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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 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 Helvetia home is functioning optimally.
We've researched and assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Helvetia to help you find the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,881-$4,796 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,812-$7,023 | |
Heat Pump | $2,951-$30,074 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $247-$412 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,235-$3,705 | |
Thermostat Repair | $82-$206 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $395-$988 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper 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, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the 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 at the state level.
Illinois doesn't have state-level contractor licensing requirements. However, there may be local regulations. Be sure to check with your municipal government to verify 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 company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with glowing feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, request that the installation company describe the new model, estimated installation time, features, energy efficiency, and brand. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready 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 could 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 can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
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 will be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Normally, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: