What we do at Labrador Mechanical, LLC

When we are called to recommend solutions for a new system, we first will take the time to determine your expectations.   Will it be a new heating system?  Or is Air Conditioning to be the topic?  Perhaps a combination system will be the best choice.    To be sure in our recommendations,  we will measure and document the construction of your home in order to have a precise calculation done.  This is to determine what kind of equipment should be installed and the correct size  to maximize comfort and economy.   

These calculations are known in the industry as "Manual J" and "Manual S".   There are others, but these two are often called for by property owners, architects and engineers, building inspectors and municipal code officials.    A Manual J calculation determines the exact heating and cooling load for the space to be conditioned while Manual S matches the correct equipment to the loads determined in Manual J.     

Having  precise calculations of the heating and cooling loads is also crucial when planning a system upgrade or replacement.    All too often, the existing system capacity is not the best choice.   In fact, incorrect sizing alone may be responsible for the need to replace a failed system.    Just because a system fails to heat or cool effectively is not always a sign that a bigger unit is needed.   A system that is too large will often be an under performer for a variety of reasons.   improperly matched equipment will not perform as expected either.    It is true that some of these combinations will sometimes work well, but only in certain conditions.  additionally, any system that is not sized to the load it is to service, will be expensive to operate.    

There are many things that will contribute to an under performing system and capacity is only one detail.  

We will cover all of those details and only install equipment that is properly selected for the conditions to be served.   The equipment will heat or cool  when it should, the way it should.    The system will be economical to run when operated as it is designed.   You will get the most from your heating and cooling dollar with a properly sized and maintained system. 

 At Labrador Mechanical, LLC, we will only recommend those maintenance and repair items that will bring your system back to top operating condition and keep it there.    We do the work right the first time and we ask a fair price for that work when it is needed.    Improper maintenance or service often will lead to underperforming HVAC systems.   Poor maintenance, improper sizing, and mismatched components will always cost more to operate and maintain.    

The one maintenance item the homeowner or property manager can do is regularly change the filters.   Dirty and blocked filters not only cause under performance but eventually lead to other operational issues such as condensate water overflow, coil icing, and compressor failures.   We will gladly show you where and how when we visit.   

When repairs are needed, we will provide you with an accurate diagnosis of the problem followed by a recommended corrective action.    Where appropriate, an alternative course of action will also be outlined.    These will include costs, parts availability, and an estimated time to complete the repairs.    

If repairing a system would be ineffective, cost prohibitive or otherwise not the best course of action, we will first explain and demonstrate when possible, why we have come to this conclusion.  We then offer an alternative course of action that is both cost and functionally effective.    

One thing we will not do is condemn a piece of equipment simply to make a sale of a new system.   We prefer to make our living the old fashioned way, honestly.