Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
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. You want your Clemmons home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on inefficient cooling and heating.
We've put together this guide to Clemmons' top HVAC companies to help you find the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being 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 | $1,855-$4,730 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,760-$6,927 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,911-$29,664 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $244-$406 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, 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 | $61-$162 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,218-$3,654 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $390-$974 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent coolig and heating year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When picking an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states 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 on a state-by-state basis.
In North Carolina, HVAC contractors must be licensed via the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Not all individuals who work for a licensed firm need to be individually licensed; however, all work must be supervised by a licensed contractor. A contractor may hold multiple different licenses for different kinds of jobs. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with positive reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new brand, model, estimated installation time, features, and energy efficiency. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
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 provides the most comprehensive coverage at a fair cost.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Normally, your HVAC system should be 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, 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 an HVAC inspection 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, the times of the year when it sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to keep your home cool. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things 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, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Clemmons, you may be able to make do with a furnace on the lower end of this range.
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 Clemmons, you'll likely want a unit on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
