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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Since cooling and heating represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Winter Gardens home is functioning optimally.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in Winter Gardens to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
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:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,957-$4,990 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,966-$7,307 | |
Heat Pump | $3,071-$31,292 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $257-$428 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,285-$3,855 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$214 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $411-$1,028 |
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.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. 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." 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). HVAC contractors are considered specialty contractors by the CSLB. 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 Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Choose a company with glowing reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to explain which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, brand, features, estimated installation time, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, 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 offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. After the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely sees 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 try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any 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). In Winter Gardens, 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 around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Winter Gardens, you'll likely need something on the higher end of this range. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: