Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than necessary on heating and cooling your Seneca Falls home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
Our guide to the top HVAC companies in Seneca Falls can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make repairs or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and determine 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:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,880-$4,792 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,809-$7,017 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,949-$30,053 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $247-$411 |
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 minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,234-$3,702 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$206 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $395-$987 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for a smooth installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate 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." 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 by the state.
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. Checking reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a provider with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after finishing the work to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, request that the company explain the new energy efficiency, model, estimated installation time, brand, and features. 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.
Reputable HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get a written quote before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, like strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. 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, which makes it 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 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 don't make drastic temperature changes — 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 between one and three days. 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 things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
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 to purchase an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Seneca Falls, a unit on the lower end of this range 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.
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
