Start with conditions, not a product
Cooling problems here usually trace back to duct leakage, refrigerant charge, and how much electrical capacity an older Champaign-Urbana home actually has to spare—not just the compressor.
Build a complete scope
- What is actually causing the symptom, not just its label
- How prep work and finishes get protected
- Whether new materials are compatible with what is already installed
- Permits, testing, and cleanup
- What triggers a change order, and the warranty terms
Champaign context
Champaign's housing stock spans more than 150 years since the city's 1855 founding, and a large share of the oldest homes had heating and cooling added well after original construction, long before ductwork and insulation standards were what they are today. That mix of construction eras across the Champaign-Urbana area is why HVAC retrofits and replacements are rarely one-size-fits-all.