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, Americans devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the Department of Energy. It's important to make sure the cooling and heating systems in your McAllen home are functioning properly, so that you don't spend more than you need to.
Explore our list of the top HVAC companies in McAllen to find the best one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
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 malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates 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 you're having done. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,687-$4,300 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,418-$6,297 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,647-$26,969 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $221-$369 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $55-$148 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,107-$3,322 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $74-$185 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $354-$886 |
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 ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for any individual who helps "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors 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 on a state-by-state basis.
In Texas, HVAC contractors must 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. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You'll want to select a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Make sure you know the details of your project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, request that the installation company describe the new brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, and model. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
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.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. A comprehensive quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. 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, which makes 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. 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 roughly one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In McAllen, 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 around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In McAllen, you'll likely want something on the higher end of this range. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
