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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward cooling and heating, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Darby home is functioning optimally.
We've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Darby to help you find the best person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
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 suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $2,012-$5,130 | |
Hybrid Split | $4,078-$7,512 | |
Heat Pump | $3,157-$32,171 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $264-$440 |
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 methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $66-$176 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,321-$3,963 | |
Thermostat Repair | $88-$220 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $423-$1,057 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists 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 company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors must 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." 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 confirm whether a company has a valid Pennsylvania business license. Also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with glowing feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system estimated installation time, features, energy efficiency, brand, and model. Before work begins, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the best protection for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, 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.
It takes around one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be determined 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, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective for cooling than window units.
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).
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: