10 Best HVAC Companies in Dracut, MA

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Look out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:

• Corrosion, cracking, or rust
• Temperature control issues or thermostat malfunctions
• Unusually high energy bills
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• Refrigerant leaks
• Strange noises when the system turns on
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

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 the best course of action.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Dracut

What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

• Split or mini-split: Homes without ductwork for centralized climate control often have split or mini-split HVAC systems. These systems consist of indoor units in each room to control temperature. These indoor units connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions much like a standard split system, but has the capacity to draw on either electricity or gas as energy sources.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange hot and cool air between your home and the outdoors. They don't generate their own heat or AC, so they function best in temperate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a practical choice for smaller houses. These systems have a single combined AC and heating, normally located in an attic or basement. They're compact, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. Prices for common services are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.

• Keep your system clean. Regularly cleaning grills, condenser fan blades, ductwork, and indoor evaporator coil helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and lowers the risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when it starts to look dirty.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by reviewing your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you find and solve issues before they get too expensive.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leaving your blinds open allows your home to benefit from passive solar heating. In the summer, keeping your blinds shut helps to block out heat. Doing both helps minimize the amount of work your HVAC system must perform.
• Change filters regularly. Cleaning or replacing your air filters every 1–3 months helps air flow smoothly through your system. You should also try to keep debris away from the external sections of your HVAC system as much as possible.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Describe 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 contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper licensing and experience. 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 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 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 require a Refrigeration Technician License for larger projects.

You should also check with your city or municipal government to learn if HVAC contractors have any local licensing requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. You want to hire a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new estimated installation time, brand, model, features, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.