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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. It's important that the cooling and heating systems in your Germantown home are functioning properly, so you can avoid spending more than you need to.
We've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Germantown to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some 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 fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $65-$173 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,297-$3,892 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $415-$1,038 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital 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.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate 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, individuals must pass an exam (the type of 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 at the state level.
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 is required to have at least three years of experience and must hold both property damage and general liability insurance. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You'll want to select a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are done to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new brand, model, energy efficiency, features, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection within your budget.
Get written estimates before beginning HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, you should schedule inspections 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 probably sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could 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 things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system 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 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.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: