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Homeowners need to have their HVAC systems ready to go year-round, as temperatures rise in the spring and summer and drop in the fall and winter. These systems provide occupants with comfort and improve the quality of the air that is circulated.
Homeowners should regularly have their HVAC systems inspected to ensure they’re functioning properly. A malfunctioning system can cause the heating or cooling systems to malfunction, air quality to drop, and energy bills to climb. If a homeowner is searching for the “best HVAC near me,” choosing one of the best HVAC companies can give homeowners peace of mind that their system is running efficiently.
- BEST OVERALL: One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- RUNNER-UP: Aire Serv
- ECO-FRIENDLY PICK: Dr. Energy Saver
- ALSO CONSIDER: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best HVAC Companies
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and is the system that controls airflow within a home. As such, finding a reliable company to install or maintain these home systems can be very important for those who want to ensure that every room in their house is comfortable year-round. When homeowners are searching online for the “best HVAC company near me,” it can be difficult to tell companies apart and know which is the best one for a particular home. Here are the factors to consider when evaluating an HVAC company and its offerings.
Service Area and Scheduling
A homeowner searching for the “best heating and cooling companies near me” will want to consider where the provider is located and how easily the provider will be able to reach the home. Being within a company’s service area means the company will be able to show up and assess an issue as soon as possible. If replacement parts are required, the company can order and install them quickly.
A good HVAC company will also have flexible scheduling. Ideally, their appointment options will be plentiful with reasonable flexibility. The best companies will show up within the time frame they say and will not keep homeowners waiting.
Emergency Service
Unless a homeowner is installing a new HVAC system or getting routine maintenance, chances are they’ll need the services of an HVAC company at a moment’s notice. For instance, a person won’t tolerate their air conditioning not working for too long, especially in extreme heat. They’ll need the best AC repair and installation company in their area to service the unit as soon as possible. Not all HVAC companies will offer emergency services, so homeowners in need of urgent repairs will want to seek a reliable heating and air provider that can fix the issue as soon as possible.
Brands Serviced and Installed
There are many different types of HVAC systems from different decades built into homes. An experienced HVAC company will be able to install and work with a system from any brand from any time period. Even if a system is old and out of date, a good HVAC service provider can diagnose its issue and determine whether it can be fixed or a new system needs to be installed.
If a new HVAC system needs to be installed, the best companies will be able to implement it within the home’s layout regardless of the space or brand.
Licensing and Insurance
HVAC contractors and providers need to have the proper licensing and certifications in place before legally working on a home. Each state has different insurance and licensing requirements for HVAC professionals, so homeowners should ensure the HVAC contractor is licensed in their state and knows how to work with different HVAC systems properly. Any additional certifications and training are a benefit to the customer.
The top HVAC companies are also insured; this means should any damages or injuries occur within the home as a result of an inspection or installation, the company will take full responsibility. If an incident occurs in the house and the HVAC professional is not insured, the homeowner could be liable.
Guarantee
The best HVAC companies will offer a guarantee on their installation and repair services. Under the guarantee, if an HVAC system is not fully functional after it’s serviced, the company will either repair or replace it at no additional cost. HVAC contractors who do not offer a guarantee may be conservative with their budget and resources, or they may not be confident in their ability to get a job done the first time around. Heating and air companies that offer a guarantee reassure customers that no matter what, their HVAC system will be taken care of.
Customer Support
Maintaining an HVAC system can be complicated, and HVAC issues can be incredibly stressful for homeowners. The right HVAC contractor will be familiar with the type of system a homeowner has in their home and will establish a level of trust to help the homeowner feel comfortable with the contractor’s expertise and skill. Technicians should be able to clearly explain to the homeowner what they’re working on and answer any questions they have. Company representatives should always be available to customers on the phone, ready to schedule appointments or answer any questions that they have.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Service Area | Scheduling | Emergency Service | Guarantee | Customer Support | |
| One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning | 37 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | Yes | 2-year warranty | Phone, email |
| Aire Serv | 39 states and Washington, D.C. | Online, phone | Yes | 60-day warranty | Phone, email |
| Dr. Energy Saver | 27 states and Washington, D.C. | Varies by location | Varies by location | Varies by service | Varies by location |
| The Home Depot | 50 states and Washington, D.C. | Online | Varies by location | 90-day warranty on labor | Phone |
Our Top Picks
We researched a variety of HVAC companies to find the best options for homeowners searching online for “best HVAC service near me.” After vetting heating and air conditioning companies for features like service area, emergency services, and guarantees, in addition to other crucial considerations, we narrowed our options to four businesses that provide the highest quality services. Here are our top picks for the best HVAC companies.
Best Overall
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Why It Made the Cut: One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, best known for the slogan “Always on time, or you don’t pay a dime!” offers emergency HVAC services, membership options with perks like discounts and priority service, and a generous warranty. Customers may also appreciate that technicians are thoroughly vetted.
With a name like One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, the company backs its punctuality with a guarantee that the service will be free if the technician isn’t on time. The company has franchises in 37 states and Washington, D.C., and technicians take continuing education courses and regularly attend seminars. Additionally, technicians undergo an extensive background check during the hiring process and a drug test, which may make customers feel more comfortable inviting them into their homes. For homeowners who’d like to prioritize their home’s HVAC health, the company offers discounts on repairs and products in addition to exclusive member perks and priority service through the Pass One Hour Comfort Club program.
If homeowners choose to pursue HVAC services with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, be advised that franchise locations may vary in terms of service hours and availability. However, the company offers a lengthy 2-year warranty on its work across all franchise locations, so customers can be assured that One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is confident in its technicians’ expertise. In addition, they can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that if a problem arises with an installation or repair during that 2-year window, the company will send out a technician to fix the issue at no charge.
Specs
- Service area: 37 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Emergency service: Yes
- Guarantee: 2-year warranty
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- No service charge if technicians are late
- Background checks and drug tests performed for all technicians
- Discounted and priority services offered through annual maintenance program
- Relatively long 2-year warranty
Cons
- Service hours and availability vary by location
Runner-Up
Aire Serv
Why It Made the Cut: Aire Serv can satisfy a plethora of residential HVAC needs, with benefits like priority service and discounts for members. Customers receive real-time text updates when their technician is en route, and the company even conducts free evaluations to measure the efficiency of a customer’s system.
Aire Serv offers comprehensive HVAC installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services in 39 states across the United States and Washington, D.C. The company’s skilled technicians have extensive experience working with a variety of brands and send “on my way” updates to ensure homeowners get up-to-the-minute communication. While Aire Serv only has a 60-day warranty, the company offers emergency HVAC services and the Advantage Plan, which is an annual maintenance program that includes discounts and priority services. This VIP program may appeal to homeowners who want to ensure they are scheduled first for any emergency or time-sensitive repairs they require.
A unique and vital service Aire Serv offers is its complimentary full heat gain and heat loss evaluation. This evaluation helps homeowners identify weak spots in their current systems and understand how to best address those issues. The free assessment analyzes whether the existing system is installed and sized correctly—and if homeowners may be overpaying on utility bills because of an inefficient system.
Specs
- Service area: 39 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Emergency service: Yes
- Guarantee: 60-day warranty
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Free heat gain and loss evaluations
- Real-time technician updates via text
- Discounted and priority services offered through annual maintenance program
Cons
- Relatively short 60-day warranty
Eco-Friendly Pick
Dr. Energy Saver
Why It Made the Cut: Dr. Energy Saver is the largest network of home energy contractors in the United States. The company’s environmentally friendly product options, insulation services, and energy audits help customers stay comfortable, reduce their carbon footprint, and save money on heating and cooling costs.
Dr. Energy Saver uses eco-friendly heating solutions like geothermal heating, radiant heating, and solar heating to heat customers’ homes. As such, the company is a great option for those who want to minimize their environmental footprint without sacrificing their own comfort. Technicians can evaluate a home to recommend the best, most energy-efficient heating and cooling solution. This evaluation comes in the form of a home energy audit, during which homeowners can expect to discuss problem areas in the home and receive a complete test of home insulation, ductwork, and the HVAC system. Technicians will then provide recommendations and free estimates for the suggested improvements.
When considering Dr. Energy Saver as an eco-friendly HVAC service company, homeowners will want to contact their local franchise to ensure the requested services are offered, as the hours, emergency services, and customer support options can vary between locations. Despite this, however, all Dr. Energy Saver locations offer appealing services for any eco-friendly homeowner. Dr. Energy Saver also offers whole-home insulation services to further bolster a home’s energy-saving potential. These services not only benefit the environment but can help homeowners maintain comfortable temperatures in their homes and save money on energy bills.
Specs
- Service area: 27 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Varies by location
- Emergency service: Varies by location
- Guarantee: Varies by service
- Customer support: Varies by location
Pros
- Wide selection of eco-friendly heating solutions
- Whole-home insulation services available
- Comprehensive home energy audits
Cons
- Emergency services, scheduling, and customer support options vary by location
Also Consider
The Home Depot
Why It Made the Cut: Known for its expansive home improvement retail locations, The Home Depot also provides HVAC installation, maintenance, replacement, and repair services. The free in-home consultations and lengthy financing options offered by The Home Depot make it well worth considering for HVAC service.
The Home Depot is a solid choice for customers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Homeowners can request an appointment from their local Home Depot branch to be connected with an authorized service provider backed by the home improvement retailer. Homeowners may want to reach out to their local branches before booking, as HVAC service and availability can vary by location.
After a customer requests a free in-home HVAC consultation, the service provider will audit the current system and make recommendations based on the findings. Authorized providers take special care in assessing a homeowner’s needs, budget, and schedule to suit their lifestyle and comfort. During the consultation, they’ll make a detailed load calculation to ensure the size and efficiency of a new recommended unit won’t result in inefficient heating or cooling. The authorized service providers can handle installation and follow local codes and permitting. In addition to free in-home consultations with local providers, The Home Depot also offers attic insulation services to promote more efficient heating and cooling. It’s also worth noting that customers who qualify for financing can choose to utilize the company’s payment plan so they don’t have to pay the full cost of HVAC service up front. Payments can be made across 120 months, which may make it easier for eligible customers to budget for a large HVAC installation project.
