Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. With so much money invested in heating and cooling your Fredonia home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of Fredonia's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
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 repairs or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,764-$4,497 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,574-$6,585 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,768-$28,201 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $232-$386 |
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 ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $58-$154 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,158-$3,474 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $77-$193 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $371-$926 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to 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 the type 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 a High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer or Oil Burning Equipment Installer 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 Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Choose a company with glowing reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, model, 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.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the best protection for the fairest price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, so it will be 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 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 temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be influenced by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Fredonia, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will 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).
Your HVAC company might have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
