Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. In Patterson, a lot of that energy use probably goes toward cooling your home in the warm summers. In fact, Patterson residents spend, on average, $160 a month cooling their homes.
We've put together this guide to Patterson's top HVAC companies to help you find the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
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Clear pricing policy
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Informative resources
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Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Award_winning
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Charitable_giving
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, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,922-$4,900 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,895-$7,176 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,016-$30,730 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $252-$421 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, 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 | $63-$168 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,262-$3,786 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $84-$210 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $404-$1,009 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC contractors. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate 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 type of 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.
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. Checking reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can assist your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are done to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, features, and brand. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected 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 making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any leaks around your doors and windows 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 a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors 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 should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Patterson, you'll probably want to explore units on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will 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 Patterson, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company might offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
