Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. It's important that the temperature control systems in your Caledonia home are functioning optimally, so that you don't spend more than you need to.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Caledonia can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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. Watch for these signs 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.
The price of HVAC installation or maintenance varies depending on the type of unit you have. Common kinds of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,886-$4,807 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,821-$7,039 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,959-$30,146 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $248-$413 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,238-$3,714 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$206 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $396-$990 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the type of 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.
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 can optionally become certified as an HVAC Qualifier, which requires four years of experience, education, 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, you should be sure that they meet any local requirements. Checking reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to specify which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system afterward to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new model, estimated installation time, brand, features, and energy efficiency. Before signing a contract, 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 equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Review warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Get a written proposal before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically 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.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like how large your home is, 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 a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Caledonia, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. In general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may have financing options through a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor 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:
