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, about 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. It's important that the temperature control systems in your Howard home are working properly, so that you don't spend more than you need to.
We've assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Howard to help you find the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
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 past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:
If you see any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can detect problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the correct solution.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,925-$4,908 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,901-$7,187 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,021-$30,780 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $253-$421 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$169 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,264-$3,792 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $84-$211 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $404-$1,011 |
Knowing the indicators of a reliable 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 companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor 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.
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 combined years of education and experience and may allow them to be exempt from some local regulations. Whether your technician is an HVAC Qualifier or not, make sure that they meet any local requirements. Checking reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
It’s important to know what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the specific parts that need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new features, estimated installation time, model, energy efficiency, and brand. Before signing paperwork, be sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a fair price.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. After the inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected 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 typically 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 is comfortable and don't make drastic changes in the temperature — 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 between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, try to purchase a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Howard, you'll probably want a furnace on the higher end of (or even 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 Howard, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Generally, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
