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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. Energy expenses in Niskayuna tend to be higher than in some other places, meaning that you'd probably like to save money on your bill.
A top HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Niskayuna.
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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 getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,936-$4,936 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,923-$7,228 | |
Heat Pump | $3,038-$30,953 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $254-$424 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,271-$3,813 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$212 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $407-$1,017 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians with the necessary training and licenses. 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 contractors who "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 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. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system at the end of the job to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new features, estimated installation time, model, energy efficiency, and brand. Before work begins, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets 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 avoid making drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase 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 an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Niskayuna, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. In general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.