Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. With Willmar's cold winters, you likely feel as though you're spending even more than that. On average, the monthly heating bill for a Willmar resident is $190.
Explore our list of the top HVAC companies in Willmar to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
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 broken or old likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,724-$4,395 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,493-$6,435 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,705-$27,560 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $226-$377 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be costly. Luckily, there are actions you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $57-$151 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,132-$3,395 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $75-$189 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $362-$905 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC contractors. Describe your issues and ask if specialists 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 set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the 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. 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. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with glowing feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. For HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new brand, model, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and features. Before signing paperwork, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services 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 reasonable price.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, 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 you can and don't make drastic temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Willmar, you'll probably be fine with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house 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'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Willmar, you may 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 may consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
