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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You want your Calumet City home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
Our list of Calumet City's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
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An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or outdated likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can evaluate your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,960-$4,995 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,971-$7,315 | |
Heat Pump | $3,074-$31,328 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $257-$429 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$172 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,286-$3,859 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$214 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $412-$1,029 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have 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 mandatory for all contractors 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 at the state level.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Illinois. However, there may be local regulations, so make sure to check with your municipal government to verify that your contractor meets all the requirements. You can verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new estimated installation time, model, energy efficiency, brand, and features. Before work starts, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. After the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are required. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's best to schedule inspections 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 likely sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You may also consider installing a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally 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).
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: