Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Help us match you with local pros in your area
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Join more than 640 people who have gotten a free quote in the past week.
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, Americans devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the Department of Energy. You want to be comfortable in your Elk River home, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
Our list of Elk River's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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:
An HVAC system that's broken or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,929-$4,917 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,909-$7,201 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,026-$30,838 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $253-$422 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,266-$3,799 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $84-$211 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $405-$1,013 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the type of 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 on a state-by-state basis.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Minnesota, although all contractors must file a $25,000 mechanical contractor bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Many areas also have local licensing regulations, so make sure to check with your city or municipal government to verify that your contractor meets all requirements. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the exact parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new model, features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and brand. 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 back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Normally, 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 call a technician if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is 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 is comfortable and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, 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 a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Elk River, you'll probably be fine with a unit on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective than window units for cooling.
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). In Elk River, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may offer financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
