Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. With the cost of living in Midlothian, you're likely eager to save money on your energy bills.
Our guide to Midlothian's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
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Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning 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:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different maintenance services. Costs for some common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,891-$4,820 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,831-$7,058 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,966-$30,226 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $248-$414 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,241-$3,723 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$207 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $397-$993 |
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 keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling 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.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory 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 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 provide 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. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. You want to hire a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new estimated installation time, energy efficiency, model, brand, and features. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized 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 twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's best to schedule inspections 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 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. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained 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.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
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 Midlothian, 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 Midlothian, you'll likely want something on the higher end of this range. Typically, if your home is larger than 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:
