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 most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. It's important to make sure the heating and cooling systems in your South Milwaukee home are functioning optimally, so you can avoid spending more than you need to.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in South Milwaukee can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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 HVAC system is broken or getting old, it likely needs servicing or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.
What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:
HVAC costs differ based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,949-$4,968 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,949-$7,275 | |
| Heat Pump | $3,058-$31,155 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $256-$426 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Thankfully, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $64-$171 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,279-$3,838 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $85-$213 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $409-$1,023 |
It's important to know what makes a good HVAC company. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective heating and cooling in your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors 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 intend 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 years of education, experience, or a combination of the two, and may exempt them from some local regulations. Whether your technician is an HVAC Qualifier or not, you should make sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You'll want to select a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.
Make sure you understand the details of any project before starting. When getting HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to ensure that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, request that the installation company describe the new energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, model, and brand. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the company that provides the most protection at a reasonable price.
Get a written estimate before HVAC work starts. A full quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice annually. After completing their inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are needed. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.
Usually, it's best 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 likely 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 you can and don't make drastic temperature changes — increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you can, 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 may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will be based 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, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In South Milwaukee, a unit on the lower end of this range may be sufficient. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.
Your HVAC company may have financing options through a third-party lender, or you may be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you find the best option for you.
There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
