Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. You don't want to spend more than necessary on heating and cooling your Redlands home, so it's important to make sure all systems are working properly.
Explore our list of the top HVAC companies in Redlands to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
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 is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,831-$4,667 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,709-$6,834 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,872-$29,267 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $240-$401 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $60-$160 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,202-$3,605 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $80-$200 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $385-$961 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
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, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the 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.
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. It's a good idea to check with your municipal government to determine if there are any local licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. Any contractors who do plumbing or electrical work in addition to HVAC work must register with the State Plumbing Board or the Colorado Electrical Board, respectively. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new energy efficiency, model, features, estimated installation time, and brand. Before signing paperwork, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. 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 are generally less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, when it typically gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You might also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Redlands, you'll be better off going with a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you could consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
