Meet the David Greaves of Buzz Duzz
Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
by Linda Herman

This month I met with David Greaves of Buzz Duzz Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning on Ditman Street in Philadelphia. His office was open and bright, and not necessarily what I expected.

For whatever reason, I think my mind was locked into a stereotypical feeling of a dark and dingy repair shop. Buzz Duzz
is very far from that old world stereotype. I'm thinking it's also a reflection of where David and his crew are technically.

To be honest, this interview really brought me into new territory. Having worked in areas of financing for retrofitting with solar energy panels, I guess I felt I was not totally ignorant of the world of heating and cooling... but my experience is more than twenty years old and the world of "temperature control" has changed along with everything else... a lot.

Easing in to our meeting, I asked David about the preparation required to do the kind of work he does. "I graduated from the Philadelphia Wireless Technical School at 15th and Pine. I studied oil and gas service, air conditioning and a whole list of how to's regarding commercial and residential applications. And while I was going to school, and even after, I was working in the field along side my father, and others, learning the business. It's not enough to have your paper accreditation alone. You really need the hands-on experience before you fly solo. In fact, when I meet with potential job prospects, I'm very sensitive to hearing about on-the-job experience before bringing them on board here. Besides all the technical 'stuff', you really have to be current with code applications, manufacturer recommendations, etc. Of course, recent graduates out of a trade school or technical school can't be held fully accountable for all of these applications. It's always changing."

"In addition, once working, we always have refresher or enrichment classes that we need to fulfill to keep our credentials current. It's just like the teacher or the doctor who is required to go for more classes after school. Our field is constantly refining itself, especially because there are so many health and safety issues involved."

We talked about one of those major changes and its impact on home ownership and his industry. "The government passed a law that by 2009 manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22, a kind of refrigerant that's in almost 99% of residential air conditioning units. It's partially responsible for depleting the ozone layer. So what this means to homeowners is that the price of this refrigerant has increased and it costs more to service and repair these existing air conditioning units. And maintenance cost of these units will continue to escalate as time goes by. I've counseled my clients accordingly over recent years and have encouraged them, when appropriate to make the change to R410A... sooner, rather than later." This is the new, approved, environment-friendly refrigerant and after 2009, all new air conditioning units will be manufactured with only R410A.

He shared a new technologically including ductless air conditioning. Perfect for older homes with radiators, etc., ductless air conditioning doesn't even require a window for placement... AND it can be remote controlled! I remarked to David that I thought this was every woman's dream-come-true.

What should we concern ourselves when speaking with a heating, air conditioning and plumbing specialist? “You want to make sure you're speaking with a reputable professional. This is a person who won't necessarily ask for a deposit up front before the work is done. You should also talk to a few pros and get a few estimates. If anyone's estimate is too dissimilar, that might not be the contractor for you. A price too low might not be such a good thing. The person you speak with needs to be honest... and not necessarily tell you what you are hoping to hear. Are they members of the Better Business Bureau. Word of mouth? I am always honest with my customers... perhaps at some personal expense in the short run. However, I know down the road, being straight pays off. It's the only way to grow and maintain your business."

Does he remember the first OOPS! moment when he started out? It took him a while. Although he admitted there were a few, he said, with a smile, he couldn't remember any. I think he was just trying to figure out which mishap he would share! "I was doing a job at a family member's house, fixing a leak in their air conditioning. As the job progressed, more leaks appeared. It was not a good thing! Fortunately I was still 'green' and it was family. Thank Heavens!"

And that's what brought David to this profession. A native of Philadelphia, he spent his youth in Port Richmond and Bridesburg. His father has managed a large heating and air conditioning supply house for over 30 years. David spent time working alongside him for 13 years. "I swept the floors, graduated to unloading and loading freight until finally I handled stocking in the warehouse. I love Philadelphia and today I service as far away as the Airport."

Free Time? There's been little free time recently. He suffered serious heart issues a year ago and has been recuperating ever since. A devotee of stress management, David is committed to maintaining a healthy equilibrium in his life. And with the support of friends and family, and especially his partner, Donna, it seems he's made the appropriate changes necessary. Altering his diet, walking and a little more exercise have all contributed to a speedy recovery.

Working with David is Master Plumber, and good friend, Brian. Considered an expert in his field, he's helped keep David "cool, calm and collected" at a time when "cool, calm and collected" was important.

It was neat meeting David. He dispelled some stereotypes and taught me something about the insides of my home. P.S. He commented that when he visits customers to discuss estimates or work to be done, it's usually the women who make the decisions! I guess it was good that I paid attention!

Interesting name...Buzz Duzz and he does "Duzz" heating, air conditioning and plumbing. He also "Duzz" a great job explaining the whereto's and wherefore's of stuff that sometimes sound so complicated that you just turn off. Thanks for the time, David and thanks for the lesson... Hopefully I'll be better prepared for the next home I build!

Buzz Duzz Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
4625 Ditman Street
Phila., PA 19124
215-553-7000