Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. It's important to make sure the heating and cooling systems in your Grand Forks home are functioning properly, so you can avoid spending more than necessary.
We've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Grand Forks to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
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 not working properly or old likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,870-$4,767 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,789-$6,980 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,934-$29,894 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$409 |
Essential HVAC maintenance 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 | $61-$164 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,228-$3,683 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $393-$982 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary licensure and training. 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." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
North Dakota contractors who work on jobs valued at more than $4,000 are required to be licensed by the Secretary of State's office. Various classes of license are available, which allow contractors to work on jobs valued at different amounts; for most residential jobs, any class of license should be sufficient. To get a license, a contractor must show proof of general liability insurance.
Your local municipality may have additional licensing requirements, so be sure to verify this information before signing a contract. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the particular parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, brand, and features. Before signing a contract, 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 services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, so it will be 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 changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Grand Forks, you'll probably want a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) 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 Grand Forks, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may provide financing options through a third-party lender, or you might 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 a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
