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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Since heating and cooling represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Inwood home is functioning optimally.
We've put together this guide to Inwood's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
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 might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
If you're experiencing any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,970-$5,022 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,992-$7,354 | |
Heat Pump | $3,091-$31,494 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $259-$431 |
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 | $65-$172 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,293-$3,880 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $414-$1,035 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required 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.
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 check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You want to hire a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Always make sure you know the details of your project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, model, features, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, 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 are generally 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, the times of the year when it 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 the temperature of your home. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You may also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need 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, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want 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 an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: