Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In Brattleboro, you're likely looking to reduce this energy expense and save money.
Explore our list of the top HVAC companies in Brattleboro to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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 getting old, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,846-$4,707 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,741-$6,893 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,897-$29,519 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $242-$404 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Luckily, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,212-$3,636 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$202 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $388-$970 |
Finding the right HVAC company is crucial for a smooth installation or repair. Hiring 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 technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual 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.
The state of Vermont doesn't have state-level HVAC contractor licensing requirements, but a contractor will need to be certified by the Division of Fire Safety in order to install or service natural gas, propane or oil-burning units. There's also a certification for contractors who work on electrical refrigeration and air conditioning units.
It's in your best interest to look into whether your city or municipality has any additional licensing requirements. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the exact parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, brand, and model. Before signing a contract, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. Following an inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
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 home, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Brattleboro, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will 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 Brattleboro, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
