Best HVAC Companies

There are five primary types of HVAC systems to choose from, each with varying efficiency levels, output capabilities, installation costs and maintenance needs. The climate in your area will determine which systems are ideal for your home, but you should always consult with a local HVAC expert to get the right fit.

According to Jordan Benjamin, owner and president of Done Rite Services, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractor based in Tucson, Arizona, a traditional split system costs between $8,000 and $15,000.

You can use the information in the table below to estimate costs based on your system type.

“Actual prices can vary quite a bit based on the size of the system, the size of your home, efficiency ratings, where you live, installation complexity, the company you choose, the condition of your ductwork, and so on,” said Benjamin.

Traditional split system

Average cost: $8,000 to $15,000

Best for: Climates that see extremes on both ends

A split HVAC system technically means one that has an outdoor unit, like a central AC condenser, and an indoor unit, like an air handler that serves the entire home. However, it usually refers to a traditional setup that includes cooling in the form of a central AC system and heating in the form of a furnace, which uses the same air handler to spread heated air.

Traditional split systems have some of the best heating and cooling output, but they’re also one of the most expensive setups because you have two standalone systems. They also require ductwork, which means retroactively installing a split system in your home can be invasive and even more costly.

Split systems are most popular in areas that see both cold winters and hot summers.

Hybrid split system

Average cost: $10,000 to $18,000

Best for: Cold climates

A hybrid split system, sometimes called a dual-fuel system, works just like a traditional split system, but it uses a two-way heat pump rather than a central AC system. A heat pump can handle heating and cooling, so it functions as an AC but can also provide heating. However, these systems also include a gas- or oil-fired heating source as a backup.

These are increasingly popular options because heat pumps are extremely efficient and can reduce utility costs, but they still include a traditional boiler or furnace for sufficient heat in extreme cold.

As a result, these are prevalent in cold climates that see moderate summers.

Heat pump

Average cost: $8,000 to $16,000

Best for: Moderate climates

This HVAC system uses just an electric heat pump for both heating and cooling. They include an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, just like with a traditional split system, but instead of using an AC for cooling and a boiler or furnace for heating, the heat pump just handles both.

Heat pumps are extremely efficient and operate quietly, but they don’t have the same level of output as gas- or oil-fired heating units. As such, they’re most popular in moderate climates that don’t see below-freezing temperatures.

Mini-split

Average cost: $3,000 to $10,000 per zone

Best for: High efficiency and temperature control

Mini-splits, sometimes called ductless units, are small heat pumps that serve just portions of your home. They require outdoor units, which are smaller than the condensers you’d have with a central AC system, but they also need small air handlers. These are usually wall-mounted units that are visible in your home, and some homeowners don’t like the look of them.

As small heat pumps, mini-splits are highly efficient, and they give you added flexibility when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Most homeowners have at least one mini-split in their main living area and then one in each additional room. Each added mini-split effectively gives you an additional zone, meaning you can optimize comfort and efficiency.

Geothermal heat pump

Average cost: $20,000 to $40,000+

Best for: Low operating costs and reliability in cold climates

Geothermal heat pumps work just like traditional heat pumps (which are air-source heat pumps), but they use underground coils to transfer heat to and from the ground rather than the air around your home.

This setup is highly efficient because it relies on soil that is at a constant temperature, rather than air temperature that varies. However, it also means large-scale excavation, which makes this one of the most expensive types of HVAC systems. They’re also not always viable, depending on the size and layout of your lot.

Geothermal heat pumps can provide sufficient heating and cooling in any climate, but since they outperform air-source heat pumps in lower temperatures, they’re most popular in colder climates.

The HVAC company you choose for your installation is just as important as the type of HVAC system you choose, if not more important. The right professional will help you choose which type is ideal for your home, size your system properly and reduce the risk of future breakdowns by installing everything properly.

There are a few things to look for that can help you choose the best contractor for your project.

Proper licensing and insurance

One of the first things you should do when choosing an HVAC company is confirm that it’s licensed. Most states require specific HVAC technician licenses, and those that don’t still require that techs hold a general contractor’s license. Ask any provider you’re considering for license information and verify on your state’s website that the license is active.

You should also ask each contractor you get an estimate from for proof of insurance, and they should be able to provide a copy of their general liability policy.

