Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. You want your Huntsville home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on ineffective cooling and heating.
Use our guide to the top HVAC companies in Huntsville to find the best choice for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,744-$4,445 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,533-$6,509 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,736-$27,877 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $229-$382 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $57-$153 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,145-$3,434 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $76-$191 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $366-$916 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor 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.
In Texas, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Contractors must have at least four years of experience in 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. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of great customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system afterward to guarantee proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new model, brand, energy efficiency, features, and estimated installation time. Before work begins, 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.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the company that provides the most protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a 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 schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected 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 probably 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 comfortably can, and avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained 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.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Huntsville, you'll probably want to choose a unit that's 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 should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Huntsville, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
