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, Americans devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Cortland home, you want to ensure that you're getting the best return on your investment.
A top 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 Cortland.
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need several types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,947-$4,962 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,944-$7,266 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,054-$31,119 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$426 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or 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 | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,278-$3,833 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,022 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital for a successful installation or repair. Hiring 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, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When hiring an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to 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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
The state of New York doesn't have state-level HVAC licensing; 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 read reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts need 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 model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, brand, and features. 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 provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it gets 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 don't make drastic changes in the temperature — only 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 may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Cortland, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Cortland, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Typically, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
