10 Best HVAC Companies in Wheatland, IL

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Cracking, rust, or corrosion
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• Strange noises when the system turns on
• Unusually high energy bills
• Temperature control issues or thermostat malfunctions
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, you should have 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 correct solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Wheatland

Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home lacks the ductwork for central air or heating, you probably have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to manage temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions very similarly to a standard split system. It has the benefit of being able to utilize either electricity or gas for power.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps transfer hot and cool air between your home and outside. They don't produce their own heat or AC, so they work best in mild climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are good for smaller homes. These systems consist of a single heating and cooling unit, typically located in a basement or attic. This unit tends to be efficient, compact, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require several different services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.

• Keep your system clean. Cleaning your grills, ductwork, indoor evaporator coil, and condenser fan blades regularly helps your HVAC system work efficiently and lowers the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when it begins to look dirty.
• Monitor for potential problems. Keep an eye on your system for issues, for example by routinely checking your thermostat and energy bills. This helps you address problems before they get too expensive.
• Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you replace or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the outdoor parts of your HVAC.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Keeping your blinds open in the winter helps you take advantage of passive solar heating. Keeping them closed in the summer helps keep some of this heat out. Both of these measures help reduce the strain on your HVAC system.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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 at the state level.

There are no state-level licensing requirements for contractors in Illinois. However, there may be local regulations, so make sure to check with your municipal government to verify that your contractor meets all the requirements. You can also verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new estimated installation time, features, brand, model, and energy efficiency. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

Good HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection within your budget.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.