Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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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 your Cleveland home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on ineffective cooling and heating.
We've researched and assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Cleveland to help you hire the best person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
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 getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
If you're experiencing 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 best solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the kind of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,911-$4,873 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,873-$7,135 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,999-$30,557 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $251-$418 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$167 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,255-$3,764 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $84-$209 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $402-$1,004 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can give you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary training and licenses. 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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
HVAC contractors in Tennessee are only required to be licensed if they work on projects valued at $25,000 or more. For these jobs, they require a mechanical contractor license from the Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Many counties will require a Limited Licensed Electrician license to handle jobs involving electrical work, and there may be other local requirements for HVAC contractors. Be sure to check with your city or municipal government before signing a contract. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. You want to hire a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, brand, estimated installation time, features, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, you should schedule inspections 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 reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any window or door leaks to help keep cool air in. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
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, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Cleveland, 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 between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Cleveland, you'll likely look for something on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company might provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
