Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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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%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. You want your Candler-McAfee home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient cooling and heating.
We've researched and assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Candler-McAfee to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,907-$4,861 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,864-$7,118 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,992-$30,485 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$417 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Luckily, there are actions you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$167 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,252-$3,755 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$209 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $401-$1,001 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained 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, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific 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 by the state.
In Georgia, all HVAC contractors must be licensed. They may hold a Class I or Class II license. Class I licenses require four years of experience and limit the type of equipment a contractor can work on. Class II licenses require five years of experience and are unrestricted. Licenses can be verified on the Secretary of State's website. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Choose a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new features, brand, energy efficiency, model, and estimated installation time. Before work starts, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.
Get written estimates before starting HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice a year. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 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.
It takes around 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 might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any 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 Candler-McAfee, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Candler-McAfee, you'll likely look for something 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 via a third-party lender, or you might be able 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.
