Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated June 2024
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. Since such a significant portion of your utility bill goes toward heating and cooling, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Eau Claire home is functioning optimally.
Our guide to Eau Claire's top HVAC companies 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
Prompt service delivery
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Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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 old likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local technician can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost fluctuates depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,861-$4,745 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,772-$6,949 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,920-$29,757 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $244-$407 |
It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$163 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,222-$3,666 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$204 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $391-$978 |
Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital 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.
Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors 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.
Wisconsin doesn't have any mandatory state-level requirements for HVAC contractors; all 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 make sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can assist your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, have the provider describe the new features, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, brand, and model. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
A trustworthy HVAC company will stand behind its repair work and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully review the fine print for each contractor and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection within your budget.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A full 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 about twice annually. After the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Generally, you should schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. 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 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 — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to 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 can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Eau Claire, 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 usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
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 Eau Claire, you might need a higher-capacity furnace.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
