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 average American, over half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With so much money spent on cooling and heating your Fernandina Beach home, you want to ensure that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our guide to Fernandina Beach's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
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:
If your HVAC system is faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different maintenance services. Costs for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,851-$4,719 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,751-$6,910 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,904-$29,591 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $243-$405 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,215-$3,645 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$972 |
Finding the right HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend 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 at the state level.
In Florida, HVAC contractors must be registered or certified with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Certified HVAC contractors must have four years of experience, pass an exam, and carry HVAC business insurance. Registered HVAC contractors may only work in one specific city, and the local government sets licensing requirements. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with positive reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to list which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system at the end of the job to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new energy efficiency, brand, estimated installation time, features, and model. 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.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review warranty terms for each contractor and choose the company that provides the best protection at a reasonable price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a 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 your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 you can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any door or window leaks to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like how large your home is, 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 Fernandina Beach, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Fernandina Beach, you'll likely want something on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might have financing options through a third-party lender, or you might be able 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're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