Specs
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online
- Emergency service: Varies by location
- Guarantee: 90-day warranty on labor
- Customer support: Phone
Pros
- Free in-home consultations on HVAC installations
- Attic insulation services available
- Long 120-month financing option available for eligible customers
Cons
- HVAC services not available at all locations
Our Verdict
When it comes to the best HVAC companies, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Aire Serv come in at number one and number two, respectively, on our list. Both companies are highly recommended based on their wide service area, emergency service offerings, and ability to schedule services online or over the phone.
How We Chose the Best HVAC Companies
To narrow down our best HVAC companies list, we considered each brand’s reputation and age, eco-friendliness, and the level of customer service offered. To provide the best HVAC recommendations, we conducted extensive research to determine which companies stand out among the competition and offer optimal service.
All the companies on our list have a long and healthy history, with decades of experience and industry knowledge. Aire Serv holds the title for the longest established company, having opened its doors in 1979—tied with The Home Depot, which started that same year. Taking into account each company’s history, we looked deeper into the specific offerings that make each company unique and used that information to determine the best HVAC companies.
Before You Hire One of the Best HVAC Companies
There are some important points to keep in mind when searching online for “best hvac contractors near me” or “best hvac installers near me.” Before hiring a recommended company, it’s important for customers to ensure the services offered, as well as the company’s availability and project time frame, meet their needs. While this article features trusted, reliable HVAC companies, some companies’ offerings may not be suitable for homeowners depending on property size and project scale.
To find the right HVAC company, homeowners can ask friends and family members for local suggestions and feedback. Customers should verify that any HVAC professional has the right credentials, insurance, and licensing for the job. Otherwise, an HVAC installation from an unqualified (and illegally operating) contractor can wind up costing a lot of money in future repairs down the line.
Homeowners who have a home warranty will also want to see if their home warranty policy covers HVAC. If so, they may be able to save on the cost of repairs or maintenance services. It’s also worth noting that some home warranty companies require that service be performed by a particular company or technician in order to be eligible for coverage. Homeowners who don’t already have a home warranty and are concerned about HVAC or other appliance maintenance costs may want to shop for one of the best home warranties for HVAC from providers like American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best HVAC Companies
As with most projects, the cost of hiring an HVAC company depends on many factors, including the scale of the project, target time frame, location, and more. Regular annual HVAC service costs between $75 and $200. It’s also worth having an HVAC inspection on occasion to identify or diagnose any potential issues with the unit. HVAC inspections cost around $300 on average.
Costs for those looking to install a heat pump will be different than for those looking to replace a central AC unit. The type of system installed will vary depending on factors such as the customer’s local weather and HVAC needs, the size of the property, and how extensive the project is. However, replacing older equipment in a home with newer, more energy-efficient models can ultimately save a homeowner money.
Typically, HVAC unit replacement costs $5,000 to $12,500. Labor is typically included in this price, which averages around $1,500. On average, a new furnace costs $2,818 to $6,822. Customers may pay more for the best air conditioner brands, but such units may be more energy efficient and last longer than cheaper models.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best HVAC Companies
Hiring one of the best HVAC companies ensures a homeowner’s system is installed and maintained by a professional who has the right equipment and know-how and stands behind their work. Experienced HVAC professionals can quickly determine problems and, should one arise, a guarantee or warranty protects the customer’s investment. When seeking out one of the “best HVAC companies near me,” homeowners can trust they’re finding someone who stands behind their work, making it the most cost-effective option.
- Working with a knowledgeable professional means customers can trust the work will be of top quality, completed quickly, and backed by a guarantee.
- The best HVAC companies provide top-quality services at an affordable price, which protects the customer’s investment and keeps the HVAC system running efficiently for years to come.
- Without HVAC knowledge, homeowners doing DIY repairs can wind up wasting time and money. A trusted professional will have the right experience working with HVAC equipment and can diagnose and solve issues easily.
FAQs
It’s critical to have a reliable HVAC system all year long. Homeowners starting their search for the “best air conditioning company near me” or the “best heating company near me” won’t want to miss the answers to these frequently asked questions about HVAC systems.
The best HVAC brands include Trane, Rheem, and Lennox.
In general, an HVAC system lasts from 15 to 25 years. The specific time an HVAC system will last is dependent on a few factors including the type and brand of the system as well as whether the HVAC system is subject to regular maintenance.
The typical hourly rate for HVAC professionals ranges from $75 to $150. In general, a homeowner will spend from $144 to over $450 for an HVAC service.
As of 2023, there are just over 118,000 heating and air conditioning businesses operating within the United States.
The four main types of HVAC systems available include hybrid systems, duct-free systems, split systems, and packaged heating and air systems.