We chose Koch & White for a major HVAC project in our home, and after eight months of research and comparing several bids, we could not be happier with our decision.
Our original HVAC equipment was still functioning but was original to the home, and we had a 10+ degree temperature difference between the first and second floors. Our goal was not simply to replace the equipment, but to redesign the airflow and zoning so that the entire home would be comfortable and evenly conditioned.
Koch & White was one of the more expensive bids we received, but they were the only company that truly seemed to understand our goal. I initially asked them to quote splitting the house into two HVAC systems. They actually declined, explaining that for our home, a variable-capacity air conditioner with a modulating furnace, variable-speed blower, and redesigned zoning and ductwork would be a better solution. After several more months of research and discussions with other contractors, I ultimately came to the same conclusion.
We proceeded with a Carrier Infinity system with a 120,000 BTU modulating furnace and 5-ton variable-capacity A/C, along with new zoning controls, dampers, thermostats, and ductwork modifications. We also had Amistee perform duct cleaning and Aeroseal.
The installation exceeded our expectations. Matt was excellent throughout the planning process and patiently answered all my questions. Clint and Jessie were our installers and did a phenomenal job. Their work was meticulous, with excellent cable management, labeling, and attention to detail. They clearly cared about both the function and appearance of the installation. They commissioned the system thoroughly, traced and labeled our ductwork, respected our home, and left everything exceptionally clean.
Clint even noticed a loose exhaust vent on our existing water heater--a safety issue unrelated to their work--and repaired it at no charge.
Most importantly, the system completely achieved our goal. The temperature difference between floors went from 10+ degrees to approximately 1-2 degrees throughout all rooms on the first and second floors. Airflow is much more balanced, the system is extremely quiet, and our electricity usage dropped substantially. The duct sealing also produced a dramatic improvement in measured leakage and airflow for distant registers (40% leakage to about 2.5%).
A few weeks after installation, the communicating thermostat began displaying an error even though the system was operating normally. Koch & White came back repeatedly and collectively spent 30+ hours troubleshooting under warranty. Tommy was the primary technician and was incredibly meticulous. Rather than simply clear the error, he investigated the underlying issue, modified some ductwork, adjusted countless parameters, and even added an additional modulating damper at no cost when he determined the original damper location was not ideal and was allowing some air leakage. They resolved essentially all of the errors, with only one dealer-level diagnostic code remaining that does not affect operation or performance.
I am admittedly very detail-oriented, so I would have preferred every diagnostic code to disappear completely. However, the fact that Koch & White continued working on an issue that did not actually affect the system's function or performance, speaks volumes about their commitment to doing things correctly. We also have a 10-year parts-and-labor warranty, which provides additional peace of mind.
Every person we interacted with at Koch & White was professional, knowledgeable, respectful, and willing to do the job correctly without shortcuts. They were not the cheapest option, but after the amount of time and research we put into this project, we believe the additional cost was money very well spent.
We hired Koch & White to solve a difficult comfort and airflow problem, not simply replace old equipment. They accomplished exactly what we wanted, and we would absolutely choose them again. read more