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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With the higher cost of living in Pasadena, you're probably eager to find ways to save on your energy bills.
We've put together this guide to Pasadena's top HVAC companies to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system needs professional attention:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for some common services 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 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,268-$3,804 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$211 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $406-$1,014 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the specific 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 on a state-by-state basis.
HVAC contractors in Texas are required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Contractors must 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you understand the details of your project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to describe the new model, brand, features, estimated installation time, and energy efficiency. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice a year. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what 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, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely sees 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. Set your thermostat 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 leaks around your doors and windows to help keep cool air in. 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 vary depending on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Pasadena, 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 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 Pasadena, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to determine what options are available and appropriate for your situation.