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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You want to be comfortable in your Des Moines home, but you also don't want to waste your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
We've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Des Moines to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Look out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,927-$4,913 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,905-$7,194 | |
Heat Pump | $3,024-$30,809 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $253-$422 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Luckily, there are actions you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,265-$3,795 | |
Thermostat Repair | $84-$211 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $405-$1,012 |
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 companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors 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 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 at the state level.
HVAC contractors in Iowa are required to be licensed by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board and registered with the Iowa Division of Labor. Contractors must be bonded and insured. Licenses are available under the classifications of apprentice, journeyperson, or master; apprentices and journeypersons must be supervised by a licensed master. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are done to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new energy efficiency, model, features, brand, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, 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 review warranties between providers. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You might also consider a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: