Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 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 cost of living in Gonzales, you're likely eager to reduce your energy bills.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Gonzales.
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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 suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,945-$4,959 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,941-$7,261 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,052-$31,097 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $255-$426 |
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 ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,277-$3,831 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,022 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' 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. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by 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 plan 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 on a state-by-state basis.
HVAC contractors in California must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB considers HVAC contractors to be specialty contractors. All contractors must have four years of experience and be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Look for a a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, model, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea 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 probably 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 avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any door or window leaks to help keep cool air in. Similarly, ensure that 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 an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Gonzales, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Gonzales, you'll likely need a unit 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.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
