Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, Americans devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the Department of Energy. With Fountain's higher cost of living, you're likely eager to find ways to save on your energy bills.
Our list of Fountain's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for some common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,872-$4,773 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,793-$6,989 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,937-$29,930 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$410 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC 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 | $61-$164 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,229-$3,687 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $393-$983 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper 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 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 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, anyone who operates an HVAC business is required to have a Colorado business license, plus insurance. You should check with your municipal government to find out if there are any local licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. Any contractors who do electrical or plumbing work in addition to HVAC work must register with the State Plumbing Board or the Colorado Electrical Board, respectively. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should specify which parts need 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. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new model, features, energy efficiency, brand, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A detailed quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice a year. After the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Usually, it's a good idea to schedule inspections 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 throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at once. You may also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective for cooling than window units.
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).
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company 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:
