Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like most Americans, over half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. This may not surprise you if you live in Fond du Lac and have to run your heat all winter. On average, residents spend $200 a month on their heating.
Read our list of the top HVAC companies in Fond du Lac to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you stay comfortable while reducing your bills.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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 having issues or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators 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.
HVAC installation or maintenance costs change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services needed. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require several different services. Costs for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,952-$4,977 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,956-$7,288 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,063-$31,213 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$427 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,282-$3,845 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$214 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $410-$1,025 |
Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced 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. Describe 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.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have appropriate 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 the kind of equipment they plan 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 combined years of education and experience and may exempt them from some local regulations. Whether or not your technician is an HVAC Qualifier, make sure that they meet any local requirements. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Google Reviews, and similar sites can assist your decision as well. Choose a provider with great reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.
Make sure you know the details of your project before it begins. If HVAC repairs are required, have your provider list which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your contractor to provide details on the new energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, brand, and model. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are less busy during these times, making 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 the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Fond du Lac, you'll be better off going with a furnace on the higher end of or above this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Fond du Lac, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Typically, 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 may 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 several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
