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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. In Fair Oaks, a lot of that energy use likely goes toward cooling your home in the warm summer months. In fact, Fair Oaks residents spend, on average, $160 a month cooling their homes.
Use our guide to the top HVAC companies in Fair Oaks to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
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 HVAC system is faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,957-$4,990 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,966-$7,307 | |
Heat Pump | $3,071-$31,292 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $257-$428 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Luckily, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,285-$3,855 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$214 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $411-$1,028 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the 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 at the state level.
In California, HVAC contractors 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 must have four years of experience and be bonded. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with great feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you know the details of any project before starting. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, brand, model, features, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive 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 a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any leaks around your doors and windows 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 between one and 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 be based on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into 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 Fair Oaks, 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 look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Fair Oaks, you'll likely look for something on the higher end of this range. Typically, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: