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 most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. You want to be comfortable in your Olean home, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective heating and cooling.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Olean.
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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 HVAC system is broken or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges 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 |
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 ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| 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 important for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When picking an HVAC provider, 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 mandatory for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind 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. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You'll want to select a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new model, features, brand, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it sees 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 is comfortable and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into 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). In Olean, you'll probably want a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
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 Olean, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Typically, 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 through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
