Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With River Falls' cold winters, you likely feel as though you're spending even more than that. The average monthly heating bill for a resident of River Falls is $220.
Our list of River Falls' top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
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:
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 repairs or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system needs expert attention:
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 repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,918-$4,889 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,886-$7,159 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,009-$30,658 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $252-$420 |
It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your HVAC.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $63-$168 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,259-$3,777 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $84-$210 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $403-$1,007 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective heating and cooling for your home.
Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Explain your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.
Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. 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 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 combined years of education and experience 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 local requirements. You should also check reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about fantastic customer experiences.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the specific parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to ensure proper functioning. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the installation company to provide details on the new brand, estimated installation time, model, energy efficiency, and features. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that provides the most comprehensive coverage at a reasonable cost.
Get written quotes before starting HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what, if any, services are needed. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.
The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, making it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, when it typically gets 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 avoid making drastic changes in the temperature — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. 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 vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In River Falls, you can probably make do with a unit that's on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will usually be more effective than window units for cooling.
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 River Falls, you may need a higher-capacity furnace.
Your HVAC company may have financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
