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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward heating and cooling, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Henrietta home is functioning properly.
Our guide to Henrietta's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
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:
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. Watch for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,904-$4,853 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,857-$7,107 | |
Heat Pump | $2,987-$30,434 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$417 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC 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 | $62-$167 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,250-$3,749 | |
Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $400-$1,000 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all technicians who "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 on a state-by-state basis.
The state of New York doesn't have state-level HVAC licensing; 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 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 check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Look for a a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit 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 compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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 temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Henrietta, 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 is likely to be more effective for cooling than window units.
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).
Your HVAC company might provide financing options via 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 find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: