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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like most Americans, over half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward heating and cooling, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Walpole home is functioning optimally.
Our list of Walpole's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
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:
If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
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 the best course of action.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,026-$5,164 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,105-$7,563 | |
Heat Pump | $3,178-$32,387 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $266-$443 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be pricey. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$177 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,330-$3,990 | |
Thermostat Repair | $89-$222 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $426-$1,064 |
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 air conditioning and heating for your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC contractors. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. 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 work on certain cooling jobs may need a Refrigeration Technician License for larger projects.
You should also check with your city or municipal government to find out if HVAC contractors have any local licensing requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Make sure you know the details of any project before it begins. For HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, features, energy efficiency, brand, and estimated installation time. 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.
A trustworthy HVAC company will stand behind its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the company that provides the greatest protection at a reasonable price.
Get written bids before beginning HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably sees 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 is comfortable, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You may also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your home, 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 to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: