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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. It's important that the cooling and heating systems in your Windsor home are functioning properly, so that you don't spend more than you need to.
Explore our list of the top HVAC companies in Windsor to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
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 may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,225-$5,672 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,509-$8,306 | |
Heat Pump | $3,491-$35,572 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $292-$487 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Luckily, there are actions you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $73-$195 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,461-$4,382 | |
Thermostat Repair | $97-$243 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $467-$1,169 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers 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.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right 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 all contractors who "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 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 are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are done to verify that it’s working properly. For replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, model, energy efficiency, features, and estimated installation time. Before starting the project, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.
Get a written estimate before HVAC work starts. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections 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 throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You might 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 an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Windsor, you may be able to make do with a furnace on the lower end of this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: