Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
If you're like the typical American homeowner, over half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Since heating and cooling represent such a significant chunk of your utility bills, you'll want to ensure that the HVAC system in your Platteville home is functioning optimally.
Our list of Platteville'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.
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system requires professional attention:
Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can assess your system, detect problems, and decide whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need multiple types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,900-$4,843 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,849-$7,092 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,980-$30,370 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $249-$416 |
HVAC system repairs and replacements are important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$166 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,247-$3,741 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $399-$998 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the type of 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 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 has the option to 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, you should be sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. Checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.
Always make sure you understand the details of any 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 completed to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new features, brand, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and model. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, keeping in mind that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a fair price.
Get written bids before starting HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.
Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, like leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times of the year 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, which is when it normally gets the most use.
You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You might also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will depend on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into 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 Platteville, 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 purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Usually, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Typically, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
