Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It's important that the temperature control systems in your Arcadia home are functioning properly, so that you don't spend more than necessary.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in Arcadia can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
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 is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,817-$4,631 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,681-$6,782 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,850-$29,044 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $239-$398 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $60-$159 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,193-$3,578 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $80-$199 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $382-$954 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for a successful 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 companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' 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 who have the necessary licensure and training. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory 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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
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. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with great feedback and good customer testimonials.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, features, energy efficiency, brand, and estimated installation time. 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. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection within your budget.
Get written quotes before beginning HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's smart to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. 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 how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and don't make 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 roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Arcadia, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally 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 through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you could 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 a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
