Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Dartmouth home, you want to ensure that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of Dartmouth's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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 HVAC system is broken or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different maintenance services. Fees for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,943-$4,954 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,938-$7,255 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,049-$31,069 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $255-$425 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,276-$3,827 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $408-$1,021 |
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 make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors 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 at the state level.
The state of Massachusetts doesn't have state-level HVAC contractor licensing requirements. 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. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You want to hire a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new energy efficiency, features, model, brand, and estimated installation time. Before signing paperwork, make 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.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system 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 around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might 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:
