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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With the cost of living in Litchfield, you're probably eager to find ways to save on your energy bills.
Our guide to Litchfield's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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 isn't working correctly or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better 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:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,005-$5,112 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,063-$7,485 | |
Heat Pump | $3,146-$32,056 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $263-$439 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$176 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,316-$3,949 | |
Thermostat Repair | $88-$219 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $421-$1,053 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
There are no state-level requirements in New Hampshire specifically for HVAC contractors. However, in certain cases, a contractor may require a Oil Heating Technician or Fuel Gas Fitting license from the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. You will also want to verify whether your city or municipality has any local licensing requirements. Reviewing feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system at the end of the job to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new brand, model, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice a year. After the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected 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 is comfortable and don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Litchfield, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Usually, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: