Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By Bradford Cuthrell
Last Updated April 2024
On average, American homeowners devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the Department of Energy. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Stoughton home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.
Use our guide to the top HVAC companies in Stoughton to find the right one for you and your home. Our topic contractors can help you reduce your bills while still staying comfortable.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quote
Services Offered
Free quote
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quote
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quote
Clear pricing policy
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. Look for these signs your system needs service:
If you notice any of these HVAC red flags, your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, identify problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.
Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost varies depending on the style of unit. Common HVAC unit types include the following:
HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on the particular service needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. Fees for common services are as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,860-$4,743 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,770-$6,945 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,919-$29,743 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $244-$407 |
Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $61-$163 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,221-$3,664 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $81-$204 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $391-$977 |
Knowing the right things to look for in an HVAC company is key for a smooth repair or installation. Established providers with certified technicians can offer assurance your HVAC system will deliver consistent heating and cooling year-round.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Explain the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
Choose an HVAC company with well-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, 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 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 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, make sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. You should also look at reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Pick a company with positive reviews and testimonials about good customer experiences.
It’s important to understand what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should explain the exact 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, ask the provider to explain the new brand, energy efficiency, estimated installation time, features, and model. Before work starts, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.
A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair services and equipment installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage terms, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the company that provides the greatest protection at a reasonable price.
Get a written estimate before HVAC work begins. A comprehensive quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
Normally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you start to notice any issues, like strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. 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 are 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 the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable 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 an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this can take between half a day and two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your house, the accessibility of your system, and any issues your technician runs into.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Stoughton, 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 an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. In Stoughton, a unit with a lower capacity may be sufficient. Typically, 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 through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you may consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to your HVAC company and a financial advisor to find out what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
