Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Loma Linda's hot summer weather probably mean that your energy bill is higher during the warmer months. The average resident spends $180 a month cooling their home.
Browse our guide to the top HVAC companies in Loma Linda to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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 getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can evaluate your system, detect problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services 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 make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| 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 air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific 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 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 must have four years of experience and be bonded. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC, ask your installation company to provide details on the new brand, model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and features. 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.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for a fair price.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, when it typically gets 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. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, 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, 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 a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections 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 Loma Linda, 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 between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Loma Linda, you'll likely want a unit on the higher end of this range. In general, if your home is over 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:
