10 Best HVAC Companies in Kansas City, MO

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or outdated likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:

• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• Refrigerant leaks
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Rust, cracking, or corrosion
• Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
• Strange noises when the system turns on
• Unusually high energy bills
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you notice any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and determine whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Kansas City

Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:

• Split or mini-split: Homes without ductwork for central air often have split or mini-split HVAC systems. These systems consist of interior units in each room to control temperature. These indoor units connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions comparably to a regular split system. It gives flexibility by providing the option to use either electricity or gas for energy.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps work by moving warm and cool air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't create heat or air conditioning themselves, and are more effective in more moderate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a good choice for smaller homes. They have a single heating and cooling unit, usually in a basement or attic. This unit is often compact, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.

• Keep your system clean. Keeping your grills, indoor evaporator coil, condenser fan blades, and ductwork clean helps your HVAC system function properly and lowers your risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association suggests cleaning your home's HVAC when you notice it starting to get dirty.
• Change filters regularly. Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 30–90 days helps air flow efficiently through your system. You should also try to keep debris away from the outside areas of your HVAC system as much as possible.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leaving your blinds open allows your home to benefit from passive solar heating. In the summer, keeping your blinds shut helps to block out heat. Doing both lowers the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by checking your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you find and solve issues before they get out of hand.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Finding the right HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states 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 at the state level.

The state of Missouri doesn't have state-level HVAC contractor licensing requirements; however, most municipalities have local requirements. It's in your best interest to check with your local government to understand requirements for licenses such as HVAC Contractor or HVAC Journeyman Contractor. You can also verify that a company holds a valid business license. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about fantastic customer experiences.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system at the end of the job to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new brand, model, features, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, 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.

Compare Warranties

A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services 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 provider that offers the best protection within your budget.

Get Quote in Writing

Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.