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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. You want your North Lauderdale home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient cooling and heating.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in North Lauderdale can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
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 having issues or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are 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 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,216-$3,649 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$973 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When picking an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate 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 technicians 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 the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
In Florida, HVAC contractors must be certified or registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Certified HVAC contractors must have four years of experience, pass an exam, and have HVAC business insurance. Registered HVAC contractors are only approved to work in one specific city, and the local government sets licensing requirements. You should 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 positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, model, estimated installation time, features, and brand. Before work begins, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Normally, 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 an inspection if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets 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 comfortably can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this may take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be affected 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. In North Lauderdale, you'll probably want to explore units on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 North Lauderdale, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.