Odd sales pitch for home ventilation systems?

[Gunner]

We do all the electrical work and sometimes installations for Hometech, which is the competition to the other brands, Hometech ones are cheaper than the rest and do the same if not better job (we have replaced DVS systems with Hometech systems in the past because they have not worked).

All the heaters do in them is try to keep the air temp that is pumping thru the system at a constant min temp, they should never be used instead of a heater or heatpump/aircon.

They all do the same thing in the end, keep the air circulating throughout the house. They are just a fan with a filter and maybe a heater and a thermostat to reduce the fan speed or cut in and out the heater, they are pretty simple really.

Customers that have had the Hometech systems installed have also had quotes from the HRV guys and all said that they were really pushy.

$250 for a filter sounds a bit high for a filter, I think you can get one from an electrical wholesaler for about $70, or make one your self by going to a fabric store and buying the filter material.

Me personally I would not put in a DVS,ACD,HRV system, I would put my money into a Heatpump with a heat transfer system. The heatpump acts as a dehumidifier as well as heating/cooling.


If you are thinking of getting one of these systems, shop around and ask your self "is this the best solution for my problem? or will something else do the same job"



Troy

[Drum]

I'll scan it tomorrow at work.

In reference to HRV they say: "Make sure you're getting the genuine product. The HRV system implies it's a heat exchanger. But it's only able to recover what heat is in the roofspace".

[Disco Dan]

If its hot - open window.
If its cold - close window.

Cost = FREE.

Far out... I should sell windows....

[Drum]

..If you are thinking of getting one of these systems, shop around and ask your self "is this the best solution for my problem? or will something else do the same job"....

Actually, that pretty much sums up the Consumer article.

[Gunner]

Actually, that pretty much sums up the Consumer article.

And I didnt even read it.
Im not trying to sell the Hometech brand either just in case people were thinking that. Theres alot of choice out there now, so choose carefully as these products are not cheap.

[James Deuce]

We do all the electrical work and sometimes installations for Hometech, which is the competition to the other brands, Hometech ones are cheaper than the rest and do the same if not better job (we have replaced DVS systems with Hometech systems in the past because they have not worked).

I've seen two Hometech installations that did nothing, so I guess location, house size, and installation expertise make all the difference.

I'm supremely happy with the Drivaire system, but it took us two years to find what would work in our house and an installer who wasn't a BS merchant.

[avgas]

Something else will definitely do the job, but its if you can be arsed or not.
How many standard suspension setups work? How many people tune their own suspension?
Same thing really - at the end of the day you could sit down for a month an design the ultimate ventilation system......or you could just do what everyone else does and buy a bloody dvs system cos ya cant be arsed.

[Gunner]

I've seen two Hometech installations that did nothing, so I guess location, house size, and installation expertise make all the difference.

I'm supremely happy with the Drivaire system, but it took us two years to find what would work in our house and an installer who wasn't a BS merchant.

Thats why I would not put one of these systems in my place (unless I manage to perk one ), as I think there are far better options out there.
But whatever works for you.

[Crisis management]

Like Jim2 I'm impressed with the moisture control ability of these systems but remember that all it is doing is providing air from the outside / roof space at ambient moisture content and stuffing it into your building dipslacing the higher moisture content air inside. It is the same as opening a window, it just works all the time and maintains a constant flow.
DVS is well marketed but I was not impressed with the explanations....we used Condensation Control and changed a three storey house (house & seperate basement flat) from a damp, blurry windowed dwelling to moisture free (condensation at least) in 2 days. Other friends have used the same equipment and been similarly impressed, so thats a recommendation!

You need a decent fan, air filter and inline heater and some ducting. I considered a do it yourself version but ended up spending $3,300 and am happy with the installation and equipment.

It does not heat your house. The heater option is only to adjust the comfort level of the incoming air.
We also put in two heat pumps (1970's unisulated house) cause it really is like a fridge at times, but only use them in winter for heating. If your going to air condition you have to close the windows and doors....thats not my cup of tea.

If you want more info, PM me.

[Finn]

Just think, if our houses were built properly in the first place, we wouldn't need any of this ventilation shit. The connection with Amway is no coincidence. A group of failed Amway morons with garages full of shit decided to focus their energy on ventilation systems.

[shafty]

Different strokes for different folks, but remember that "Direct Sales" - ie In Home Selling, works on the basis of the Sales Guy getting a pretty commision for the Sale. He's been taught his sales pitch, and off he goes, giving up his evenings and weekends for a quick $250 (or whatever) per sale.

A good Kiwi Handy man could buy the parts seperately for a fraction of the cost. Others prefer the convenience of 1 company doing it and costing more.

I don't have a need for such a system.

[RC1]

we had a moisture master in akld same thing basically, we basically got it because we were concerned that the kids health was suffering from a dampish house , once installed the house became dry overnight ( i wouldnt have believed it until i saw it ) the kids stopped getting sick as often also as the filters took a lot of the pollen out of the air,i think it cost us @$1200 for the mid range model with heater ( just to take chill out of the night air in winter )and the filters only needed to be replaced once after two yrs (free ) i would recommend this brand

[Paul in NZ]

We do all the electrical work and sometimes installations for Hometech, Troy

So Troy - you fancy a little 'cash' job??

Customers that have had the Hometech systems installed have also had quotes from the HRV guys and all said that they were really pushy.

Pushy? Mate he was an utter arse that totally spat the dummy when I was not going to play his 'lets look through the round window today children' sales pitch... It was - an unusual experience shall we say? he really didn't know how to handle it when the customer pushed back...

If you are thinking of getting one of these systems, shop around and ask your self "is this the best solution for my problem? or will something else do the same job"Troy

Thinking of doing 'something' mate but I'll do the research first AND sus out the best deal. This guy was leading up to quite a price I reckon... For a box with a fan and two over priced filters. Fuck me - I've changed enough air cond filters in my life to know what they cost... Apparently he has 'special' ones... What a laugh really.. The kids thought it was funny but vicki... well... hmmm...

[Paul in NZ]

Just think, if our houses were built properly in the first place, we wouldn't need any of this ventilation shit. The connection with Amway is no coincidence. A group of failed Amway morons with garages full of shit decided to focus their energy on ventilation systems.

My house is modest and reasonably built Finn - pretty well designed it ourselves after the designer tried to sell us some ghey pastel plastered auckland chocolate box confection thing with no eaves to protect the tops of the walls and a stupid roof that was bound to leak. Bleugh!

We are looking for alternate systems to reduce energy consumption and provide better ventilation / heating as a side benifit.

[Crisis management]

Just think, if our houses were built properly in the first place, we wouldn't need any of this ventilation shit. The connection with Amway is no coincidence. A group of failed Amway morons with garages full of shit decided to focus their energy on ventilation systems.

While understanding your feelings about the state of the NZ construction industry also understand that we (generally) live in a maritime environment with a high level of humidity and ventilation is the only way to move humidity around. A sealed box containing humans producing 20 litres of moisture a day is going to get wet.
Either we design ventilation in to buildings or we add it later.....most of us have to do the latter.