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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, Americans devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy costs in Merrimack are often higher than in other places, meaning that you're probably trying to save money on your bill.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Merrimack.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
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:
If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Fees 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 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be expensive. Luckily, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
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 important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' 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, individuals 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 on a state-by-state basis.
There are no state-level requirements in New Hampshire specifically for HVAC contractors. However, some contractors may require a Fuel Gas Fitting or Oil Heating Technician 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. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with great feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system at the end of the job to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, and model. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Get written quotes before beginning any HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors 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 should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Merrimack, you'll probably be fine with a unit on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: