Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Bellevue home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Bellevue can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
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An HVAC system that's not working properly or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $2,063-$5,259 | |
| Hybrid Split | $4,180-$7,701 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,236-$32,978 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $271-$451 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $68-$181 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,354-$4,062 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $90-$226 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $433-$1,083 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial 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.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When picking an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all technicians 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 the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
HVAC contractors are required to be licensed as specialty contractors in the state of Washington. Individuals must have a speciality HVAC license and may also require plumbing or electrical licensure depending on the type of job. Licensing is handled by the State Department of Labor and Industries, which requires contractors to be both bonded and insured. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Choose a company with positive reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new energy efficiency, brand, features, estimated installation time, and model. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Get written bids before beginning HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it probably 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 is comfortable and avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, how easily accessible your system is, and any new issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Bellevue, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will 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).
Usually, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you may consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
