Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the average American, over half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. With the cost of living in West Fargo, you're likely eager to reduce your energy bills.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in West Fargo to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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 broken or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and determine whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will differ depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types 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 can require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,834-$4,676 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,717-$6,848 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,878-$29,325 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $241-$401 |
It’s important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, 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 | $1,204-$3,612 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $80-$201 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $385-$963 |
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 ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the specific 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 by the state.
All contractors in North Dakota who work on jobs valued at more than $4,000 must 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 provide proof of general liability insurance.
Individual municipalities may have additional licensing requirements, so be sure to verify this information prior to signing a contract. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.
Make sure you know the details of any project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new energy efficiency, brand, model, estimated installation time, and features. 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 offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the best protection within your budget.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both labor and materials. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have an inspection 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 to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system 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 you can and don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. 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 depend on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In West Fargo, 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 an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In West Fargo, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Typically, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options through a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
