Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. You don't want to spend more than necessary on heating and cooling your Dudley home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
We've researched and assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Dudley to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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. Look for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also depends on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,937-$4,937 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,924-$7,229 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,038-$30,960 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $254-$424 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, 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 | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,271-$3,814 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$212 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $407-$1,017 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When picking 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 required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors 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.
The state of Massachusetts doesn't have state-level HVAC contractor licensing requirements. However, HVAC technicians who work on certain cooling jobs may need a Refrigeration Technician License for larger projects.
It's also important to check with your city or municipal government to learn if there are any local licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new features, estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, and model. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
A reputable HVAC company will stand behind its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection within your budget.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Dudley, you'll probably be fine with a unit on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally 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).
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
