Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. In Lago Vista, you're probably looking to reduce your energy usage and save money.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in Lago Vista to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
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
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 broken or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,970-$5,023 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,993-$7,356 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,091-$31,501 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $259-$431 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $65-$172 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,293-$3,880 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $86-$216 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $414-$1,035 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the 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 at the state level.
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. Both registered and certified technicians must be supervised by a licensed contractor. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of your project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. For replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system energy efficiency, model, features, brand, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice yearly. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected 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 typically 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 leaks around your windows and doors to help keep cool air in. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes around one to 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 between half a day and two days. This timeline can be determined 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 need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Lago Vista, 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 will generally 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 Lago Vista, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out 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:
