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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Ames home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Ames can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
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:
An HVAC system that's broken or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can assess your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,947-$4,963 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,945-$7,268 | |
Heat Pump | $3,055-$31,126 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$426 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,278-$3,834 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,022 |
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 heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by 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 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.
In Iowa, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board and registered with the Iowa Division of Labor. Contractors must be both bonded and insured. An individual can be licensed as an apprentice, journeyperson, or master; apprentices and journeypersons must be supervised by a licensed master. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, 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 verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new brand, energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, and model. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You may also consider installing a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective for cooling than window units.
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).
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: