Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 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. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Lewiston home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Lewiston can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Look out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and determine whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,788-$4,558 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,623-$6,674 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,805-$28,583 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $235-$391 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$156 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,174-$3,521 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $78-$196 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $376-$939 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When selecting 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 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.
There is no state-level HVAC licensing in New York. 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. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with glowing feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the particular parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. For replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, features, model, 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.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's smart to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 you can and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — 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 one to three days for the entire system. 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 be based on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Lewiston, you'll probably be fine with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective than window units for cooling.
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 might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
