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 energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In Windham, you're likely looking to reduce this energy expense and save money.
We've put together this guide to Windham's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
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Informative resources
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Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Charitable_giving
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Charitable_giving
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Award_winning
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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 nearing the end of its lifespan, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is 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 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is important, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| 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 important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper 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, an individual must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the 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 by the state.
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. Individuals can also obtain speciality licenses through the Maine Fuel Board, including Limited Wood Pellet Technician, Limited Propane Energy Auditor, Limited Oil Energy Auditor, Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician, Propane and Natural Gas Technician, and Limited Tank Installer. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You want to hire a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are done to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the provider describe the new estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, features, and model. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it 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 possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician discovers.
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 between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Windham, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
