Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Since cooling and heating represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Beatrice home is functioning properly.
We've compiled this guide to Beatrice's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also depends on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,870-$4,768 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,790-$6,982 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,934-$29,901 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$409 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$164 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,228-$3,683 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $393-$982 |
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 for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they plan 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.
The state of Nebraska doesn't have any specific licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, all contractors in the state must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor, and any companies with employees must have workers' compensation insurance. Your city or municipality may have additional requirements, so make sure that you check with your local government before signing a contract. Checking reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer 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. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new model, estimated installation time, features, brand, and energy efficiency. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. After the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. 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 throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You might also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
