Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Energy costs in Johnston can be steeper than in some other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.
We've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Johnston to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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 maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different maintenance services. Prices for some common services are 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 expensive. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear 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 right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states 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 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 must 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. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. You want to hire a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system at the end of the job to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new features, estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, and model. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a fair cost.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A comprehensive quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a 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 call a technician if you start to notice any issues, like strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. 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 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 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 might also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally 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 might have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
