Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Since cooling and heating represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Sebring home is functioning optimally.
Our guide to Sebring's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
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:
If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have 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 cost of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,804-$4,598 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,655-$6,733 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,830-$28,835 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $237-$395 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$158 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,184-$3,552 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $79-$197 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $379-$947 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor 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 on a state-by-state basis.
HVAC contractors in Florida 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 have HVAC business insurance. Registered HVAC contractors may only work in a specific city, and the local government determines licensing requirements. Reviewing feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new brand, energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, and model. Before work begins, 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 back their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that broader coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A detailed quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it gets the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained 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 only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Sebring, you may be able to make do with a furnace on the lower end of this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Sebring, you'll likely need a unit on the higher end of this range. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea 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:
