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, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. With so much money invested in cooling and heating your Hampton home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
A talented 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 assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Hampton.
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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 fixes or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. Prices for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,905-$4,855 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,859-$7,110 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,988-$30,449 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$417 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$167 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,250-$3,751 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $400-$1,000 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states 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 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 by the state.
In Georgia, all HVAC contractors are required to be licensed. They can have either 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. A Class II license requires five years of experience and is unrestricted. You can verify a license on the Secretary of State's website. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of any 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 the provider to explain the new brand, energy efficiency, features, model, and estimated installation time. Before signing paperwork, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written bids before beginning HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, your HVAC system should be 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 unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system 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 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 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, make sure 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 can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Hampton, 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 will be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 Hampton, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
