After following many of these threads, it seems prudent for Owners to request and for Installers to provide simple summary of what should happen and when.

e.g.:

For an interior set point =  70,

Second stage heat should come on when outdoor temerature = ±15 to 20.  You can tell that the second stage is on because ______.

Supplemental heat should come on when outdoor temperature = ±0 to 5.  You can tell that the supplemental heat is on because ______.

Your unit may run contunuously under the following conditions: __________

You may see ice on the leaving water line when outdorr temperaturs drop below ____.

etc.

If things are not happening according to plan, then the troubleshooting can begin.

Bruce

I believe that your simple form should be part of the sales process before any work starts. It would help the owner weed through multiple estimates and distinguish between them. It would also invalve the owner in the design phase. If you want x it costs this. If you can live with y it costs this.
It would head off problems as well as be a guide to system operation by setting operating parameters.
Eric

Any HVAC pro's providing a summary like Bruce is suggesting? And I agree with Eric the Waterpirate that this should be part of the early discussion and design.

Also, upon completion of the installation, I would like a list of model and serial #s for installed equipment, a user maintenance schedule for the actual eqpt installed vs a generic, and a basic troubleshooting guide for the homeowner's use to help the contractor get a better idea of what the problem could be before a site visit. I know some folks just want a belly button to call when malfunctions occur, but I will be living in the country and want to be somewhat self-reliant. I'll call for help when I need to, but I'm capable of obtaining EWT/LWTs, amp readings, and other diagnostic data as long as I know what to look for.

Guess I could just come to GBT and get online help. Dave

If I had received all of that information I could have saved several calls to my installer and several hours of reading posts on here to see if my system was infact operating correctly.

 

Bruce,
Outdoor temperature only indirectly determines when the aux coil comes on. Thermostat settings and entering water temperature play a much larger roll.
Expectations are covered by the better contractors and frankly I expect and encourage correspondence from new owners.
Disappointments-dissatisfaction = less referrals.
Take it from me, some one who took the time to design the system for you properly, will take pride in it's performance and your excitement about your investment.
Good luck,
Joe