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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. In Lake Geneva, much of your energy costs are probably spent running your heat in the winter. On average, residents spend $180 on heating every month.
Our guide to Lake Geneva's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.
Free quotes
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
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:
An HVAC system that's broken or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:
If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can identify problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.
What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the specific services required. HVAC systems can be complex and potentially require a number of services. Price ranges for typical jobs are as follows:
HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Split | $1,847-$4,709 | |
Hybrid Split | $3,743-$6,896 | |
Heat Pump | $2,898-$29,534 | |
Packaged Heating and Air | $243-$404 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
Service | Cost | |
---|---|---|
Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
Condensor Cleaning | $1,213-$3,638 | |
Thermostat Repair | $81-$202 | |
Ductwork Cleaning | $388-$970 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers 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 providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians with the necessary training and licenses. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "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 the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled at the state level.
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 education, experience, 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, be sure that they meet any local requirements. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Choose a company with positive reviews and reports of fantastic customer experiences.
Make sure you know the details of your project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new features, estimated installation time, brand, energy efficiency, and model. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.
Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. 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 leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, 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 temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If possible, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to 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 factors like the size of your house, 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'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Lake Geneva, you'll probably be fine with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will 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 Lake Geneva, you might need a higher-capacity furnace.
Typically, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you could consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient: