Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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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%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. In Gorham, you're likely looking to reduce this energy expense and save money.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in Gorham can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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:
If your HVAC system is having issues or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different maintenance services. Costs for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,900-$4,844 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,850-$7,093 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,981-$30,377 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $249-$416 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$166 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,247-$3,742 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $399-$998 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
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 set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual must pass an exam (the type of 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 at the state level.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Maine. However, if a contractor intends to complete electrical work while working on an HVAC system, they must be licensed by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation Electricians' Examining Board. An individual can also obtain speciality licenses from the Maine Fuel Board, including Limited Propane Energy Auditor, Limited Oil Energy Auditor, Limited Wood Pellet Technician, Limited Tank Installer, and Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician, Propane and Natural Gas Technician. 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 good customer experiences.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new estimated installation time, energy efficiency, model, features, and brand. 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.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the best protection within your budget.
Get a written quote before HVAC work starts. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. 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 things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician discovers 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 around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Gorham, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is through 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 a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
