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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 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 the higher cost of living in Culver City, you're probably eager to save money on your energy bills.
Browse our guide to the top HVAC companies in Culver City to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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 nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,918-$4,889 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,886-$7,159 | |
Heat Pump | $3,009-$30,658 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $252-$420 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$168 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,259-$3,777 | |
Thermostat Repair | $84-$210 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $403-$1,007 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When looking for an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
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, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you know the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the provider describe the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, brand, and model. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair work and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the provider that offers the most protection within your budget.
Get written estimates before starting any HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, 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, like 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 an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often 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 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 you can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape 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 be based on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Culver City, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 Culver City, 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 your own loan. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.