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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than you need to on heating and cooling your Gary home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
Our list of Gary's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
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
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
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 suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different maintenance services. Costs for some common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,910-$4,869 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,870-$7,130 | |
Heat Pump | $2,997-$30,535 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $251-$418 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$167 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,254-$3,762 | |
Thermostat Repair | $84-$209 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $401-$1,003 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Describe 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.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals 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 HVAC contractors in Indiana; however, most municipalities and cities have their own requirements. Make sure that you check with your local government and verify the business license of any company you hire. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Choose a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the particular parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and features. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reliable 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 reasonable cost.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, like strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You might also consider installing 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 takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want 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 around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might 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 to you and appropriate for your situation.