ProTech HVAC

Dear New-Home Owner:

I am writing to inform you of how builders and their subcontractors are circumnavigating New Hampshire energy and mechanical codes, and why local code enforcement officials (the building/mechanical inspector) turn a blind eye. This is happening in your neighborhood! Possibly, you’ve been a victim.

Heating and air conditioning systems that do not meet energy codes will end up costing you a lot more money to operate. Plus, contractors’ code violations can pose a serious threat of injury, even death. (See “Amilia’s Law”: www.amiliaslaw.org Amilia Luhrmann, a 6-year old girl, was killed in her home from a gas explosion, caused by the acts of an unqualified worker in her home. Prior to the passage of Amilia’s Law in 2007, there was no license requirement of any kind for installers of HVAC equipment! Still, today, only a license for gas equipment service and installation is required in New Hampshire.)

In April I mailed 2,000 letters to builders in New Hampshire offering my heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) inspection service, to ensure that their subcontractor was installing the HVAC equipment in compliance with the New Hampshire Energy Codes, which follow the International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC), and International Mechanical Codes (IMC), which New Hampshire ascribes to. To date, just one builder hired me, but then refused to pay me when I cited 13 code violations in one unit of the townhouse development he was constructing, in Hampton Falls. The reluctance of the recipients of my letter to reply indicates to me how interested builders are in seeing that their HVAC subs’ work is in compliance with relevant energy and safety codes. Builders know homeowners don’t know the codes, or how to spot violations, so they are not concerned. They also know how much the Local Inspector will allow them to get away with.

Unfortunately, municipal building/mechanical inspectors allow numerous code violations to pass. Why? Because New Hampshire does not require licensing of “residential and building inspectors”, and the Public Utilities Commission will not enforce their own codes - they leave that up to the “Local Inspector”, who is pressured for political reasons not to enforce all codes. Further, many inspectors do not have formal training in the HVAC trade, nor do they hold any licenses. Unbelievably, the New Hampshire Legislature shot down House Bill 763-FN, on March 3, 2008. That Bill sought legislation “establishing the licensure and regulation of residential and building inspectors”. Still, the consumer must rely on the old adage: “Caveat Emptor” - buyer beware!

Most homeowners (and often, builders) assume they are getting a job done well, but really have nothing to base that assumption upon, as they are not in the HVAC business themselves, and the installer will always promote and defend his work. This is why you may need an unbiased, second opinion from an HVAC master.

I’ve been involved in nearly every aspect of heating, ventilation/exhaust, air conditioning and refrigeration for 28 years - the last 20 self-employed as a system designer, estimator, installer, service technician, consultant, successful inventor, and expert witness in New Hampshire Superior Court. Please visit my website www.protechhvac.com for complete information about my background, qualifications, accomplishments, and visit my Blog if you’re interested in expert advice.

How can I help you determine if there are energy consumption and/or safety concerns with your HVAC systems? For $250 I will inspect the HVAC system(s) in your home for:

• Proper design and equipment selection
• Adherence to the equipment manufacturer’s installation instructions
• Code-compliant system installation(s)
• Safe installations
• Any significant installation defects
• Ways to improve the energy efficiency of your system(s)

Also, I will provide:

• A written report outlining my findings

• Enumeration of any code violations, including the code names and numbers
• The names, addresses, and phone numbers of the code officials responsible for prescribing and enforcing the codes that were violated
• My recommendations for remedying any code violations and/or system defects, including cost to repair

Please call me anytime if you would like a free consultation over the phone, as well as information that I may have about other jobs by your builder that I’ve inspected.

Sincerely,

John W. Rocheleau