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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 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 Round Lake home, so it's important to make sure all systems are working properly.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Round Lake.
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Look out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you see 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 fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for some common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,973-$5,030 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,998-$7,366 | |
Heat Pump | $3,096-$31,544 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $259-$432 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $65-$173 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,295-$3,886 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $414-$1,036 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
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. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a company with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new model, energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, and brand. Before work starts, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size 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 compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Make sure 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 needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. 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 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 you can, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You may also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually 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 offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: