Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the Department of Energy. This probably isn't a surprise if you live in Claremont and spend all winter running your heat. The average resident spends $200 a month on their heating.
Our guide to Claremont's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,951-$4,974 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,953-$7,283 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,061-$31,191 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$427 |
HVAC upkeep 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.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,281-$3,842 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $410-$1,025 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate 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 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 on a state-by-state basis.
There are no state-level requirements in New Hampshire specifically for HVAC contractors. However, in certain cases, a contractor may require a Fuel Gas Fitting or Oil Heating Technician license from the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. You will also want to verify whether your city or municipality has any local licensing requirements. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with great feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts need 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, ask the provider to explain the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, model, and features. Before work starts, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A detailed quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you understand 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 services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. 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 tend to be less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 changes in the temperature — 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 between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Claremont, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Claremont, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
