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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With the cost of living in Chelsea, you're probably eager to save money on your energy bills.
Use our guide to the top HVAC companies in Chelsea to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
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 isn't working correctly or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,048-$5,222 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,151-$7,647 | |
Heat Pump | $3,214-$32,747 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $269-$448 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $67-$179 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,345-$4,034 | |
Thermostat Repair | $90-$224 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $430-$1,076 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is key for an easy installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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 on a state-by-state basis.
Massachusetts doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, HVAC technicians who work on certain cooling jobs may require a Refrigeration Technician License for larger projects.
It's also a good idea to check with your city or municipal government to find out if HVAC contractors have any local licensing requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with great feedback and good customer testimonials.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new model, features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and brand. Before signing a contract, be sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a fair cost.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: