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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 U.S. Department of Energy. St. Augustine's hot summers probably mean that your energy bill is higher during the warmer months. The average resident spends $140 a month cooling their home.
Explore our list of the top HVAC companies in St. Augustine to find the best choice for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
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 is malfunctioning or getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,852-$4,721 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,752-$6,913 | |
Heat Pump | $2,905-$29,606 | |
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 steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,216-$3,647 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$973 |
Finding the right HVAC company is crucial for a smooth 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. Describe 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 well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals 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 must 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. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with great feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new estimated installation time, features, energy efficiency, brand, and model. Before signing a contract, 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 back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering 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 comprehensive quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, like leaks, strange noises, 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 are generally 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 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. 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 window or door leaks to help keep cool air in. 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 depend on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In St. Augustine, 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 St. Augustine, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: