10 Best HVAC Companies in Mehlville, MO

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your HVAC system is faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:

• Rust, corrosion, or cracking
• Refrigerant leaks
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Temperature control issues or thermostat malfunctions
• Poor air circulation or uneven heating/cooling
• Higher than normal energy bills
• Strange noises when the system turns on
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Mehlville

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

• Split or mini-split: If your home's ductwork can't accommodate a central HVAC system, you probably have a split or mini-split system. Split systems have indoor units in each room to regulate temperature. These indoor units all connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system performs similarly to a standard split system, but has the capacity to draw on either electricity or gas as energy sources.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps transfer hot and cool air between your home and the outdoors. They don't generate their own heat or AC, so they function best in mild climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are often a good option for smaller homes. These systems consist of a single combined heating and cooling unit, typically located in a basement or attic. This unit tends to be efficient, compact, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different maintenance services. Costs for some common services are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.

• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Opening your blinds in winter allows passive solar heat into your house. Closing your blinds in summer blocks some heat from getting indoors. Both of these measures help decrease the work required from your HVAC system.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for problems — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills routinely — helps you get ahead of problems before they get too expensive.
• Change filters regularly. Air flows most effectively through your HVAC system when you change out or clean the filters every 30–90 days. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the external sections of your HVAC.
• Keep your system clean. Regularly cleaning grills, indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, and condenser fan blades helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and reduces the risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your system when it starts to look dirty.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

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

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper 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, contractors must pass an exam (the specific 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 on a state-by-state basis.

There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Missouri; however, most municipalities have local requirements. It's important 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 look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new brand, energy efficiency, model, features, and estimated installation time. 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.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a fair cost.

Get Quote in Writing

Get written estimates before beginning any HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.