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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You want to be comfortable in your Park Forest home, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on ineffective heating and cooling.
We've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Park Forest to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
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 is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for some common services 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 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, 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 | $63-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,269-$3,807 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$211 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $406-$1,015 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians with the necessary licensure and training. 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 what kind 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. Be sure to check with your municipal government to verify that your contractor meets all of the requirements. You can also verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and features. Before work begins, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A detailed quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea 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 making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider installing a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might 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 discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For a house over 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 should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Your HVAC company may provide financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.