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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy costs in Joliet are often higher than in other places, which means you're probably trying to save money on your bill.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Joliet can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
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
Free quote
Informative resources
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 old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is 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 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,269-$3,807 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$211 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $406-$1,015 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for any individual who helps "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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
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 confirm that your contractor meets all the requirements. You can also verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, brand, and features. 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. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. 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 reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses 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 once. You may also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician runs into.
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 generally be more effective than window units for cooling.
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).
Usually, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: