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 energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With the higher cost of living in Lexington, you're probably eager to save money on your energy bills.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Lexington.
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
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 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 see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. Prices for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $2,072-$5,282 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,198-$7,734 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,251-$33,122 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $272-$453 |
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 methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $68-$181 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,360-$4,080 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $91-$227 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $435-$1,088 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled 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, an individual must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the 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.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Massachusetts. However, HVAC technicians who do certain cooling work may require 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. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. You'll want to select a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts need 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 system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, and model. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review warranty terms for each contractor and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection at a reasonable price.
Get a written estimate before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept 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, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like 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 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 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 try to adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes 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 might provide financing options through a third-party lender, or you may choose 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're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
