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 energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. You don't want to spend more than you need to on heating and cooling your Onalaska home, so it's important to make sure all systems are working properly.
We've researched and assembled this guide to Onalaska's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,955-$4,984 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,962-$7,298 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,067-$31,256 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $257-$428 |
Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is crucial, but can be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,283-$3,850 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $86-$214 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $411-$1,027 |
Finding the right HVAC company is crucial for a smooth installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.
Request estimates from three or more HVAC contractors. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.
When selecting an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors 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 on a state-by-state basis.
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 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 local requirements. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Look for a a provider with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system energy efficiency, brand, estimated installation time, model, and features. Before signing a contract, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reputable HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get written bids before beginning HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both materials and labor. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. After the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's a good idea to 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 typically sees 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 — 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 a furnace or air conditioning unit takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into 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 Onalaska, you'll be better off going with a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Onalaska, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Generally, if your home is larger than 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:
