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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With Dalton's higher cost of living, you're likely eager to save money on your energy bills.
We've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Dalton to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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 HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these indicators your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the type of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,877-$4,785 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,804-$7,007 | |
Heat Pump | $2,945-$30,009 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$411 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $62-$164 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,232-$3,697 | |
Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$986 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors 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.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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 by the state.
In Michigan, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed as Mechanical Contractors through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Contractors need to have at least three years of experience and pass an exam. You can verify a license on LARA's website. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. You'll want to select a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are completed to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the provider describe the new estimated installation time, energy efficiency, brand, model, and features. 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 stand behind their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely 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 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, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Dalton, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to 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 have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart 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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: