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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. With so much money invested in heating and cooling your Gardner home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in Gardner can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.
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Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need multiple types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are 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 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,271-$3,814 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$212 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $407-$1,017 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important 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.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the type of 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 by the state.
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. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the particular parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new brand, features, energy efficiency, model, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are 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, 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 you can and avoid making drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Gardner, 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'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Your HVAC company may have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: