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 energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. It's important that the heating and cooling systems in your West St. Paul home are functioning optimally, so that you don't spend more than necessary.
We've compiled this guide to West St. Paul's top HVAC companies to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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 home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your 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 prices vary based on the work 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 | $2,098-$5,347 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,250-$7,830 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,291-$33,533 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $275-$459 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $69-$184 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,377-$4,131 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $92-$229 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $441-$1,102 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC contractors. Explain 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 companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
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 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. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Choose a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new brand, features, model, estimated installation time, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be 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 start to notice any issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this may take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any new 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 West St. Paul, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In West St. Paul, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Typically, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you may be able 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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
