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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. It's important to make sure the heating and cooling systems in your Cherry Valley home are functioning properly, so that you don't spend more than you need to.
We've put together this guide to Cherry Valley's top HVAC companies to help you hire the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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 broken or old likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,906-$4,860 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,863-$7,117 | |
Heat Pump | $2,991-$30,478 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$417 |
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 methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$167 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,251-$3,754 | |
Thermostat Repair | $83-$209 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $400-$1,001 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital 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 providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory 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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
Illinois doesn't have state-level contractor licensing requirements. However, there may be local regulations, so make sure to check with your municipal government to confirm that your contractor meets all the requirements. You can verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. You want to hire a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to list which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new brand, features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, 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.
Reputable HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that broader coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Get written bids before starting HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are 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 gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, 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, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Usually, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning 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 a good idea 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 a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: