Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You want to be comfortable in your Salem home, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Salem.
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $2,004-$5,108 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,060-$7,480 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,144-$32,034 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $263-$438 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are 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 | $66-$175 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,315-$3,946 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $88-$219 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $421-$1,052 |
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 fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for any individual who helps "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 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 Fuel Gas Fitting or Oil Heating Technician license from the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board. You should also verify whether there are local licensing requirements in your city or municipality. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a company with stellar reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system at the end of the job to ensure proper operation. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system features, estimated installation time, model, brand, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair services and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the company that provides the greatest protection within your budget.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically 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 avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Salem, 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 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).
Your HVAC company may offer financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
