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
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. It's important that the heating and cooling systems in your Minot home are functioning properly, so you can avoid spending more than you need to.
We've compiled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Minot to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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:
If your HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,794-$4,573 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,635-$6,696 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,814-$28,676 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $236-$393 |
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 methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$157 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,178-$3,533 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $79-$196 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $377-$942 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the proper 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 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. 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 appropriate. To apply for a license, a contractor must provide proof of general liability insurance.
Individual municipalities may have additional licensing requirements, so make sure that you verify this information before signing a contract. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Look for a a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, brand, features, estimated installation time, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair work and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review the fine print for each contractor and choose the company that provides the most protection within your budget.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often 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, the times of the year when it gets the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses 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 you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Minot, you'll be better off going with a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
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 Minot, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
