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, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since heating and cooling represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Owatonna home is functioning optimally.
A talented HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Owatonna.
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
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:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can assess your system, identify problems, and decide whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for some common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,773-$4,521 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,594-$6,620 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,782-$28,352 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $233-$388 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or 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 | $58-$155 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,164-$3,493 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $78-$194 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $373-$931 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for a successful installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend 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 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 make sure to check with your city or municipal government to verify that your contractor meets all requirements. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system at the end of the job to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new estimated installation time, model, features, energy efficiency, and brand. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
A trustworthy HVAC company will stand behind its repair services and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the provider that offers the most protection at a reasonable price.
Get a written quote before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. After the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 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 between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your house, 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 Owatonna, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house over 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 Owatonna, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company might have financing options through a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you find the best option for you.
