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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than necessary on heating and cooling your Middleton home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
Our list of Middleton's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices 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 | $1,997-$5,092 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,047-$7,457 | |
Heat Pump | $3,134-$31,933 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $262-$437 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be expensive. Luckily, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$175 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,311-$3,934 | |
Thermostat Repair | $87-$219 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $420-$1,049 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
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 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 on a state-by-state basis.
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 a good idea to check with your city or municipal government to learn if HVAC contractors have any local licensing requirements. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of your project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new model, features, estimated installation time, brand, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, 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.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A detailed quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. 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 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 unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. 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 generally 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, which is when it normally 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 avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to 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 can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for 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 between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Middleton, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Typically, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might have financing options through a third-party lender, or you might 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: