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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. In Chevy Chase, you're probably looking to reduce your energy usage and save money on your bills.
Our guide to Chevy Chase's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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. Look for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need several types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,976-$5,038 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,004-$7,378 | |
Heat Pump | $3,101-$31,594 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $259-$432 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $65-$173 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,297-$3,892 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $415-$1,038 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent coolig and heating year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary training and licenses. 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." 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.
In Maryland, HVAC contractors are licensed by the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. To obtain a master or master restricted license, a contractor must have at least three years of experience and must hold both general liability and property damage insurance. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with glowing reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, energy efficiency, model, estimated installation time, and features. Before work begins, 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 stand behind its repair work and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the company that provides the best protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes 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 might also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
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 general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may provide financing options through a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company 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: