Many people feel the need to comparison shop and compare apples to apples. But shopping for a heating and air conditioning system is like shopping for an iceberg. You only see a small part of the system – the thermostat, the air conditioner and maybe the furnace.

In reality there is much more to the system, just like an iceberg. The sizing of the equipment must be selected with a Manual J load calculation and duct system must be designed according to Manual D. Very few HVAC contractors actually take the time to do this. Most of them just make a guess by square footage of the home.

The ducts should be sealed with mastic. Most contractors use duct tape that wears out. The duct system should be made of a quality product, preferably with an anti-microbial agent.

Most contractors use the cheap ducts that allow mold to grow. The refrigerant should be charged with a Superheat and Subcooling measurement. Most contractors think that “beer can cold” is good enough.

Installers should be highly trained, clean cut and courteous, using runners and protecting your property. Most HVAC installers leave a mess behind for you to clean up.

The company should be licensed, bonded and insured. If an uninsured company's employee has an accident on your property, you are liable. The quality of the equipment and the integrity and references of the sales person also need to be considered.

When it comes down to it, a Spring Air comfort system simply is not an apple, it is an iceberg.