Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With so much money spent on cooling and heating your Avenal home, you want to ensure that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Avenal can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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 maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,854-$4,725 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,756-$6,920 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,908-$29,635 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $243-$406 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,217-$3,651 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$973 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience 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 companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from 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.
HVAC contractors in California must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB). HVAC contractors are considered specialty contractors by the CSLB. All contractors are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Checking reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are done to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, features, and model. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for a fair price.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, it's smart to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically sees 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 well-maintained and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to help keep cool air in. Similarly, make sure 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 an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Avenal, you'll probably want to explore units on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Avenal, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you could consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
