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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated February 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. In Middlebury, you're probably looking to reduce your energy usage and save money.
Our guide to Middlebury's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
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:
If your HVAC system is faulty or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these indicators your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and decide whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different maintenance services. Prices for common services are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,874-$4,778 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,798-$6,997 | |
Heat Pump | $2,941-$29,966 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $246-$410 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $62-$164 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,230-$3,691 | |
Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$984 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and ensure 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 technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual 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.
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 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.
Be sure to look into whether your city or municipality has any additional licensing requirements. Always check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Choose a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new brand, model, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, and features. Before work begins, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system for your home and what the cost will be.
A reputable HVAC company will back its repair services and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review warranty terms for each contractor and choose the company that provides the best protection at a reasonable price.
Always get HVAC bids in writing before work begins. A detailed quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea 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 typically 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 temperature changes — only 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 parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Middlebury, you'll probably be fine with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will generally be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 Middlebury, you might need a higher-capacity furnace.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: