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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. With the cost of living in Mount Vernon, you're likely eager to reduce your energy bills.
Our guide to Mount Vernon's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Our Rating
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
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 is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,974-$5,032 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,000-$7,369 | |
Heat Pump | $3,097-$31,558 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $259-$432 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $65-$173 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,296-$3,888 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $415-$1,037 |
Finding the right HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate 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, individuals must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the kind of equipment they plan 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.
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 check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new brand, estimated installation time, model, features, and energy efficiency. Before work starts, be sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, like leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are generally 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, when it typically gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain your home's temperature. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at once. You could also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 may offer financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: