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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, over half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. In Soldier, you're probably looking to reduce your energy expenses and save money.
We've compiled this guide to Soldier's top HVAC companies to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
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 HVAC system is having issues or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for some common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,874-$4,776 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,796-$6,994 | |
Heat Pump | $2,939-$29,952 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$410 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$164 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,230-$3,690 | |
Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$984 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained 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 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.
In Kansas, there are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, your city or municipality may enforce 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 look at reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of great customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new model, features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and brand. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the provider that offers the best protection at a reasonable price.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A comprehensive quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective than window units for cooling.
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).
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: