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
If you're like the typical American homeowner, over half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With Forest Lake's cold winters, you probably feel as though you're spending even more than that. On average, the monthly heating bill for a resident of Forest Lake is $200.
Our list of Forest Lake'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.
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
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:
If your HVAC system is broken or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $2,029-$5,171 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,110-$7,573 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,183-$32,430 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $266-$444 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is important, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $67-$178 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,332-$3,995 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $89-$222 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $426-$1,065 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by 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 the 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.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Minnesota, although all contractors are required to file a $25,000 mechanical contractor bond with the Department of Labor and Industry. Many areas also have local licensing regulations, so be sure to check with your city or municipal government to verify that your contractor meets all requirements. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Choose a company with glowing reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
Make sure you know the details of any project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, and model. Before signing a contract, 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 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 company that provides the most protection within your budget.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A detailed quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it gets 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 temperature changes — 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 only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Forest Lake, you can probably make do 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'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Forest Lake, you might need a higher-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
