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, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. You want your Lockport home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective heating and cooling.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Lockport can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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:
An HVAC system that's not working properly or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical 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 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$156 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,174-$3,521 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $78-$196 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $376-$939 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists 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.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
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. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks 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 after finishing the work to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new features, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, model, and brand. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
A reputable HVAC company will stand behind its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the company that provides the greatest protection within your budget.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically 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 changes in the temperature — 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 need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Lockport, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to 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).
Normally, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
