Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With so much money invested in cooling and heating your Fairview home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our guide to Fairview's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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 HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, identify problems, and decide whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,965-$5,008 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,981-$7,334 | |
Heat Pump | $3,082-$31,407 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $258-$430 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$172 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,290-$3,869 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$215 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $413-$1,032 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable 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 heating and cooling year-round.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC contractors. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all technicians 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 at the state level.
HVAC contractors in Tennessee are only required to be licensed if they work on projects valued at $25,000 or more. In these cases, 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. Make sure that you check with your city or municipal government before signing a contract. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a company with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts require replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, features, and model. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have an inspection if you start to notice any issues, like strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets 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. Set your thermostat 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 leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your home, 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 Fairview, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Fairview, you'll likely need 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.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: