Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
If you're like the average American, over half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. It's important to make sure the heating and cooling systems in your Commack home are working properly, so that you don't spend more than necessary.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Commack can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
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 may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,948-$4,966 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,947-$7,272 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,056-$31,141 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$426 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,279-$3,836 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,023 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for a successful installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled 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, contractors must pass an exam (the specific 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 by the state.
There is no state-level HVAC licensing in New York. However, many cities and municipalities have their own requirements, so be sure to check with your local 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. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new estimated installation time, features, model, brand, and energy efficiency. Before signing paperwork, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Usually, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Typically, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might offer financing options via a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
