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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Since cooling and heating represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Jacksonville home is functioning properly.
We've researched and assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Jacksonville to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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 faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators your system needs service:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,933-$4,928 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,917-$7,216 | |
Heat Pump | $3,033-$30,903 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $254-$423 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,269-$3,807 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$211 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $406-$1,015 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When hiring an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory 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.
The state of Illinois doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for contractors. 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. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after finishing the work to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new brand, features, model, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected 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 ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, when it typically 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. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider installing a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to 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 between half a day and two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to 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).
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: