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 U.S. Department of Energy. You want your Baytown home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective cooling and heating.
We've put together this guide to Baytown's top HVAC companies to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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 isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, detect problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,932-$4,924 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,914-$7,211 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,031-$30,881 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $254-$423 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,268-$3,804 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$211 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $406-$1,014 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Established providers with certified technicians can offer 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 specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend 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 on a state-by-state basis.
HVAC contractors in Texas are required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Contractors need to have at least four years of experience within the past six years and must show proof of insurance. An individual can also be a registered technician, which has no experience requirements, or a certified technician, which requires two years of experience. Registered and certified technicians must both be supervised by a licensed contractor. Checking reviews on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the particular parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. For replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system features, estimated installation time, brand, model, 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.
Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a fair cost.
Get a written quote before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, it's smart to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready 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 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.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just 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 home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Baytown, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective than window units for cooling.
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 Baytown, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company 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:
