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 Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. It's important to make sure the heating and cooling systems in your Racine home are functioning properly, so you can avoid spending more than you need to.
We've researched and assembled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Racine to help you choose the best person for your job and get your system into top shape.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
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:
If your home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you might need an HVAC contractor for repairs or replacement. Watch for these common signs that your system requires expert attention:
Book an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, detect problems, and figure out whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.
The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance will vary depending on the kind of unit you have. Common varieties of HVAC units include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,886-$4,807 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,821-$7,039 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,959-$30,146 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $248-$413 |
Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce gradual wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$165 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,238-$3,714 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$206 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $396-$990 |
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 heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Describe your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare providers' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand upfront payment.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from 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 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 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 has the option to 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, you should be sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Pick a company with glowing reviews and reports of good customer experiences.
It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail the particular parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to provide details on the new features, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, model, and brand. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between providers and pick the one that offers the most comprehensive protection for the fairest price.
Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A detailed quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Confirm that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice annually. At the time of the inspection, your technician will tell you if any services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Normally, 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 get your system ready 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 you can and avoid making drastic temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take between half a day and two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician discovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Racine, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Usually, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you could consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to speak with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
