Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
On average, Americans devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. In Texas City, a lot of that energy use probably goes toward cooling your home in the warm summers. In fact, the average Texas City resident spends around $110 monthly on cooling their home.
We've assembled this guide to Texas City's top HVAC companies to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or old likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges for typical 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 |
HVAC upkeep is important, but can be expensive. Luckily, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$170 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,279-$3,836 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,023 |
Finding the right HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they plan 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 by the state.
In Texas, HVAC contractors 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. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new model, energy efficiency, features, brand, and estimated installation time. Before work starts, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
A trustworthy HVAC company will stand behind its repair work and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare the fine print between contractors and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection within your budget.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you understand all terms before signing a contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally 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. Keep your thermostat temperature 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 well-maintained 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.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Texas City, you'll probably want to choose a unit that's on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective than window units for cooling.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Texas City, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.
Usually, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
