Good, better, best

6 systems at Best, 7 at Better, 58 at Good, 18 need attention. Bringing every Good to Better is about $2,334 this year. Bringing the house to Best over five years is about $4,890, mostly Salt chlorine generator.

Every word is computed from the record, the maker's schedule, the code's expectation and the arithmetic; beside each Good and Better, what moves it up and its price from the catalogue or the forecast. Better and Best are the rating's names, not our recommendations.

GoodProjector — ceiling mount
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodProjection screen — fixed frame
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Needs attentionRefrigerator — French door · LG LRFDS3016S /01 · 2021
a failed check: Service interval, Refrigerator — French door
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionWasher — front load · Maytag MHW5500FW0 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Washer — front load
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionDryer — gas · Maytag MGD5500FW0 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Dryer — gas
Better: Resolve it — Clean the full dryer vent run · 180 — the computed check
BestRange — professional gas · Thermador · 2016
verified, in life, serviced on schedule, nothing open
BetterWall oven · KitchenAid · 2016
at 66% of its 15-year life
Best: Nothing to add; it is in the second half of its life and sound — the record
GoodBeverage refrigerator · Whirlpool · 2016
at 83% of its 12-year life
Better: A replacement year on the plan, with the forecast · 1,200 — the record's forecast
Needs attentionFood waste disposer · InSinkErator Evolution PRO series · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Food waste disposer
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
BestBuilt-in grill · Blaze · 2026
verified, in life, serviced on schedule, nothing open
BestBuilt-in side burner · Blaze · 2026
verified, in life, serviced on schedule, nothing open
Needs attentionOutdoor sink · Ruvati RVH8591 · 2026
a failed check: Service interval, Outdoor sink
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
GoodOutdoor dishwasher · 2026
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodOutdoor refrigerator · XO · 2026
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodRange hood · Thermador (transcribed "Thermidor")
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodRange hood / exhaust — above the stove · Thermador
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodIcemaker — outdoor
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodGriddle — outdoor · XO (as spoken, "EXO")
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodBeverage refrigerator · XO
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodThermostat — Parent's room · Control4 · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodThermostat — Second floor bed · Control4 · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodThermostat — Master bedroom · Control4 · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodThermostat — Office · Control4 · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodThermostat — Living room · ecobee
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodThermostat — fifth zone · Control4 · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodControl4 system + dealer dependency · Control4 · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodUPS — network rack · APC
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
BetterStandby generator · Generac Guardian 24 kW
sound, but not yet what a specialist would install today: Put it on a documented annual PM with a real load test, not just an idle exercise: transfer the house to the generator, run it 30 minutes under actual load, log voltage, frequency, and fuel pressure at the inlet while loaded. A weekly 5-minute unloaded exercise proves almost nothing - fuel and load faults only show up loaded.
Best: Put it on a documented annual PM with a real load test, not just an idle exercise: transfer the house to the generator, run it 30 minutes under actual load, log voltage, frequency, and fuel pressure at the inlet while loaded. A weekly 5-minute unloaded exercise proves almost nothing - fuel and load faults only show up loaded. · 250–500 — Generac's literature
Best: Replace the battery on a 3-year calendar and verify charger output every visit. This one habit eliminates most no-start failures on these sets. Use an AGM group 26R/35 at the specified CCA. · 150–300 — Generac's literature
GoodAutomatic transfer switch & meter · Generac
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Needs attentionMain load center — panel A · Square D Homeline · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Main load center — panel A
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionMain load center — panel B · Square D Homeline · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Main load center — panel B
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
BetterGarage door openers (two) · LiftMaster · 2016
at 66% of its 15-year life
Best: Nothing to add; it is in the second half of its life and sound — the record
GoodWhole-house surge protective device · Square D
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Needs attentionAir handler — first floor · Comfortmaker FVM4X4800BL1 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Air handler — first floor
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionAir handler — second floor · Comfortmaker FVM4X3600BL1 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Air handler — second floor
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionCondenser — first floor · International Comfort Products NXA642GKA100 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Condenser — first floor
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionCondenser — second floor · International Comfort Products NXA636GKA100 · 2017
a failed check: Service interval, Condenser — second floor
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
BetterMini-split — outdoor unit · Mitsubishi Electric MUY-GL12NA
sound, but not yet what a specialist would install today: Install a surge protective device on the outdoor disconnect. The inverter board is the expensive part on this unit and a nearby strike or a utility blip takes it out. A $150 to $250 add at install saves a $700 board.
Best: Install a surge protective device on the outdoor disconnect. The inverter board is the expensive part on this unit and a nearby strike or a utility blip takes it out. A $150 to $250 add at install saves a $700 board. · 150–350 — Mitsubishi Electric's literature
Best: Add a wall-mount bracket or riser legs with a base pan heater in snow country, plus a condensate/defrost drain pan kit so meltwater exits instead of freezing into the fan blade. Cheap insurance in any climate that sees real winter. · 200–600 — Mitsubishi Electric's literature
BetterMini-split — indoor head · Mitsubishi Electric MSY-GL12NA
sound, but not yet what a specialist would install today: Put a real cleanout and a service port on the condensate line at install or at first service: a clear tee with a removable cap at the head, plus an accessible union. Then the annual is a five-minute flush with a nitrogen blowgun or a wet-vac instead of pulling the head off the wall. Add a float safety switch tied into the S1/S2 loop or a pump with a safety on any head over finished ceiling, hardwood or electronics.
Best: Put a real cleanout and a service port on the condensate line at install or at first service: a clear tee with a removable cap at the head, plus an accessible union. Then the annual is a five-minute flush with a nitrogen blowgun or a wet-vac instead of pulling the head off the wall. Add a float safety switch tied into the S1/S2 loop or a pump with a safety on any head over finished ceiling, hardwood or electronics. · 100–300 — Mitsubishi Electric's literature
Best: Do a proper annual deep clean with a mini-split bib kit - pull the front panel, bag the head, and wash the barrel fan and evaporator with a pump sprayer and a low-pH coil cleaner, then rinse. A blown-out surface spray does nothing for a loaded blower wheel. This one job is what keeps a GL head at full capacity and odor-free for 15 years. · 250–500 — Mitsubishi Electric's literature
Needs attentionSteam humidifier — living room zone · Aprilaire 800 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Steam humidifier — living room zone
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionSteam humidifier — master bedroom zone · Aprilaire 800 · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Steam humidifier — master bedroom zone
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
Needs attentionBoiler — hydronic condensing · Lochinvar WHN199 (Knight) · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Boiler — hydronic condensing
Better: Resolve it — Boiler combustion service · 403–475 — the computed check
Needs attentionZone control panel — 6 zone · Taco SR506-EXP · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Zone control panel — 6 zone
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
GoodZone circulator #1 · Taco · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodZone circulator #2 · Taco · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodZone circulator #3 · Taco · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Needs attentionExpansion tank · Amtrol Extrol · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Expansion tank
Better: Resolve it — the computed check
BestReturn air filters · Koch Filter MultiPleat XL
verified, in life, serviced on schedule, nothing open
GoodZone valves (three) · Taco
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Needs attentionIndirect water heater — 82 gal · Lochinvar SIT080 (SIT-80-LV Squire) · 2016
a failed check: Service interval, Indirect water heater — 82 gal
Better: Resolve it — Check and replace the water heater anode rod · 190–263 — the computed check
GoodMain water shutoff
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodSump pump · Zoeller
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodSewage ejector pump
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodWater meter
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodIrrigation / sprinkler shutoff and backflow preventer
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodDehumidifier — portable · Frigidaire
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodElectric water heater — disconnected, out of service · Rheem
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodWhole-house water filter housing
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodPressure reducing valve with gauge · Watts
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodToilet
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodShower handheld and shower head · Moen
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodToilet — one piece · Kohler
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodShower/tub mixing valve (pressure-balancing valve) · MOEN 2510
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Best: Put in an access panel, or use a stop-equipped body. On a 2510 with no integral stops, the next cartridge change means shutting down the whole house or the building riser. A $40 plastic access door on the back side of the wall, or spending the extra for the stop version at rough-in, pays for itself the first service call. · 40–250 — MOEN's literature
GoodBathroom vanity
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodBathroom vanity
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
Needs attentionVariable speed filter pump · Pentair IntelliFlo 2 VST · 2023
a failed check: Service interval, Variable speed filter pump
Better: Resolve it — Generator oil and filter service · 288 — the computed check
BetterPool & spa control system · Pentair EasyTouch
sound, but not yet what a specialist would install today: Add a surge protective device on the feed to the load center (and on the ScreenLogic/COM side where practical). Boards in this line die from surge more than from age; a $150-300 SPD saves a $700 control panel. Do it on every install in lightning country.
Best: Add a surge protective device on the feed to the load center (and on the ScreenLogic/COM side where practical). Boards in this line die from surge more than from age; a $150-300 SPD saves a $700 control panel. Do it on every install in lightning country. · 150–400 — Pentair's literature
Best: Bug-proof and water-proof the enclosure: seal all knockouts and conduit entries with duct seal or listed sealing fittings, add a bait/insecticide barrier around the pad, and re-route bottom-entry conduit or add a drip loop so it can't drain into the panel. This eliminates the most common failure mode outright. · 40–150 — Pentair's literature
GoodPool heater · Pentair
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
BestFilter · Pentair
verified, in life, serviced on schedule, nothing open
BetterSalt chlorine generator · Pentair IntelliChlor
sound, but not yet what a specialist would install today: Oversize the cell one step. Put an IC60 on a pool an IC40 is rated for. The cell then runs at 40-50% output instead of 90-100%, and you get roughly double the calendar life for maybe $250 more up front. This is the single best thing you can do with an IntelliChlor.
Best: Oversize the cell one step. Put an IC60 on a pool an IC40 is rated for. The cell then runs at 40-50% output instead of 90-100%, and you get roughly double the calendar life for maybe $250 more up front. This is the single best thing you can do with an IntelliChlor. · 200–400 — Pentair's literature
Best: Put an acid feed or at minimum a hard pH routine on the pool. Salt cells drive pH up continuously; every point of pH above 7.8 scales the plates. An automated acid feeder or a CO2 system, or just a scheduled acid addition, pays for itself in cell life. · 400–1,500 — Pentair's literature
GoodPool surround decking
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodGas fireplace · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
BestGas emergency shutoff switch · 2016
verified, in life, serviced on schedule, nothing open
GoodAttic detector · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodSmoke / CO detection — house-wide
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodMonitored security system
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodBasement bedroom egress · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodCombination smoke / CO detector · Kidde
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodCO detector — plug-in
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodRoof · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodSiding / exterior cladding · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodWindows · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodGutters & drainage · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodFoundation · 2016
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodShed — detached outbuilding
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodRear deck
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodRadon mitigation system
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodCovered porch
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
GoodPatio — concrete, rear
not yet verified on site
Better: Verify it on site: the plate, the serial, the state — the capture
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