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, 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You don't want to spend more than you need to on temperature control in your Montpelier home, so it's critical that all systems are working properly.
The right HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Montpelier.
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
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:
An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by 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 kinds of maintenance. Fees 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 take care of HVAC repairs and replacements when they are required, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$164 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,230-$3,691 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $82-$205 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $394-$984 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.
Get quotes from at least three HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. 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 type of 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 contractors are required 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 municipal government has any additional licensing requirements. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system at the end of the job to guarantee proper operation. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, energy efficiency, brand, estimated installation time, and features. Before starting the project, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. 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 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 how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will be based on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Montpelier, you can probably make do 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 should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Montpelier, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
