Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. It's important that the cooling and heating systems in your Oroville home are functioning optimally, so you can avoid spending more than necessary.
Use our guide to the top HVAC companies in Oroville to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
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 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. Watch for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,834-$4,675 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,716-$6,846 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,877-$29,318 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $241-$401 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $60-$161 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,204-$3,612 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $80-$201 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $385-$963 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is key for a smooth 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. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the specific 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.
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. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you know the details of any project before starting. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new model, brand, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and features. Before signing a contract, 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 repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's best 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 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 avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace 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 how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds 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 Oroville, 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 an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Oroville, you'll likely need a unit on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is over 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 these options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
