Frequently Asked Questions

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The name OCD HVAC might make you think of a certain level of meticulousness, and you'd be right!  I chose this name because it reflects my core values: a relentless pursuit of getting every job done right, the first time. This translates into several benefits for you, the homeowner or business owner:

• Attention to Detail: I don't overlook anything. From a thorough initial inspection to meticulous installation or repair work, I ensure every aspect of the job is completed to the highest standards.
• Problem-Solving Expertise: HVAC systems can be complex, and issues can sometimes be tricky to diagnose. My dedication to solving problems means I'll take the time to understand the root cause of any issue in your system and develop an effective solution.
• Commitment to Home Performance: My focus goes beyond simply fixing a problem; it's about optimizing your entire home's comfort and efficiency. This means considering factors like air quality, airflow, and insulation to create a healthy and comfortable living environment while minimizing energy waste.

In short, OCD HVAC isn't just about fixing your HVAC system.  It's about creating a home environment that's comfortable, healthy, and efficient for you and your family.

Your home is your sanctuary, and I understand that nothing should compromise its comfort, safety, and efficiency.  That's why I take licensing, insurance, and ongoing education incredibly seriously.  Here's what my credentials mean for you:

• Fully Licensed and Insured: Comprehensive insurance protection gives you peace of mind knowing you and your home are protected in the unlikely event of an accident.
• Class A Virginia Contractor's License with an HVAC Designation: This isn't just a license – it's proof I've passed rigorous state-level exams and met the highest standards of experience. This translates to expert knowledge of local codes, building practices, and HVAC systems.
• Commitment to Excellence: By continually upgrading my credentials and knowledge, I stay ahead of the curve. This ensures I'm using the best techniques, aware of the latest technologies, and equipped to handle even complex HVAC projects with confidence.

Choosing OCD HVAC means more than just hiring a contractor. You're partnering with a professional committed to protecting your home and delivering exceptional service – today, and for years to come.

Absolutely!  Getting multiple quotes for HVAC work is highly recommended for several reasons:

• Price Comparisons:  Quotes allow you to compare the cost between different contractors for similar services. This can help you find the best value for your project.
• Understanding Scope:  Detailed quotes outline the specific work proposed, including materials, and labor. This helps you understand what each contractor is offering and ensures you're comparing apples to apples.
• Contractor Insights: Talking to multiple contractors can give you different perspectives and solutions to address your HVAC needs. You might learn about alternative options or potential issues you hadn't considered.
• Comfort Level:  Meeting different contractors helps you find someone you're comfortable with and who instills confidence.  This is important since you'll likely be working closely with them on your home's comfort and efficiency.

Important Note:  While price is a factor, don't make your decision based on the lowest bid alone. Consider a contractor's experience, reputation, licensing, and insurance.  A good contractor will gladly answer your questions and explain their recommendations and pricing.

My pricing is based on more than just the time I spend on-site. For every billable hour, there are an additional three to five hours of unbillable work that go into delivering high-quality results. This includes travel, system design, proposals, emails, back-end administrative tasks, continuing education, research, data logging, and testing.

Because of this, and assuming a standard workweek with time off, I’m only able to bill about 500 hours per year. My hourly rate is set carefully to cover both business overhead and a sustainable salary while ensuring I can continue offering reliable service.

Repair and project pricing is straightforward: material cost plus estimated labor. While this may seem higher than “one-man shop” expectations, it reflects the true cost of doing business responsibly and staying in business long term.

Diagnostic/troubleshooting work is billed at a discounted rate. I keep this rate lower because troubleshooting often leads to follow-up projects and, frankly, it’s the part of my work I enjoy most.

It depends on your priorities.  If you prioritize financial savings, you might be best foregoing routine maintenance altogether.  For optimal performance and reliability, I recommend having your HVAC systems professionally evaluated at least once per year.  Schedule maintenance in the spring for your cooling system (AC or heat pump) and in the fall for your heating system (furnace, boiler, heat pump). This ensures they're ready to handle seasonal demands.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance:

• Improved efficiency and lower energy bills
• Fewer unexpected breakdowns
• Longer system lifespan
• Enhanced indoor air quality
• Warranty compliance (often requires proof of maintenance)

Let me know if you'd like more information on the benefits of maintenance or have questions about the best maintenance schedule for your specific home!

I don’t offer a traditional maintenance program with monthly billing. Instead, I provide a comprehensive system evaluation that measures your system’s delivered capacity and efficiency against the manufacturer’s rated performance. This process identifies opportunities for preventive repairs and improvements with the goal of eliminating unexpected breakdowns.

After the initial evaluation and any corrective work, I recommend annual checkups to spot potential issues before they become problems. These visits are quicker, more affordable, and billed at the time of service—avoiding unnecessary subscriptions and keeping things simple.

I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide variety of HVAC systems throughout my career—from powerful commercial units keeping large spaces comfortable to the finely tuned systems that serve individual homes. This range of experience has given me a strong foundation and the adaptability to solve unique challenges for my clients.

While I specialize in heat pumps, my passion for lifelong learning keeps me expanding my skills and knowledge base. I also install and service ERVs, HRVs, whole-home dehumidifiers, geothermal systems, furnaces, and more.

Lately, I’ve been especially excited about air-to-water heat pumps, which allow homeowners to keep the comfort of hydronic heating while moving away from fossil fuels.

At heart, I’m a bit of an HVAC geek. Whether I’ve worked on a system hundreds of times or it’s something entirely new, I bring the same curiosity and commitment to making sure it operates at its very best.

ERV stands for Energy Recovery Ventilator. Here's a breakdown of what it is and how it works:

Purpose:

• Improved Indoor Air Quality:  An ERV brings fresh outdoor air into your home while expelling stale, polluted indoor air, promoting a healthier living environment.
• Energy Efficiency: Unlike simple ventilation fans that waste energy, an ERV recovers heat (or coolness) from the outgoing air and transfers it to the incoming air. This reduces strain on your HVAC system and lowers energy bills.
• Humidity Control:  In humid climates, an ERV can help reduce excess moisture indoors, preventing mold and mildew growth.
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How it Works:

1. Two Airstreams: An ERV has two separate airstreams – one bringing fresh air in, the other exhausting stale air out. These airstreams never mix.
2. Core Exchange System:  At the heart of the ERV is a heat exchange core. As the outgoing airstream passes through the core, it transfers its heat (or coolness) to the fresh incoming airstream.
3. Pre-conditioned Fresh Air: This pre-tempered fresh air reduces the workload on your heating or cooling system, as it's already closer to your desired indoor temperature.

Benefits Summary:

• Healthier indoor air
• Reduced energy costs
• Improved comfort (especially in humid climates)
• Less strain on your HVAC system

Struggling with stale air or high energy bills? Let's discuss if an ERV can offer the solution you need. Contact me for a personalized assessment.

Hot and cold spots can make your home feel anything but comfortable, and there's no single quick answer. Potential causes could include hidden issues like leaky or damaged air ducts, an initial design flaw in the ductwork itself,  or even an improperly sized HVAC system struggling to keep up with your home's needs.  With so many possibilities, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

That's where I come in. I'm committed to understanding the unique factors contributing to the uneven temperatures in your home.  By conducting a thorough inspection and pinpointing the root cause, I can develop a custom solution tailored to your needs.  This might involve ductwork repairs or modifications, system adjustments, or even identifying areas where improved insulation could boost  performance. Rest assured – we'll work together to restore consistent comfort and put those frustrating hot and cold zones behind you!

It can be super frustrating when a brand new HVAC system isn't performing as expected.  One common culprit is oversizing.  While it might seem like a bigger system equals more power, a system that's too large for your home can actually lead to:

• Short Cycling: The system turns on and off rapidly, never reaching optimal operating temperature, leading to uneven cooling/heating and reduced efficiency.
• Comfort Issues: An oversized system might struggle to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, resulting in hot and cold spots.
• Higher energy bills: A system constantly starting and stopping uses more energy, driving up your utility costs.

The Right Size Matters:

At OCD HVAC, we prioritize thorough home evaluations before recommending a system. This ensures your HVAC system is perfectly sized to meet your needs, delivering optimal comfort and efficiency  for years to come.

Let's Get You Comfortable:

If you're concerned about your new system's performance, contact OCD HVAC today! We can diagnose the issue and discuss solutions to ensure your home feels comfortable and your wallet stays happy.

I know firsthand how frustrating it is to be left hanging by contractors who disappear after starting a project. That's why I've made open and reliable communication a cornerstone of my business.  While I value focused, distraction-free work time to give your project the attention it deserves, I'm committed to being available for my clients between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM.  I often check messages and respond even outside those hours whenever possible.

My goal is to respond quickly to your calls and texts, keeping you updated on progress and addressing any concerns you might have along the way.  Of course, there may be rare emergency situations where I'm unable to respond immediately, but I promise to get back to you as soon as possible. Let's build a partnership based on trust and transparent communication!