Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward cooling and heating, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Talladega home is functioning properly.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Talladega.
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 isn't working correctly or getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,709-$4,356 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,462-$6,378 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,681-$27,315 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $224-$374 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $56-$150 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,122-$3,365 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $75-$187 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $359-$897 |
Finding the right HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
In Alabama, HVAC contractors must be licensed through the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. Contractors need to hold a surety bond and must complete a set number of continuing education hours each year. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Choose a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new features, energy efficiency, model, brand, and estimated installation time. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written bids before starting HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is 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. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any leaks around your doors and windows to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Talladega, you'll probably want to explore units on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Talladega, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
