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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. You want your Franklin Park home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective heating and cooling.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Franklin Park.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
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 faulty or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services 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 | $1,854-$4,725 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,756-$6,920 | |
Heat Pump | $2,908-$29,635 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $243-$406 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,217-$3,651 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$203 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $389-$973 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital for an easy 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 companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare 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 skilled 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, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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.
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. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with great feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to explain which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new estimated installation time, model, brand, features, and energy efficiency. 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.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are generally less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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. 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 might also consider getting a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will be based on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase 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 to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Normally, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: