

How to select heating, air conditioning equipment, and a mechanical contractor.
Customer service is the most important element at Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating.
We feel it is best to make sure you are making choices that are right for you and the only way to do that is by having all the right information at your fingertips.
Here are some things to consider when making decisions concerning heating and cooling your home or business:
Due Diligence
A little extra research will go a long way in conserving energy in the future.
Hasty decisions can create numerous headaches and affect your pocketbook as well. If you don’t do your homework, poor decisions can cost you money for years. Many people make the mistake of making their decision based on price.
By doing this, you are leaving out some of the most important elements to making a sound decision, such as:
Servicing The Product After The Sale
- Does the manufacturer have good representation and can you call direct for technical support?
This is most important that solid relationships are in place between contractor, distributor, and manufacturer. - Are parts readily available in your geographic area?
Service company and distributor should stock common repair components - What is the life expectancy of the product?
Did you know almost all wall-hung boilers have a life expectancy of only ten years?
Do your homework.
I always use the analogy that automobiles that operate starting and stopping frequently require much more maintenance; the same is true for wall-hung boilers with low volume.
Be prepared to replace multiple parts during the life of these low-cost boilers. - How often will it need service?
Annual service is required on everything to reduce breakdown and promote efficiency - What is operational cost vs other products in the industry?
This is important with the cost of energy today. Is new system weather responsive? Are the motors variable speeds to reduce electrical cost? - Find out the warranty on the product.
Choosing The Right Contractor
- Do plenty of research on the contractor you are hiring.
Talk to clients of past projects, verify their certificate of insurance, check to make sure they are paying their bills with local wholesalers and distributors.
Don’t purchase just on price, look for the best value. - Do they support the community?
Such as Youth organizations, churches, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, soup kitchens, are they connected? - How well do they take care of there employees?
Are they provided Health insurance, retirement plan, vacation time, clothing, and profit sharing? - Do you feel confident the contractor knows the product?
How long have they been installing the product and how much training have they received?
Celebrating Over 30 Years Of Quality Service
Call us today to evaluate your individual needs and create a complete system that is ready to handle New England’s four seasons in ultimate comfort.
Additional Resource
Founded by Richard Trethewey, heating and plumbing expert on This Old House, the website for HHA features a list compiled by Richard through his travels and his contact with leading manufacturers who know who the “good guys” (and gals) are. This website is an excellent resource to find the right contractor for hydronic heating (radiant floor heating, radiators, baseboard, hydro-air, mini-duct and heating/AC systems). Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating is proudly listed among the contractors for the Maine Coast.

Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating
486 Elm Street
P.O. Box 365
Biddeford, Maine 04005
Phone: 207-283-1200
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 7am to 3:30pm
Proud Members Of:
Biddeford Saco Rotary Club
Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce
Better Business Bureau
Hydronic Heating Association
Maine Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
National Federation of Independent Businesses
Nature Conservancy
Northern York County YMCA (board member)