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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward heating and cooling, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Waterboro home is functioning properly.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Waterboro.
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Clear pricing policy
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Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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 home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and figure out whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs 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 fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps 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 what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer 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 companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When selecting an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper 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." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Maine. 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 check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. You want to hire a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system energy efficiency, features, model, estimated installation time, and brand. Before work begins, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reputable HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Confirm that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 don't make drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Waterboro, you can probably make do with a unit 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 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).
Your HVAC company might offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: