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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. This may not surprise you if you live in Berlin and spend all winter running your heat. The average resident spends $230 a month on their heating.
We've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Berlin to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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:
An HVAC system that's broken or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,851-$4,719 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,751-$6,910 | |
Heat Pump | $2,904-$29,591 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $243-$405 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,215-$3,645 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$972 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
New Hampshire doesn't have specific state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, some contractors may require a Oil Heating Technician or Fuel Gas Fitting license from the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. You will also want to check whether there are local licensing requirements in your city or municipality. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are completed to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, request that the installation company describe the new energy efficiency, features, model, estimated installation time, and brand. 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.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also schedule an inspection 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.
Usually, you should 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 likely sees 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 you can and avoid making drastic temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. 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 depend on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Berlin, you'll be better off going with a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Berlin, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Typically, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: