Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In Oak Grove, a significant portion of your energy spending likely goes toward cooling down in the summer. On average, residents spend $110 every month cooling their homes.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in Oak Grove to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
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 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 indicators that your system requires expert attention:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,823-$4,646 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,693-$6,804 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,860-$29,138 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $239-$399 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $60-$160 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,196-$3,589 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $80-$199 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $383-$957 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent coolig and heating year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When picking an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for any individual who helps "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 at the state level.
HVAC contractors in South Carolina are required to be licensed as mechanical contractors through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Contractor's Licensing Board. This license can have multiple specialities, such as Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Heating, Electrical, or Plumbing, depending on what's required for a specific project. Contractors need to have one year of work experience and must pass an exam to earn a license. Individual cities or counties may have additional requirements. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You want to hire a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, and features. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A thorough quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.
You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any door or window leaks to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Oak Grove, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Oak Grove, you'll likely need a unit on the higher end of this range. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
