Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You want to be comfortable in your Essex home, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient heating and cooling.
A top 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 assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Essex.
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and can require different maintenance services. Prices for some 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 crucial, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to slow the 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 the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists 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.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors 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 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 municipal government has any additional licensing requirements. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
Make sure you know the details of any project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider list 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, ask the contractor to describe the new energy efficiency, brand, model, estimated installation time, and features. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before committing to a provider. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected 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 probably 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 — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes between one and three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be determined by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Essex, you'll probably want 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 between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Essex, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. In general, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
