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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. When you live in Lighthouse Point, a good deal of your energy spending probably goes toward your summer air conditioning bill — on average, residents spend approximately $160 monthly.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Lighthouse Point.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
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An HVAC system that's broken or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,853-$4,723 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,754-$6,917 | |
Heat Pump | $2,907-$29,620 | |
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. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,216-$3,649 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$973 |
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 air conditioning and heating in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper 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, a contractor must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what 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 at the state level.
In Florida, HVAC contractors must be registered or certified with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Certified HVAC contractors need to have four years of experience, pass an exam, and have HVAC business insurance. Registered HVAC contractors can only work in a specific city, and the local government establishes licensing requirements. Reviewing feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. For replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system estimated installation time, model, features, energy efficiency, and brand. Before work begins, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, 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 an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are generally 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, 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 window or door leaks to help keep cool air in. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors 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 need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Lighthouse Point, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Lighthouse Point, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: