Ray's Heating & Air Conditioning

06/06/2026

Does HVAC brand matter more than installation quality?

A lot of homeowners focus on the HVAC brand first. Brand matters, but installation quality matters more.

A properly installed basic system can last its expected lifetime. A poorly installed high-end system can run inefficiently, create safety issues, and need repairs earlier than it should.

The installer controls the sizing, airflow, refrigerant charge, gas pressure, venting, drains, thermostat setup, and commissioning. Those details affect comfort, efficiency, safety, and reliability.

At Ray’s, we care so much about the installation because that is the part that determines whether the equipment actually performs the way it should.

Get expert AC installation with free estimates & a 2-year warranty. Learn more! Champaign and Urbana, IL.

06/04/2026

What hidden costs should I watch for in an HVAC quote?

Most HVAC quotes are not broken down line by line, so it is important to ask what is included.

Confirm the price includes permits, warranty, replaced accessories, and any needed materials. For AC or full system replacements, ask about the line set, pad, disconnect, whip, thermostat, drains, venting, and commissioning.

Also ask about rebates and financing.

And if a quote includes a 10-year labor warranty, ask who backs it, what it covers, and what conditions have to be met.

At Ray’s, we want the quote to be clear so you can make the right choice.

Get expert AC installation with free estimates & a 2-year warranty. Learn more! Champaign and Urbana, IL.

06/03/2026

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06/02/2026

Is the lowest HVAC quote a bad idea?

The lowest HVAC quote is not automatically a bad idea. But it should make you ask better questions.

A very low quote may mean the contractor is reusing old accessories, allowing less installation time, skipping proper commissioning, or offering less warranty protection. It may also just mean you are not comparing the same system.

Before choosing based on price, ask what is included, how long the install will take, whether permits are included, and what happens if there is a problem after the job.

At Ray’s, we do not try to be the cheapest. We try to be clear, complete, and careful with the installation.

Get expert AC installation with free estimates & a 2-year warranty. Learn more! Champaign and Urbana, IL.

05/30/2026

How do I compare HVAC quotes?

If you are comparing HVAC quotes, do not start and stop with the final price.

Compare furnace BTU, furnace efficiency, AC or heat pump size, SEER2 rating, and whether the equipment is single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed. Then compare the included accessories, labor warranty, permits, startup checks, availability, and financing options.

Also pay attention to how well the company explains the quote. A good contractor should be able to explain what they chose, why they chose it, and what benefit each option gives you.

At Ray’s, our goal is to make those choices easier to understand.

Get expert AC installation with free estimates & a 2-year warranty. Learn more! Champaign and Urbana, IL.

05/27/2026

Hank approved heat pump 😎

05/26/2026

Why are HVAC quotes so different from each other?

HVAC quotes can be very different, but it can be because the companies are not quoting the same thing.

Look at the equipment efficiency, staging, included accessories, labor warranty, permits, and installation time. Some quotes may reuse the old line set, pad, disconnect, whip, thermostat, or filter setup. Others include those items in the price.

Labor time is a big one. A full furnace and AC can sometimes be done in one long day, but that does not always leave enough time to do the work carefully and commission the system properly.

At Ray’s, we usually allow two full days for a complete system replacement because the install matters as much as the equipment.

Get expert AC installation with free estimates & a 2-year warranty. Learn more! Champaign and Urbana, IL.

05/25/2026

🤫 don't tell the boss.

05/23/2026

What should be included in an HVAC quote?

A good HVAC quote should be easy for a homeowner to understand.

It should include the equipment brand, type of equipment, size, efficiency, and whether the system is single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed. It should also explain the included accessories—thermostat, filter cabinet, line set, AC pad, disconnect, whip, drains, venting, permits, warranty, taxes, and financing.

The best quotes also explain your options. Some homeowners want the most affordable system. Others want better comfort, quieter operation, or better humidity control.

At Ray’s, we want the quote to help you make a clear decision, not overwhelm you.

Get expert AC installation with free estimates & a 2-year warranty. Learn more! Champaign and Urbana, IL.