Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than necessary on temperature control in your Montgomery home, so it's important to make sure all systems are working properly.
Browse our guide to the top HVAC companies in Montgomery to find the best choice for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
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Informative resources
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Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on hvac companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,856-$4,731 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,761-$6,928 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,912-$29,671 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $244-$406 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,218-$3,655 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $390-$975 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians who have the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for any individual who helps "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
HVAC contractors in Alabama must be licensed by the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. Contractors must hold a surety bond and must complete a set number of continuing education hours each year. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of any project before it begins. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new features, model, estimated installation time, brand, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Reputable HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get written estimates before beginning HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically gets the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any window or door leaks to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Montgomery, you may be able to make do with a furnace on the lower end of this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Montgomery, you'll likely look for something on the higher end of this range. In general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
