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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With Hickory Hills' higher cost of living, you're likely eager to reduce your energy bills.
Our list of Hickory Hills' top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
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 not working properly or old likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signals 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 best course of action.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different maintenance services. Costs for common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,960-$4,995 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,971-$7,315 | |
Heat Pump | $3,074-$31,328 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $257-$429 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$172 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,286-$3,859 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$214 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $412-$1,029 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. 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, so make 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. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You'll want to select a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Make sure you know the details of any project before starting. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new energy efficiency, features, brand, model, and estimated installation time. 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.
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 best protection for a fair price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections 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 typically sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always 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 installing a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this may take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want 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 an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: