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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward heating and cooling, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Yarmouth home is functioning optimally.
We've assembled this guide to Yarmouth's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
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 faulty or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs 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 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be pricey. Luckily, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $62-$166 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,247-$3,742 | |
Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $399-$998 |
Finding the right HVAC company is key for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors who "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 on a state-by-state basis.
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 through the Maine Fuel Board, including Master Oil Burner and/or Solid Fuel Technician, Propane and Natural Gas Technician, Limited Propane Energy Auditor, Limited Oil Energy Auditor, Limited Tank Installer, and Limited Wood Pellet Technician. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for a a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, brand, features, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, 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 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 don't make drastic temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Yarmouth, you'll probably be fine 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 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).
Your HVAC company might have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: