Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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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. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Adams home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.
We've assembled this guide to Adams' top HVAC companies to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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 is malfunctioning or getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs 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 let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,874-$4,778 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,798-$6,997 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,941-$29,966 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$410 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$164 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,230-$3,691 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$984 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give 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 the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When hiring an HVAC company, 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 technicians 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 on a state-by-state basis.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Massachusetts. However, HVAC technicians who do certain cooling work may need a Refrigeration Technician License for larger projects.
It's also important to check with your city or municipal government to find out if there are any local licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new brand, model, energy efficiency, features, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection within your budget.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. 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.
Normally, it's best 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 typically sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. 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 home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Adams, you'll probably be fine with a unit on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
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). In Adams, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you may 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:
