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, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. In Winona, much of your energy costs are probably spent running your heat during the winter. On average, residents spend $190 on heating every month.
Use our guide to the top HVAC companies in Winona to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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 is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,951-$4,975 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,954-$7,285 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,062-$31,198 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$427 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be pricey. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,281-$3,843 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$214 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $410-$1,025 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial 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.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When hiring an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for any individual who helps "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
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. 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. Checking reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, and brand. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
A reputable HVAC company will stand behind its repair work and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review warranty terms for each contractor and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection within your budget.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, like strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are generally 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 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're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Winona, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 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 Winona, you might need a higher-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
