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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Norwalk home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
We've put together this guide to Norwalk's top HVAC companies to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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. Watch out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and determine whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,848-$4,712 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,745-$6,900 | |
Heat Pump | $2,900-$29,548 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $243-$404 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,213-$3,640 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$202 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $388-$971 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper 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, an individual must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the 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 by the state.
In Iowa, HVAC contractors must 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 check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Choose a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Make sure you know the details of any project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, and brand. Before work begins, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice a year. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Usually, you should have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably 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. During all seasons, 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 may also consider getting a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase 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 to look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: