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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy expenses in South Elgin can be steeper than in some other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.
We've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in South Elgin to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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 broken 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 technician can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,985-$5,060 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,022-$7,409 | |
Heat Pump | $3,114-$31,731 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $261-$434 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, 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-$174 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,303-$3,909 | |
Thermostat Repair | $87-$217 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $417-$1,042 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital for a successful installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper 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 the kind of equipment they plan 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 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 of the requirements. You can verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. You should 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 great feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask your installation company to provide details on the new brand, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, model, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a fair cost.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. Always 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.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Typically, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: