HVAC companies, compared city by city
Home Pros Insider compares local heating and air conditioning companies using public, checkable facts: verified contact details, reviews, published warranties, availability and credentials. Every point in a study links to its source and shows the date it was checked.
City studies
The first HVAC city studies are being researched now.
What every company is scored on
| Verified address and phone | The business can be reached and the listing details match across Google, its website and directories. |
|---|---|
| Review rating and volume | Google rating and number of reviews, read together; a high rating on few reviews counts for less. |
| Years in business | Only when the business states it publicly or a public record shows it. |
| Published warranty or guarantee | Written terms on the website, not a vague promise. |
| Emergency or after-hours service | Stated on the website or Google profile. |
| Licensing, insurance and certifications | Stated publicly and checkable where the trade or town requires a license. |
How to choose an HVAC company
Ask what the diagnostic or service-call fee is, and whether it is credited toward the repair. Fees vary widely between companies, so ask before the technician arrives.
Get written quotes for replacements. A furnace or air conditioner replacement quote should list the equipment brand and model, the efficiency rating (AFUE for furnaces, SEER2 for air conditioners and heat pumps), what the labor warranty covers and for how long, and whether permits are included.
Know the two warranties. The manufacturer's parts warranty usually requires the equipment to be registered after installation. The installer's labor warranty is separate and set by the company.
Check credentials. Technicians who handle refrigerant must hold EPA Section 608 certification. NATE certification is a voluntary industry credential. Licensing rules for HVAC work differ by state and city, so ask what your town requires.
Repair or replace? Age, repair cost and efficiency matter most. A system near the end of its typical life that needs an expensive repair is usually a candidate for replacement; get a second quote on any replacement recommendation.
Maintenance. A yearly tune-up for the furnace before winter and the air conditioner before summer helps catch problems early and is often a condition of extended warranties.