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, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. You want your Cookeville home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective cooling and heating.
Our guide to Cookeville's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 nearing the end of its lifespan, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,805-$4,601 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,657-$6,738 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,832-$28,857 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $237-$395 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to minimize progressive deterioration and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $59-$158 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,185-$3,555 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $79-$197 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $379-$948 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe 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.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians with the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all technicians who "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 on a state-by-state basis.
In Tennessee, HVAC contractors only require a license when working on projects valued above $25,000. 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 work on 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. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee proper operation. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system features, estimated installation time, model, brand, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A detailed quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. After the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to 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 typically sees the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. 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 an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Cookeville, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
