Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You want your Berkeley Heights home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
A talented HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Berkeley Heights.
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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 HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can evaluate your system, identify problems, and figure out whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,996-$5,089 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,045-$7,452 | |
Heat Pump | $3,132-$31,912 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $262-$437 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$175 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,310-$3,931 | |
Thermostat Repair | $87-$218 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $419-$1,048 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
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 providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor 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.
In New Jersey, HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors. Contractors must be bonded and must participate in ongoing education, and individuals who operate an HVAC business must have general liability insurance. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, brand, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a fair cost.
Get written estimates before beginning HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times 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, which is when it normally sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You may also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected 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. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will 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).
Normally, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: