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 average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. It's important that the heating and cooling systems in your Plattekill home are working properly, so you can avoid spending more than you need to.
A talented HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Plattekill.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for some common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,882-$4,797 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,813-$7,024 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,952-$30,081 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $247-$412 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,235-$3,706 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$206 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $395-$988 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary training and licenses. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for any individual who helps "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.
There is no state-level HVAC licensing in New York. 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. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new brand, energy efficiency, features, model, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, 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 back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A comprehensive quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are generally 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, when it typically gets 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 you can and avoid making drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to 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 may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Plattekill, you'll probably be fine with a unit on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.
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:
