10 Best HVAC Companies in Rockingham, NC

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Watch out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:

• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Strange noises when turning on
• Unusually high energy bills
• Refrigerant leaks
• Corrosion, rust, or cracking
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

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.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Rockingham

What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

• Split or mini-split: Homes without ductwork for central heating and cooling often have split or mini-split HVAC systems. These systems consist of indoor units in each room to control temperature, which all connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system performs similarly to a standard split system, but has the capacity to draw on either gas or electricity for power.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange hot and cool air between your home and the outdoors. They don't make their own heat or AC, so they function best in temperate climates and may not be as effective during Rockingham's hot summers.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a great choice for smaller homes. They have a single cooling and heating unit, normally in an attic or basement. This unit is often small, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.

• Keep your system clean. Cleaning your condenser fan blades, indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, and grills regularly helps keep your HVAC system working efficiently and lowers the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system once it begins to look dirty.
• Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you replace or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also try not to let debris pile up on the outside areas of your HVAC.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leaving your blinds open allows your home to benefit from passive solar heating. In the summer, keeping your blinds shut helps to block out heat. Doing both helps minimize the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for problems — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills regularly — helps you get ahead of problems before they get too expensive.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. 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 in your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Get quotes from three or more HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on the kind of equipment they plan to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.

HVAC contractors in North Carolina must be licensed by 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. Contractors may hold multiple different licenses for different kinds of jobs. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. You'll want to select a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need 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, ask the provider to explain the new features, model, estimated installation time, brand, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.

Get Quote in Writing

Get written estimates before starting any HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.