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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than necessary on heating and cooling your Ferndale home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
A talented HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Ferndale.
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Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
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Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Award_winning
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
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:
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:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also depends on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,963-$5,005 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,978-$7,329 | |
Heat Pump | $3,080-$31,386 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $258-$430 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $64-$172 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,289-$3,866 | |
Thermostat Repair | $86-$215 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $412-$1,031 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.
In the state of Washington, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed as specialty contractors. Individuals must hold 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 mandates that contractors must be both bonded and insured. Checking reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of your project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new brand, estimated installation time, model, features, and energy efficiency. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for a fair price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A detailed quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. After the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's smart to have your HVAC system inspected 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 how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and avoid making drastic temperature changes — 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 an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Ferndale, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective than window units for cooling.
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 Ferndale, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: