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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 Department of Energy. Energy expenses in South Lake Tahoe tend to be higher than in some other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.
Browse our guide to the top HVAC companies in South Lake Tahoe to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
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 is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the services 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 | $1,961-$5,000 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,974-$7,322 | |
Heat Pump | $3,077-$31,357 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $258-$429 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be pricey. Luckily, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$172 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,288-$3,863 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$215 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $412-$1,030 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained 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, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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 on a state-by-state basis.
HVAC contractors in California 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 must have four years of experience and be bonded, and 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 glowing feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the particular parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system estimated installation time, energy efficiency, model, brand, and features. 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.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Confirm that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, 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 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 sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Usually, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea 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 a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: