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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
If you're like most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. You don't want to spend more than necessary on temperature control in your Vandalia home, so it's critical that all systems are working properly.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Vandalia.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or outdated likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. 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 may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,874-$4,778 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,798-$6,997 | |
Heat Pump | $2,941-$29,966 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$410 |
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 | $62-$164 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,230-$3,691 | |
Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$984 |
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.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual 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.
HVAC contractors in Ohio are licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. To obtain a license, contractors need to have at least five years of experience, have a minimum amount of contractor liability coverage, and pass an exam. Specific jurisdictions may have additional licensing requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider detail which parts need 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 features, brand, energy efficiency, model, and estimated installation time. 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 offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection within your budget.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You may also consider a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace 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 runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
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 general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain your own loan. It's smart 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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: