Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You want your Craig home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
Our list of Craig's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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An HVAC system that's not working properly or outdated likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can assess your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,939-$4,943 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,929-$7,238 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,042-$30,996 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $255-$424 |
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 methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,273-$3,818 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$212 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $407-$1,018 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have 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 mandatory for all technicians 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 by the state.
The state of Colorado doesn't have state-level HVAC contractor licensing requirements; however, those who run an HVAC business are required to have a Colorado business license, plus insurance. You may want to check with your municipal government to determine if there are any local licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. Any contractors who do electrical or plumbing work in addition to HVAC work must be registered with the State Plumbing Board or the Colorado Electrical Board, respectively. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new features, model, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and brand. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system 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 HVAC bids 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 technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are 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, the times of the year when it gets the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and avoid making drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Craig, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Craig, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor 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:
