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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Energy expenses in Joppatowne are often higher than in other places, meaning that you'd probably like to save money on your bill.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Joppatowne.
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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 isn't working correctly or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,906-$4,859 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,862-$7,115 | |
Heat Pump | $2,990-$30,470 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$417 |
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 slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$167 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,251-$3,754 | |
Thermostat Repair | $83-$209 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $400-$1,001 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they plan 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 on a state-by-state basis.
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 must have at least three years of experience and must hold both general liability and property damage 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.
Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should specify 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, ask the provider to explain the new energy efficiency, features, model, brand, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review 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 required. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected 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 typically sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You may also consider installing 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 takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into 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 to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: