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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You want to be comfortable in your Hampton home, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on ineffective heating and cooling.
We've researched and assembled this guide to Hampton's top HVAC companies to help you find the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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 having issues or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,834-$4,676 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,717-$6,848 | |
Heat Pump | $2,878-$29,325 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $241-$401 |
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 ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $60-$161 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,204-$3,612 | |
Thermostat Repair | $80-$201 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $385-$963 |
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.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians who have the necessary training and licenses. In all states, HVAC contractors 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 by the state.
In Michigan, HVAC contractors must be licensed as Mechanical Contractors through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Contractors must have at least three years of experience and must pass an exam. Licenses can be verified on LARA's website. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
Make sure you know the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, features, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and model. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair work 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 full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 is comfortable and don't make drastic temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Hampton, you'll probably be fine with a unit on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Your HVAC company may have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company 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: