Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than you need to on heating and cooling your Old Orchard Beach home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
Our guide to Old Orchard Beach's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Look out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can assess your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,859-$4,739 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,767-$6,940 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,917-$29,721 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $244-$407 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$163 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,220-$3,661 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $391-$976 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers 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. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors 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 at the state level.
Maine doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, contractors who complete electrical work while working on an HVAC system must be licensed by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation Electricians' Examining Board. An individual can also obtain speciality licenses through the Maine Fuel Board, including Limited Wood Pellet Technician, Limited Tank Installer, Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician, Propane and Natural Gas Technician, and Limited Propane Energy Auditor, Limited Oil Energy Auditor. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to ensure that everything works. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system energy efficiency, model, estimated installation time, brand, and features. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
A reputable HVAC company will stand behind its repair work and equipment 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 greatest 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 accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea to 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 typically sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and 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 vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Old Orchard Beach, you'll probably be fine with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
