Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward cooling and heating, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Valle Vista home is functioning properly.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in Valle Vista can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are 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 take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, 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 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. 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 type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they plan 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.
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 are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded, and 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 stories of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, model, and brand. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the best protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A comprehensive quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, strange noises, 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 your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it gets 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 avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained 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.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Valle Vista, you'll probably want to choose a unit that's on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to 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 Valle Vista, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
