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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You want to be comfortable in your Menlo Park home, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient cooling and heating.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in Menlo Park can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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 broken or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,119-$5,402 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,294-$7,911 | |
Heat Pump | $3,325-$33,879 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $278-$464 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Luckily, there are actions you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $70-$185 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,391-$4,173 | |
Thermostat Repair | $93-$232 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $445-$1,113 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for a successful installation or repair. 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. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states 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 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 at the state level.
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 are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, features, and model. Before work starts, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.
Get written estimates before beginning any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice a year. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, you should have it 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 get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Menlo Park, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
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. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: