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. You don't want to spend more than you need to on temperature control in your Sparta home, so it's important to make sure all systems are functioning properly.
Our list of the top HVAC companies in Sparta can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quote
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
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 faulty or getting near the end of its lifespan, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Look for these indicators your system needs service:
Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can evaluate your system, identify problems, and figure out whether you need to fix or replace your HVAC.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices change depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complex and can require different kinds of maintenance. Prices for some common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,846-$4,705 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,740-$6,890 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,896-$29,505 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $242-$404 |
Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Luckily, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$162 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,212-$3,635 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$202 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $388-$969 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
When looking for an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for any individual who helps "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.
Wisconsin doesn't have any mandatory state-level requirements for HVAC contractors; all 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 years of experience, education, or a combination of the two, and may allow them to be exempt 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. Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. You want to hire 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 detail which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system model, estimated installation time, features, brand, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.
Reliable HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.
Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should outline costs for both labor and materials. Read all terms carefully before signing.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Generally, it's best to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. 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 is comfortable and don't make 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 a furnace or air conditioning unit may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician discovers 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 Sparta, you'll likely look for a furnace on the higher end of (or even above) this range.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to look for an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Sparta, 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.
Normally, HVAC financing is provided by a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer these options, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to speak with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out 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:
