10 Best HVAC Companies in Carlisle, PA

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs expert attention:

• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Higher than normal energy bills
• Refrigerant leaks
• Corrosion, rust, or cracking
• Strange noises when the system turns on
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

Book an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can assess your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Carlisle

The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home's ductwork can't accommodate a central HVAC system, you probably have a split or mini-split system. Split systems have indoor units in each room to regulate temperature. These indoor units all connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions very similarly to a standard split system. It has the benefit of having the capability to use either gas or electricity for power.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange warm and cold air between your home and the outdoors. They don't generate their own heat or AC, so they work best in moderate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems work well in smaller houses. They consist of a single combined heating and air conditioning unit, commonly located in an attic or basement. This unit is typically small, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.

• Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you replace or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the outdoor parts of your HVAC.
• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leaving your blinds open allows your home to benefit from passive solar heating. In the summer, keeping your blinds shut helps to block out heat. Doing both decreases the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by checking your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you identify and fix problems before they get too expensive.
• Keep your system clean. Keeping your condenser fan blades, ductwork, grills, and indoor evaporator coil clean enables your HVAC system to function properly and lowers the risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association suggests cleaning your home's HVAC when you notice it starting to get dirty.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Get quotes from three or more HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required 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 by the state.

Pennsylvania doesn't have state-level requirements for general HVAC licensing; however, there may be local licensing requirements or certifications required to work on specific projects. You can also verify whether a contracting company has a valid Pennsylvania business license. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system at the end of the job to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new features, estimated installation time, model, energy efficiency, and brand. Before work starts, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.

Compare Warranties

Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a fair price.

Get Quote in Writing

Get a written quote before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.