10 Best HVAC Companies in Glen Carbon, IL

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:

• Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Higher than normal energy bills
• Poor air circulation or uneven heating/cooling
• Refrigerant leaks
• Cracking, corrosion, or rust
• Strange noises when turning on
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Glen Carbon

Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home lacks the right ductwork for central air or heating, you likely have a split HVAC system. Split or mini-split systems consist of internal units that regulate the temperature in individual rooms. These interior units are all connected to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions very similarly to a standard split system. It has the benefit of having the capability to use either gas or electricity for power.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps work by transferring warm and cool air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't produce heat or air conditioning themselves, and are better for more moderate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are more popular in smaller houses. Packaged systems consist of a single heating and cooling unit that's usually located in an attic or basement. This unit tends to be compact, efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for some common services are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

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 minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.

• Change filters regularly. Air flows best through your HVAC system when you replace or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the outdoor parts of your HVAC.
• Keep your system clean. Keeping your grills, ductwork, condenser fan blades, and indoor evaporator coil clean helps your system function optimally and reduces the chance of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when it starts to look dirty.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Leaving your blinds open during the winter helps warm your home with passive solar heating. Closing the blinds during the summer helps prevent the heat from getting inside. Doing both helps reduce the demand on your HVAC system.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for problems — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills routinely — helps you catch issues before they get too expensive.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

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 maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.

Check Credentials

It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. 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 specific 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 by the state.

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 of the requirements. You can verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Look for a a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.

Understand Work Details

It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, model, features, brand, and estimated installation time. 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.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.