Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. With the cost of living in St. Michael, you're likely eager to reduce your energy bills.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in St. Michael to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical 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 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be costly. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual 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 makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper 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, 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 by the state.
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 make sure to check with your city or municipal government to make sure your contractor meets all requirements. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, features, brand, estimated installation time, and energy efficiency. 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 reputable 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 at a reasonable price.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also call a technician 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 an HVAC inspection are 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, when it typically 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 is comfortable and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In St. Michael, you'll be better off going with a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In St. Michael, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may provide 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 find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
