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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
If you're like most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward cooling and heating, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Brandywine home is functioning optimally.
Browse our guide to the top HVAC companies in Brandywine to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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 HVAC system is broken or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, detect problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require several different services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,998-$5,093 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,048-$7,458 | |
Heat Pump | $3,135-$31,940 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $262-$437 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$175 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,312-$3,935 | |
Thermostat Repair | $87-$219 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $420-$1,049 |
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 ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to 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." 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 by the state.
HVAC contractors in Maryland are licensed by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. To obtain a master or master restricted license, a contractor is required to have at least three years of experience and must hold both property damage and general liability insurance. Checking reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, features, and model. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the best 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.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. After the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, it's smart to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. 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 how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for 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 around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Typically, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may provide 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're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: