Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. You want your Saco home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
Our guide to Saco's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
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 home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is 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 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$163 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,220-$3,661 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $391-$976 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists 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.
When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for any individual who helps "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
Maine doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. 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, Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician, Propane and Natural Gas Technician, Limited Wood Pellet Technician, and Limited Tank Installer. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, features, and brand. Before starting the project, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair services and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the provider that offers the best protection at a reasonable price.
Get written bids before beginning HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to 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 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 you can and avoid making drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this may take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Saco, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
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).
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
