After 21 years of service, it was time to have my system replaced. The last two service calls required refrigerant to be added and it was getting worse. The unit was nickel and diming us. 21 years is a exceptionally long time for a home unit, so I was not surprised. I called for 5 estimates, trying to pick installers that used similar brands. I got quite an education on brands, system types, how they work, etc. I will say it is difficult to make apples to apples comparisons based on equipment. Most equipment is comparable to each other and that is not surprising when you consider the fact about three parent companies own most of, if not all of the brands sold. So one is left with good, better, best in so far as equipment is concerned.
But the one thing that was clear across the board is that the installers account for the bulk of the installations reliability and success. If someone takes shortcuts even when using prime equipment, then the reliability is going to be compromised. So pay attention to the installers.

First I decided on what brands I wanted to consider. This caused an issue with with one bidder because when I asked if they use brands other than the one used in the bid. He did not like my reasoning and was combative about it. Bad mistake. Graciousness out weighs verbal bulling. I did my research and had narrowed it down to what systems I wanted to consider. I had my reasons. No reason to chastise the customer because it will give the appearance that you are not listening to them. But I also learned that most outfits are branded installers. So concentrate on who you want to work with. The folks who were servicing my equipment was out of the running. Never assume you have the job simple because you service it! Treat the customer like a new customer all the time!

Now for the remaining bids offers. Tough choices. They were all pretty close in costs but I could separate them into low, middle, highest. Researching prices, they were where they needed to be, just at different parts of the range. So now I had to find the differences. A couple were easy as I simply felt better about choosing one brand over another. They all had their strong points. But one stood out.

Bovio's bid was the highest. But not by much. And when I considered what they were offering, their price really was not the highest. Let me explain.
It came down to equipment and system type. All the others had quoted the good end of the brands equipment. All were single stage multi fan speed units. The Seer and EER ratings differed some with one not reaching the seer rating I wanted and one while delivering the seer rating, failed on the eer rating (not as efficient and uses more electricity) . One had offered an over sized unit ( will short cycle and not do good humidity control). But this is where Bovio stood out. The estimator had listened to me. I had a concern about humidity control. Bovio offered a correctly sized two stage multi speed fan unit for me to consider that met my SEER and EER requirements all at a price close enough to what the others offered. The system just simply stood out. Sometimes a higher price isn't when you break it down.

Now to the bit that the installer matters!
My home is not an easy one to work on. The indoor unit was in the attic. A very cramped attic. And I understand that the previous installation was anything but 100% proper. It was a mess up there and apparently I had got lucky since the cooling coil was rotted out and the primary drain had failed. Lucky my ceiling didn't get flooded out prior to this. They certainly had a lot of work to do. And they did it. They were courteous, clean, prompt and efficient. There were a few issues, but they promptly came back as needed and certainly stood behind their installation 100%. They corrected every problem and concern. They listened to us. They care about their work and their customers and they let you know it!

I would not hesitate to recommend Bovio Heating and Cooling. They exemplify why you use a local company who has been in the business for a long time, who always puts customer service to the fore front.

Bovio doesn't deserve five stars, they deserve ten stars and then some!

If you need HVAC work done on your home, I strongly suggest you consider Bovio Heating and cooling. I don't believe you will regret it.

Note: System installed > Carrier 24ACB724A003 A/C with FV4CNF002l00 Air Handler, Media Filter and Air scrubber.

Our thanks to the entire Bovio Team!