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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than necessary on heating and cooling your Manchester home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
We've compiled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Manchester to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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:
If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the type of unit. 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. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,947-$4,962 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,944-$7,266 | |
Heat Pump | $3,054-$31,119 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$426 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,278-$3,833 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,022 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning 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, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When hiring an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors 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." Contractors 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, 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 look at reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system afterward to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, request that the installation company 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.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared 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 is comfortable and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — only 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 an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Manchester, 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'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: