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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than necessary on temperature control in your Oak Forest home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
Our guide to Oak Forest's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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:
If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is 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 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear 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 right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent coolig and heating year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain 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.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians with the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states need to 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 the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Illinois. However, there may be local regulations. Be 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 read reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of your project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, features, and brand. Before signing paperwork, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. 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.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to have your HVAC system inspected 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 likely 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. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You might also consider a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: