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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, over half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With the cost of living in Grand Terrace, you're likely eager to find ways to save on your energy bills.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in Grand Terrace to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
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 suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary 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 complicated and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,890-$4,817 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,829-$7,054 | |
Heat Pump | $2,965-$30,211 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $248-$414 |
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 | $62-$165 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,241-$3,722 | |
Thermostat Repair | $83-$207 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $397-$992 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the type of 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 California, HVAC contractors 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. Reviewing feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a provider with great reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, 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 contractor explain the new features, estimated installation time, model, brand, and energy efficiency. Before signing paperwork, be sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice a year. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. 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 making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any window or door leaks 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 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 factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Grand Terrace, you'll probably want to choose a unit that's on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally 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 Grand Terrace, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: