10 Best HVAC Companies in Waltham, MA

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:

• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Refrigerant leaks
• Cracking, corrosion, or rust
• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• Odd noises when the system turns on
• Higher than normal energy bills
• Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Waltham

HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for central air or heating, you likely have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to control temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system performs similarly to a standard split system, but has the capacity to draw on either electricity or gas for power.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange hot and cool air between your home and the outdoors. They don't generate their own heat or AC, so they perform best in moderate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems work well in smaller homes. They consist of a single combined heating and air conditioning unit, typically located in a basement or attic. This unit is typically small, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.

• Change filters regularly. Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 1–3 months helps air flow efficiently through your HVAC system. We also recommend regularly clearing dirt and debris away from the external parts of your system.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leaving your blinds open allows your home to benefit from passive solar heating. In the summer, keeping your blinds shut helps to block out heat. Doing both helps minimize the amount of work your HVAC system is required to do.
• Keep your system clean. Cleaning your condenser fan blades, ductwork, grills, and indoor evaporator coil regularly helps your HVAC system work efficiently and lowers the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when it starts to look dirty.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitor your system for issues, for example by consistently checking your thermostat and energy bills. This helps you address issues before they get too expensive.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

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 keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors 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 the type 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.

There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Massachusetts. However, HVAC technicians who do certain cooling work may need a Refrigeration Technician License for larger projects.

It's also a good idea to check with your city or municipal government to find out if HVAC contractors have any local licensing requirements. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of great customer experiences.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new estimated installation time, energy efficiency, features, model, and brand. Before work starts, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.

Compare Warranties

A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair work and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection at a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.