Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 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 so much money invested in cooling and heating your Pacific Grove home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Pacific Grove.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
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Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can assess your system, detect problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is 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 methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear 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 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, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians who have the necessary licensure and training. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. 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. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will 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 guarantee everything is working correctly. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, model, features, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
A reputable HVAC company will stand behind its repair services and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review the fine print for each contractor and choose the provider that offers the most protection at a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected 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. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Pacific Grove, 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 is likely to be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 Pacific Grove, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you may consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
