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 Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. In Shady Hills, you're probably looking to reduce this energy expense and save money on your bills.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Shady Hills.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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:
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 maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and determine whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also depends on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,759-$4,484 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,564-$6,567 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,760-$28,122 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $231-$385 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $58-$154 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,155-$3,464 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $77-$192 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $370-$924 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial 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.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled 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, individuals must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the 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 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 need to have four years of experience, pass an exam, and carry HVAC business insurance. Registered HVAC contractors can only work in one specific city, and the local government sets licensing requirements. Checking reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the exact parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new energy efficiency, features, brand, estimated installation time, and model. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC 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 strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are generally 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 gets the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, 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, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be determined 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 Shady Hills, you'll probably want to explore units on the higher end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Shady Hills, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
