Wing Hang in Scarborough

Of the 3 contractors selling American Standard furnaces I have contacted, I found George Li of Spring Home the most knowledgeable. He is the only one who recommended to increase the size of the return air duct for maximum efficiency, and that, together with an American Standard programmable thermostat, is included in the installation price. Installation work went smoothly and they did not leave a mess. I also took the chance to have my aging hot water tank replaced. Their crew accompanied me to Home Depot without extra cost to pick up one. George Li came back to audit the work of his crew and adjusted the furnace to achieve maximum efficiency (none of the other contractors mentioned they will do that). When I raised my concern that the fresh air intake might be too low for the snow conditions, he agreed to have it corrected, and sure enough, that was done within a couple of days.

Of the salesmen of four windows companies I have contacted, Dennis Ho of Winford is the only one who is knowledgable about replacement windows. He gave me valuable advice on the type of windows suitable, and advice which I never thought about but am glad that I have heeded. He made an effort to match the colour of the aluminium capping with the existing trim of my house. He was the one who made the final measurements of the windows, unlike other companies where such task is the responsibility of the technician. Although the installation work took half a day longer than the one day as originally planned, workmanship is certainly the best amongst my neighbouring houses. When the job was near completion, Dennis came in to see that everything is in order and took the time to show me how to operate and maintain the new windows.

My experience with Carson Dunlop is simply frustrating. While the inspector Mr. Shular was knowledgable, professional, courteous and punctual, the quality of their paper-work was disappointing. In the pre-retrofit report, they have omitted the windows. The omission was promptly corrected after I brought this to their attention. My post-retrofit evaluation was done in September 2009 on a new high efficiency furnace, new windows, and a low flow toilet. When I received the rebate cheques from the governments, the amounts were much less than expected. This was brought to the attention of the company and this time they admitted that they have omitted the furnace! Well, they promised to have it corrected right away, but now, more than 4 months after the post-retrofit evaluation, I still haven't received the $1,580 rabate for the furnace as well as the final energy rating of my house. Their only reply to my follow-up e-mails is that they will touch base with NRCan to see where they are with their request.