Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. In Vacaville, a significant portion of your energy usage probably goes toward cooling your home in the summer. On average, residents spend $140 every month cooling their homes.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Vacaville can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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 HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these indicators your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC expenses 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 | $2,004-$5,109 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,061-$7,482 | |
Heat Pump | $3,144-$32,041 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $263-$439 |
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 ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$175 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,316-$3,947 | |
Thermostat Repair | $88-$219 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $421-$1,053 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When hiring an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual 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 on a state-by-state basis.
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. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Choose a company with glowing reviews and reports of great customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new energy efficiency, model, brand, features, and estimated installation time. Before work starts, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Good 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 best protection for the fairest price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any door or window leaks to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes between one and three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Vacaville, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Vacaville, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by 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 a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: