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 most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Since cooling and heating represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Canteen home is functioning optimally.
Browse our guide to the top HVAC companies in Canteen to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can assess your system, detect problems, and figure out whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,929-$4,919 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,909-$7,203 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,027-$30,845 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $253-$422 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,267-$3,800 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $84-$211 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $405-$1,013 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
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, contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what 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.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Illinois. However, there may be local regulations. Be sure to check with your municipal government to confirm that your contractor meets all of the requirements. You can verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. Checking reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, model, estimated installation time, features, and brand. Before work begins, 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.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair work and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the company that provides the greatest protection within your budget.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. After the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes 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).
Your HVAC company may provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you may 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 find the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
