10 Best HVAC Companies in Whitefish Bay, WI

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your home's HVAC system isn't working correctly or suffering from a lot of wear and tear, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system needs professional attention:

• Temperature control issues or thermostat malfunctions
• Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
• Higher than normal energy bills
• Refrigerant leaks
• Odd noises when the system turns on
• Corrosion, cracking, or rust
• Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
• An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

Book an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can inspect your system, identify problems, and figure out whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Whitefish Bay

HVAC installation or maintenance costs vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:

• Split or mini-split: If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for central heating and cooling, you likely have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to regulate temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
• Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions much like a standard split system, but is able to utilize either gas or electricity for power.
• Heat pump: Heat pumps work by circulating warm and cool air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't produce heat or air conditioning themselves, and are better for more moderate climates.
• Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a good choice for smaller homes. These systems have a single combined AC and heating, normally located in a basement or attic. They're compact, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC expenses vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.

• Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leave your blinds open so your home benefits from passive solar heat. In summer, keep blinds shut to block out heat. Doing both helps minimize the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do.
• Keep your system clean. Keeping your grills, ductwork, condenser fan blades, and indoor evaporator coil clean helps your HVAC system function effectively and lowers the risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association suggests cleaning your home's HVAC when you notice things starting to get dirty.
• Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by reviewing your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you find and solve issues before they get out of hand.
• Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you change out or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the outside areas of your HVAC.

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the providers' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment upfront.

Check Credentials

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 set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the type of 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 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 has the option to become certified as an HVAC Qualifier, which requires four years of experience, education, or a combination of the two, and may exempt them from some local regulations. Whether or not your technician is an HVAC Qualifier, you should be sure that they meet any city or municipal requirements. You should also read reviews and complaints on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. Choose a company with glowing reviews and testimonials about great customer experiences.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you know the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after repairs are completed to verify that it’s working properly. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system estimated installation time, features, brand, energy efficiency, and model. Before work begins, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.

Compare Warranties

A trustworthy HVAC company will back its repair work and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully compare warranty terms between contractors and choose the provider that offers the greatest protection at a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both labor and materials. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.