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 U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. In Altus, a significant portion of your energy usage probably goes toward cooling down in the summer. On average, residents spend $110 a month cooling their homes.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in Altus to find the best choice for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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 home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the type of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,794-$4,574 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,636-$6,698 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,815-$28,684 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $236-$393 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be pricey. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$157 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,178-$3,533 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $79-$196 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $377-$942 |
Finding the right HVAC company is crucial for a smooth installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC contractors. 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.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors 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 the kind of equipment they intend 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.
HVAC contractors in Oklahoma must be licensed by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. To complete HVAC work, a contractor can have an HVAC/R limited license (which lets them work only on small jobs) or an HVAC/R unlimited license (which lets them work on all jobs). Individuals must have four years of experience and must pass an exam to become fully licensed contractors. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to explain which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system at the end of the job to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new features, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, model, and brand. Before work begins, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that provides the best protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an 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, like leaks, unusual smells, 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 during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it 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 sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any leaks around your doors and windows to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Altus, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to 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 Altus, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart 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:
