— by Darren McDonald

At Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing, we have a mission to help educate customers about their HVAC systems. When I visit clients, I explain that my goal is to help find the best solutions for their concerns and needs.

I ask them to share their experiences with their current HVAC system, including what they like and dislike about its performance. I listen carefully and take notes.

After gathering all the necessary information from the homeowner, ask for their permission to conduct a performance test on the equipment and ductwork. I explain that this process is similar to a doctor’s visit, where tests and assessments are conducted to ensure that the recommended treatment is beneficial.

Progressive Heating's Darren McDonald
Darren McDonald

This helps customers understand the importance of testing to provide the best possible solution for their equipment or ductwork issues.

Some clients initially believe that bigger equipment will make their home more comfortable. I ask them if they would buy a suit or dress that is too big or too small, and they usually realize they prefer something that fits just right. I then explain that I am testing and sizing the equipment to fit their home for optimal performance.

Encapsulation is one of Progressive Heating's service offerings
Crawlspace encapsulation is just one of the many services Progressive has
to help customers decide what to buy and when.

There are many types of equipment to choose from. By evaluating the client’s current setup and needs, I can determine whether a heat pump, ductless system, or gas furnace with straight air conditioning is the best fit. It’s like choosing the right shoes for the right activity – running shoes, hiking shoes, water shoes, work shoes, and flip-flops all serve different purposes.

When clients ask about saving money on equipment replacement, I review the differences between each choice and their functionalities. I use simple terminology that my clients understand, such as comparing SEER ratings to MPG for cars, to make it easy for them to relate to the concepts.

During my home inspections, I also check the attic insulation and, if there is a crawl space, the floor insulation. For older homes, windows can be a factor as well.

I discuss with clients how addressing these issues before replacing the equipment can save them money on overall operation costs.
At Progressive, we offer attic and floor insulation services, providing an additional revenue stream for the company and savings for our clients.

I enjoy talking to clients about ductwork renovations. I keep pictures and reports of before-and-after results to show the benefits of these renovations. We discuss their current ductwork and how improvements can enhance equipment efficiency, even if they aren’t replacing the equipment immediately.