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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the Department of Energy. You want to be comfortable in your Unity home, but you also don't want to waste your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Unity.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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 servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex 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 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, 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 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When looking for 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." An individual 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 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 for 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 good customer testimonials.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the particular parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system energy efficiency, estimated installation time, brand, features, 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.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on service and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection within your budget.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A detailed quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, such as leaks, strange noises, 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 an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often 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, the times of the year when it gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain your home's temperature. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider installing a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes 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'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by 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 a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.