Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, Americans 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 Sauk Rapids home, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective heating and cooling.
We've put together this guide to Sauk Rapids' top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
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 repairs or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and figure out whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. Prices for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,903-$4,852 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,857-$7,105 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,986-$30,427 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$416 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$167 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,249-$3,748 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $400-$1,000 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the type of 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.
Minnesota doesn't have state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors, 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 make sure your contractor meets all requirements. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Choose a company with glowing reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new features, brand, energy efficiency, model, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are often 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 gets 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 around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this may take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any new 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 Sauk Rapids, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually 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 Sauk Rapids, you might need a higher-capacity furnace.
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. 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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
