10 Best HVAC Companies in Terre Haute, IN

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:

• Higher than normal energy bills
• Odd noises when the system turns on
• Refrigerant leaks
• Rust, corrosion, or cracking
• Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Terre Haute

What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home lacks the ductwork for central air or heating, you likely have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to regulate temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC unit operates similarly to a regular split system. It gives flexibility by having the option to draw on either electricity or gas for energy.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps move hot and cold air between your home and outside. They don't generate their own heating and cooling, so they work best in more temperate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems work well in smaller houses. They consist of a single combined air conditioner and heating unit, commonly located in an attic or basement. This unit is typically space-saving, cost-effective, and straightforward to maintain.

HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Luckily, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.

• Keep your system clean. Keeping your condenser fan blades, grills, indoor evaporator coil, and ductwork clean helps your system run and reduces the chance of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that you clean your HVAC system whenever it begins to look dirty.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Closing your blinds in the summer blocks some passive solar heat from getting indoors. Opening the blinds in the winter allows this same heat to help warm your home. Both of these measures help lower the work required from your house's HVAC system.
• Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you replace or clean the filters every 30–90 days. Also try not to let debris pile up on the outdoor parts of your HVAC.
• Monitor for potential problems. Keep an eye on your system for issues, for example by routinely checking your thermostat and energy bills. This enables you to address problems before they get out of hand.

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

Request estimates from three or more HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the 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 by the state.

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. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you know the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts require replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, request that the installation company describe the new brand, model, estimated installation time, features, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair work and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection within your budget.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.