Based on a number of 5*reviews on Yelp and Google, I asked Zane of Element Air to give me an estimate for replacing my 2007 Rheem heat pump and air handler. I gave him background on the current system’s repairs and why I wanted to replace it. He confirmed that he installed American Standard, one of the most reliable brands, and also Mitsubishi. I had already had 2 bids from other HVAC companies, one who sold the lowest quality HVAC system. I was not interested in low quality.

Zane made an appointment for a few days after the call. He came on time, inspected the house, the current HVAC, made a detailed drawing of the air handler and the small utility closet, assessed the outside area where the heat pump was located. Zane suggested Mitsubishi because of its efficiency, low use of electricity (one 50 amp circuit breaker rather than Rheem’s two 60 amps for the air handler and 40 amps for the heat pump). He installs primarily Mitsubishi HVACs in rural Spokane houses built by contractors because of the lower operating cost in very cold weather. I live in West Plains, where temps are 10-15 degrees higher in summer, and 10-15 degrees colder in winter compared to Spokane.

Zane chose a variable speed (3 fan speeds) 18 seer system for my ducted home. It is very efficient and qualifies for both the US Tax credit and Inland Power’s Rebate ($2800 together). The heat pump’s vertical profile takes less space that the other brands’ pump.

Zane offered me a senior discount. He also offers veterans a discount. The cost before rebate and tax credit was less than the low quality 13 seer system from the other company (which did not qualify for tax credit or rebate).

The installation was smooth. The crew arrived on time, prepared the outside site, removed the old system, and installed the air handler in the very tight closet. They put in new fridgerant lines through the crawl space. An electrician installed new lines according to code.

Jared and Josh, the installation crew, were knowledgeable, experienced, polite, respectful, quiet, did not play loud music, worked well together. They were easy to be around. When they experienced a challenge in the electrical installation, they tenaciously stuck with troubleshooting until it worked. The system has been running for more than a week. I cannot hear the air handler fan in the house, nor can I hear the heat pump fan outside. My house is quietly warm.

The many questions I had before, during and after the installation were answered in an easy to understand way and in a timely manner.