Hydronic Heat

Step 5: Select your supplier - Make your purchase - schedule your shipment.

When choosing your hydronic heat supplier, it is common for people to simply compare prices and pick the cheapest bid.  That’s a valid method, and the explosive growth of the internet has made it easy for consumers to compare prices.

This can be both good and bad for consumers.  Good - if it truly means the lowest price offers the best value.  Bad - because you, as the consumer have to figure out for yourself if the low price means you’re sacrificing quality or service.

You may want to consider some additional factors as you make your purchase decision:

*Reputation, past performance and testimonials/referrals.
*Quality of product selection.
*Level of customer service.
*Commitment to customer support
*Warranty policies
*Return policies

I’ve personally spoken with many people who bought on price alone - only to find that their vendor was lacking in one or more of these areas.  I figure if you’re still reading this you’re commited to the research needed to get the the best value for your dollar.  If you filter you prospective suppler through the above criteria, you’ll be in a much better position to make an intelligent decision about which vendor is the best fit for you.

Once you’ve decided, it’s time to make you purchase.  Keep in mind this will be your heating system, it’s not a book from Amazon.com.  There will be some kind of lead time from order to delivery, allow yourself 2-4 weeks to avoid project delays.

A reputable vendor well accept major credit cards: VISA, MC - maybe Discover and/or AMEX.  They may also accept PayPal, wire transfers, and checks or money orders.

Your hydronic heat supplier will most likely have a process in place to take your order - part of which should include being able to schedule your delivery.  By the time you’ve gone through the ordering process, your vendor should be able to confirm your order details and shipment method and scheduling with you.

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Step 6: Inspect your hydronic heat system upon arrival - Install your new radiant system.

Depending on the vendor and their shipper - you may be able to track your order and shipment status online.  Some shippers will call you to set up a delivery appointment.

Once your package arrives, it’s a good idea to check it for damage - if there is obvious damage you have a couple of options.  You can refuse the shipment, in cases of serious damage this is your best bet.  An alternative would be to call your supplier before the shipper leaves and discuss it with one of their support staff.  They may want to see a picture and with today’s cell phones - that may be an easy way to work out the best resolution.

Hopefully, your system arrived without damage.  Unpack your equipment and familiarize yourself with the components, the installation manual and any tubing layout diagrams they may have supplied.

When you’re ready, begin your installation.  If any questions come up during your install, hopefully the vendor you’ve chosen has support staff on hand to walk you through any issues as they arise.

I hope you’ve found this series of articles helpful.  If you have any questions or concerns, let me know.

I would be happy to help you go through this process and insure a properly designed hydronic heat system with a customized package of components.  You may contact me here through our contact form and request a project questionnaire.

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