After 20 years of no A/C and heating with wood, I decided to add a heat pump as part of a remodel. Since the house had no duct work, I needed a complete system. Not being afraid of a DIY project, I began my journey doing what most do nowadays, I hit the internet.
I read many articles, visited many forums, and youtube videos were the order of many days. After convincing myself this was a project I could handle, I began the quest to locate all the parts needed. I did load calculations (I still have no idea if they were correct) and schooled myself on supply and return duct work.
One day, after some frustration on compiling a parts list, I came across the Vinje and Son website. I was happy I was located relatively close to a DIY place for HVAC. I was actually dreading the thought of wandering the aisles of a big box store. Armed with a scale drawing of my floor plan I made from taped together printer paper, I took and afternoon off work and made the 40 mile trek to the store.
Craig greeted me at the counter and after a few questions he showed me what he felt was the system I needed. Craig explained some system differences and cleared up some misconceptions I had (remember if it's on the internet, it must be true). At the end of the conversation I asked about price, stating I just wanted a ballpark for budget reasons (read explain to the wife). He gave be the "estimated" estimate and kept my scale drawing. Craig told me, knowing I lived a ways away, that we could try and complete everything via email (even payment).
A few days later I received an email with a sales order number for tracking and a plan showing the duct work design Craig came up with. Liking what I saw, I committed. A day or so later an itemized list of supplies, with 63 line items, arrived. It had everything from the customized plenums all the way down to two bag of sheet metal screws.
Fast forward past only a couple of minor emails and I was ready to pick up the equipment. Two pickups and a 80 mile round trip and the project was a go. To this point I only had to make one trip, the initial one, to the store.
As I worked my way installing the pieces, I had to call a couple of times to make sure what I was doing was correct. I spoke to both Nate and Craig and both were helpful. Never once making me feel as if I was bugging them.
Pro tip (well, not a pro, but it sounds good): If installing ducts in the attic, cloudy days, or better yet winter is best.
I finally made it to the end of the install and called Nick, the contractor Vinje and Son work with. Nick came out (today) and completed the hook up. Nice guy and clean work.
I realize this is long, but I am happy with this entire process, from purchase to final hook up. If you are any type of DIYer, at least take a look at doing HVAC yourself. Vinje and Son will hook you up. The package that was prepared for me was spot on. I mean there was almost zero scrap. I was truly impressed.
Thanks for the great service!
Brian read more
