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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy costs in College Place are often higher than in other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.
We've compiled this guide to College Place's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Our Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
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:
An HVAC system that's not working properly or outdated likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement.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 identify problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,884-$4,802 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,817-$7,033 | |
Heat Pump | $2,956-$30,117 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $247-$412 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,237-$3,710 | |
Thermostat Repair | $82-$206 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $396-$989 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. 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. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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.
In the state of Washington, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed as specialty contractors. An individual must possess a speciality HVAC license and may also require electrical or plumbing licensure depending on the type of job. Licensing is handled by the State Department of Labor and Industries, which mandates that contractors must be both bonded and insured. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system at the end of the job to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new features, energy efficiency, brand, estimated installation time, and model. 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.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on service and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the best protection within your budget.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly. After the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to 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 throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You may also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
It takes roughly one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you need just an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be influenced by the size of your house, 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. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will usually 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).
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: