Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In Georgetown, a significant amount of your energy usage probably goes toward cooling your home in the summer. On average, residents spend $130 every month cooling their homes.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Georgetown.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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:
An HVAC system that's not working properly or old likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,874-$4,776 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,796-$6,994 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,939-$29,952 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$410 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, 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 | $61-$164 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,230-$3,690 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$984 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for a smooth installation or repair. Hiring 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 providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states must 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." Contractors 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.
All HVAC contractors in Georgia are required to be licensed. They can have either a Class I or Class II license. A Class I license requires four years of experience and limits the type of equipment a contractor can work on. Class II licenses require five years of experience and are unrestricted. You can verify a license on the Secretary of State's website. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Choose a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask your installation company to provide details on the new energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, 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 provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it typically sees 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 avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any door or window leaks to help keep cool air in. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to 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 things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Georgetown, you'll probably want to choose a unit that's on the higher end of this range. For a house 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 Georgetown, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Usually, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you may 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.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
