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 February 2024
If you're like most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. Since heating and cooling represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Albany home is functioning optimally.
We've researched and assembled this guide to Albany's top HVAC companies to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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 not working properly or old likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,975-$5,035 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,002-$7,372 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,099-$31,573 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $259-$432 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $65-$173 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,296-$3,889 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $415-$1,037 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning 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.
When hiring an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors 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 by the state.
There is no state-level HVAC licensing in New York; however, there may be local requirements, so be sure to check with your city or municipal government. For example, in some cases, a technician may need an Oil Burning Equipment Installer or High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer license from the NYC Department of Buildings, or a Certificate of Qualification for Refrigerating System Operating Engineer from the Fire Department of New York. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You'll want to select a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, and model. Before work begins, 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.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs 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 within your budget.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, 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 get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your 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 can be influenced by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Albany, 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 than window units for cooling.
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).
Usually, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
