10 Best HVAC Companies in Philadelphia, 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. Watch for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:

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

If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Philadelphia

Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home doesn't have the right ductwork for central air or heating, you probably have a split HVAC system. Split or mini-split systems consist of interior units that regulate the temperature in individual rooms. These interior units are all connected to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system operates similar to a normal split system, but has the benefit of being able to draw power from either electric or gas sources.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps work by circulating hot and cold air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't generate heat or air conditioning themselves, and are more suited to more 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, typically located in a basement or attic. This unit is typically compact, energy-efficient, and straightforward to maintain.

HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different maintenance services. Costs for some common services are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

HVAC upkeep is important, but can be expensive. Luckily, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.

• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Opening your blinds in winter allows passive solar heat into your house. Closing your blinds in summer blocks some heat from getting indoors. Both of these measures help lower the work required from your house's HVAC system.
• Keep your system clean. Keeping your indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, condenser fan blades, and grills clean helps your system run and reduces the chance of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that you clean your HVAC system whenever it begins to look dirty.
• Change filters regularly. Changing or cleaning your air filters every 1–3 months helps air flow efficiently through your HVAC system. We also recommend regularly clearing dirt and debris away from the external parts of your system.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for issues — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills routinely — helps you get ahead of problems before they get too expensive.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Request estimates from three or more HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor 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 at the state level.

There are no state-level requirements for general HVAC licensing in Pennsylvania; 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. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. You want to hire a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, brand, energy efficiency, features, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a reasonable cost.

Get Quote in Writing

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