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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. With so much money spent on cooling and heating your Temescal Valley home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our guide to Temescal Valley's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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 near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local technician 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:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,925-$4,908 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,901-$7,187 | |
Heat Pump | $3,021-$30,780 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $253-$421 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,264-$3,792 | |
Thermostat Repair | $84-$211 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $404-$1,011 |
Finding the right HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When selecting an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for any individual who helps "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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. 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 must have four years of experience and be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new energy efficiency, model, brand, features, and estimated installation time. 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 provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, like leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 in good shape and seal any door or window leaks 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 one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Temescal Valley, 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. In Temescal Valley, you'll likely need a unit on the higher end of this range. Typically, 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: