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 U.S. Department of Energy. Wilmington Island's hot summer weather probably mean that your energy bill is higher during the warmer months. The average resident spends $130 every month cooling their home.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Wilmington Island.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Costs for typical jobs 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 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate 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, an individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the 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.
All HVAC contractors in Georgia are required to 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 a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with glowing feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new model, features, energy efficiency, brand, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the provider that offers the best protection within your budget.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A detailed quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system 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 in good shape 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.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can 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 Wilmington Island, you may be able to make do with a furnace on the lower end of this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Wilmington Island, you'll likely need something on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
