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, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With so much money invested in heating and cooling your Dickinson home, you want to ensure that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of Dickinson's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
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Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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 fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units 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 may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,839-$4,689 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,727-$6,866 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,886-$29,404 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $241-$402 |
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 minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $60-$161 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,207-$3,622 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $80-$201 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $386-$966 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what 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 on a state-by-state basis.
North Dakota contractors who work on jobs valued over $4,000 are required to be licensed by the Secretary of State's office. The various classes of licenses available allow contractors to work on jobs valued at different amounts. For most residential jobs, any class of license should be adequate. To get a license, a contractor must provide proof of general liability insurance.
Your local municipality may have additional licensing requirements, so make sure that you verify this information prior to signing a contract. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new brand, features, model, estimated installation time, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a fair cost.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice a year. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, 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 takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Dickinson, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Dickinson, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options through 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.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
