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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. You want your Great Bend home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective cooling and heating.
Our list of Great Bend's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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 HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,837-$4,684 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,723-$6,859 | |
Heat Pump | $2,883-$29,375 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $241-$402 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $60-$161 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,206-$3,619 | |
Thermostat Repair | $80-$201 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $386-$965 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC contractors. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
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, individuals must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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.
Kansas doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, your city or municipality may have its own local license or certification requirements. You should verify that your technician meets all necessary standards and that they have an active Kansas business license. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system afterward to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to provide details on the new brand, features, estimated installation time, model, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to keep your home cool. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any window or door leaks to help keep cool air in. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
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 an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Great Bend, you'll likely want something on the higher end of this range. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you may be able 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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: