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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You want to be comfortable in your Santa Fe home, but you also don't want to waste your money on inefficient cooling and heating.
A talented HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Santa Fe.
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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 faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the kind of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:
The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,948-$4,966 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,947-$7,272 | |
Heat Pump | $3,056-$31,141 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$426 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,279-$3,836 | |
Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,023 |
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 contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When selecting an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states 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 the type 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 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. Both registered and certified technicians must be supervised by a licensed contractor. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Look for a a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC, ask the provider to explain the new features, brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and model. Before work starts, be sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote covers costs for both labor and materials. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians are 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, the times of the year when it 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. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably 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 avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Santa Fe, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Santa Fe, you'll likely need something on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these 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.