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 typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Middletown home, you want to ensure that you're getting the best return on your investment.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Middletown.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
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
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,803-$4,597 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,654-$6,731 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,829-$28,828 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $237-$395 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$158 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,184-$3,551 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $79-$197 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $379-$947 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent coolig and heating year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right 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 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 by the state.
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 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. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Choose a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. For HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask your installation company to provide details on the new model, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, brand, 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 work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
Generally, 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, such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. 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 during the spring and fall. Technicians are 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 throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider installing 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 depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for 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 to look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
