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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Beaver Dam home, you want to know that you're getting the best return on your investment.
Our list of Beaver Dam's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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 broken or old likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC issues, you should have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and determine whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the best solution.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,825-$4,652 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,698-$6,812 | |
Heat Pump | $2,863-$29,174 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $240-$399 |
It’s important to make any essential HVAC fixes or replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have ways to reduce gradual wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $60-$160 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,198-$3,594 | |
Thermostat Repair | $80-$200 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $383-$958 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is key for a successful installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled 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, an individual must pass an exam (the specific 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 mandatory state-level licensing requirements for HVAC contractors in Wisconsin – contractors simply need to register with the Department of Safety and Professional Services. An individual has the option to become certified as an HVAC Qualifier, which requires four years of education, experience, or a combination of the two, and may allow them to be exempt from some local regulations. Whether or not your technician is an HVAC Qualifier, make sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.
Always make sure you understand the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are completed to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new features, energy efficiency, brand, estimated installation time, and model. Before signing a contract, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Reputable HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work starts. A comprehensive quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.
Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically gets 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 avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. 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 house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Beaver Dam, 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 Beaver Dam, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: