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. In Hartford, much of your energy expenses probably come from running your heat in the winter. The average resident spends $190 on heating every month.
Our list of Hartford's top HVAC companies 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
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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:
A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make repairs or install a new unit. Look out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complicated and potentially require several different services. Fees for typical jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,962-$5,002 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,976-$7,325 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,079-$31,371 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $258-$429 |
It's important to repair or replace your HVAC system when it's broken, but it can also be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$172 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,288-$3,864 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $86-$215 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $412-$1,031 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth installation or repair. Picking an established business with certified technicians gives you assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent coolig and heating year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
When selecting an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the right 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 required for any individual who helps "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.
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 combined years of education and experience 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 local requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You want to hire a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are done to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new features, model, brand, estimated installation time, 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.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, while remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get written estimates before beginning any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Typically, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you notice any new issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have your HVAC system inspected are during the spring and fall. Technicians are often 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 don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, 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 how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician runs into 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). In Hartford, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Hartford, a unit with a lower capacity 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.
Usually, HVAC financing is offered through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
