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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. With the higher cost of living in Elmhurst, you're likely eager to find ways to save on your energy bills.
We've compiled this guide to Elmhurst's top HVAC companies to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
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 HVAC system is broken or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, diagnose 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 expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,006-$5,115 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,066-$7,490 | |
Heat Pump | $3,148-$32,077 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $263-$439 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is important, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$176 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,317-$3,951 | |
Thermostat Repair | $88-$220 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $421-$1,054 |
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 air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC contractors. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. 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 type of exam depends on what 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 on a state-by-state basis.
The state of Illinois doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for contractors. However, there may be local regulations. Be 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. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of your project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need 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 your installation company to provide details on the new brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Get written quotes before beginning HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. 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, 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 sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider getting a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any 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. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.
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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: