Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, Americans devote 55% of their home energy usage to heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy costs in Colchester are often higher than in other places, which means you're probably trying to save money on your bill.
A talented HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the best HVAC companies in Colchester.
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and let you know whether whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different maintenance services. Prices for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,981-$5,049 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,014-$7,394 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,108-$31,667 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $260-$433 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $65-$173 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,300-$3,901 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $87-$217 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $416-$1,040 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Explain your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians who have the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors who "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.
There are no state-level licensing requirements for HVAC technicians in Vermont, but a contractor will need to be certified by the Division of Fire Safety in order to service or install 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 a good idea to look into whether your city or municipality has any additional requirements. Checking reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can assist your decision. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the particular parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to make sure everything is operating properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new estimated installation time, model, brand, features, and energy efficiency. Before signing paperwork, 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.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get written estimates before starting HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Usually, it's smart 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 likely sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as you can and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician uncovers.
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 Colchester, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Colchester, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Generally, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
