Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. With New Prague's cold winters, you likely feel as though you're spending even more than that. The average monthly heating bill for a resident of New Prague is $190.
We've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in New Prague to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Reliable customer support
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Informative resources
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Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or old likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $2,000-$5,098 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,052-$7,465 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,137-$31,969 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $263-$438 |
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 minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $66-$175 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,313-$3,938 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $88-$219 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $420-$1,050 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for a smooth installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states 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." 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 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. There may also be local licensing regulations, so always 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 testimonials about fantastic customer experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and model. Before starting the project, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A detailed quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, so it will be 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 the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In New Prague, you'll probably be fine with a unit that's 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). In New Prague, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn 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:
