy no overtime rates, no matter when you need service (even holidays). Plus, there’s the small detail of the 5-year warranty on any repair we make while you’re an MVP member. So, protect yourself, your system and your warranty: become an MVP today.

To clarify: all manufacturers are cracking down on all systems, whether you have an extended warranty or a manufacturer’s part warranty, we’ve had maintenance record requests and some manufacturers are making it commonplace that the records must be submitted with any part claim.

Regular maintenance not only protects your warranty, it also keeps your system running at its best. This can help keep your power bill low in these hot months! Dirt accumulates on the coils and reduces the efficiency of the system. Bayonet’s techs clean both the indoor and outdoor coils as part of the maintenance, restoring the efficiency and keeping the system from working too hard.

Use this blog to help you save money: show it to your tech and he will take $10 off the cost of an MVP contract. (But, please, don’t combine with other coupons!) Don’t Sweat: Call Bayonet!

 

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