Positive reviews

It’s a good idea to read through some online reviews for HVAC companies in your area to see how they’ve served customers in the past. Make sure to read reviews rather than just relying on the overall rating to get a sense of what potential shortcomings you need to be aware of.

Experience

It’s best to have your HVAC system installed by a professional with at least five years of experience and with specific experience installing your preferred type of system. Choosing an experienced pro comes with three important benefits:

• Proper system sizing: A pro will perform a manual J calculation to size your HVAC system perfectly for your home. This avoids insufficient heating and cooling and also reduces the risk of issues related to overworking systems.
• Lower risk of breakdowns: Proper sizing and installation technique also mean your system is less likely to break down or fail, which means greater peace of mind.
• Future services: There’s no guarantee that a company that has survived for five years will continue to, but the chance of being able to call on a pro for future services increases with company longevity.

Emergency services

Companies that offer emergency services can be helpful if you need a fast installation to keep your home at a safe temperature, but they can also perform emergency repairs and maintenance if your system ever goes down in the future.

Pricing within your budget

HVAC equipment prices will be similar regardless of which company installs your system, but some providers upcharge materials and have higher labor costs. Most HVAC companies offer free estimates, so compare quotes from at least three providers to find the best value within your budget.

Warranty

Finally, you should consider what kind of warranty an HVAC installer offers. Provided your pro is licensed, you’ll get the manufacturer’s warranty for your equipment, but many experienced installers also provide a labor warranty, which usually suggests a higher level of experience.

The upfront cost of an HVAC system is usually what homeowners focus on, but ongoing costs should also be a consideration. Make sure you understand average costs for preventative maintenance, service calls and breakdowns for your system to avoid surprises down the road.

Routine HVAC maintenance costs

Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC equipment, reduce the risk of breakdowns and extend the equipment’s lifespan. Consider the following pricing when estimating routine maintenance costs.

• HVAC tune-up: $20 to $200, recommended one to two times per year
• Filter changes: $5 per filter, can do it yourself once every three to six months
• Duct cleaning: $75 per register, or $675 to $750 for a typical home, as needed, based on annual inspections

“An average tune up can range from $20 to $200+, but there is a specific reason for this,” added Benjamin. “Many companies use tune ups as a loss leader, so they’ll actually lose money on the tune up hoping to either find more costly issues to sell services, or at least acquire a customer for future projects that are profitable. Rather than make $80 profit on a tune up, they’ll eat a small loss to acquire a future customer. A non loss leader tune up accounting for labor would normally be $150 to $200, depending on the area.”

HVAC repair cost factors

Even if you keep up with routine HVAC maintenance, you’ll undoubtedly need repairs at some point, so it’s best to budget ahead of time. HVAC repair costs average around $350, but they can vary based on the type of system you have, the size of your home and the severity of the issue.

Here’s a breakdown of HVAC repair costs based on system type:

• Furnace/boiler: $125 to $2,500
• Central AC system: $150 to $2,000
• Heat pump: $200 to $3,000
• Mini-split: $200 to $1,600
• Geothermal heat pump: $200 to $1,700+

Your location can also influence repair costs, as hourly rates often scale with the local cost of living. Average labor rates range from $75 to $250 per hour.

HVAC service calls

An HVAC service call usually costs between $75 and $150 as a flat fee, and it only includes a diagnostic test to figure out what’s wrong. Some contractors will subtract that fee from the total repair cost if they can fix the problem on-site, but check with your HVAC tech for clarification before having them inspect your unit.

A new HVAC system is almost certainly worth it if your existing equipment is nearing the end of its useful life, or if you’ve had ongoing problems with your system. A new system is expensive, but it gives you peace of mind and ensures you and your family will be safe and comfortable, and that you’re not at risk of frozen pipes and resulting water damage.

HVAC technology has also advanced over the years, so the likelihood is that a new system will be significantly more efficient than your old one. You could see lower heating and cooling bills, and you may see a bump in home value due to the increased efficiency and the lower risk of future breakdowns.

Local companies can provide the assistance you need quickly. We compared HVAC companies across the U.S. to help you find trusted HVAC contractors in your city.

» MORE: HVAC industry statistics