Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Since cooling and heating represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to make sure the HVAC system in your Union City home is functioning properly.
Our list of Union City's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
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. Watch for these common signs that your system needs professional attention:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,716-$4,375 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,478-$6,407 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,693-$27,437 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $225-$376 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $56-$150 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,127-$3,380 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $75-$188 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $361-$901 |
Finding the right HVAC company is vital for a smooth installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they plan to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." 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 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 confirm any requirements 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 aid your decision as well. Choose a company with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of your project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to ensure that everything works. For replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, energy efficiency, brand, estimated installation time, and features. Before starting the project, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written estimates before beginning HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, like unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. 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 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, when it typically gets 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 in good shape and seal any window or door 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 between one and three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Union City, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. 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). In Union City, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
