How to Find the Best HVAC Near Me
Whether you’re new to the area, you’re a first-time homeowner, or you’ve never had a problem with your HVAC system before, there comes a time when you need to find the best HVAC service near you. If you’re in the Houston metro area or Miami, you might have a dozen HVAC companies to choose from within a 5-mile radius.
But if you’re in the middle of farm country, “HVAC near me” takes on a whole new meaning. Wherever you’re located, we’ve put together some pro tips to help you find an HVAC company you can trust.
By Anne Fonda
Like finding a trusted mechanic, finding the right HVAC company is like finding a hidden gem. You want someone with experience, expertise, trustworthiness, good availability, expert customer service, and fair pricing.
We promise. These HVAC company unicorns exist. It just involves a little homework to find one.
Finding HVAC Services Near You
The most common HVAC services include:
- Air conditioner repair
- Air conditioning replacement
- Furnace repair
- Furnace installation
- Heat pump repair
- Heat pump installation
There are two main ways to find reputable HVAC services near you - Googling the service you need, and asking for recommendations.
Google is Your Friend
You can Google any of those phrases in the bullet points above and the words “near me” and a list of companies will pop up, along with a map showing you where they are located. Before visiting websites, read through some of their reviews.
You want a company with lots and lots of 4 and 5-star reviews. Read through the reviews to see what clients have to say about the company.
Pay attention to any negative reviews as well. How did the company respond to try and make things right? You want an HVAC company that is well-respected and strives to achieve customer satisfaction.
Read through the company websites. Do they sound knowledgeable? Do they provide the exact service you need? If you need HVAC repairs, do they provide emergency service?
Get Recommendations
Another way to find trusted HVAC services near you is to ask friends, family, and neighbors who they use, and if they know of a company to avoid. NextDoor can also be a good site - but watch out for members who are promoting their own business without revealing that fact.
You can get recommendations before you start Googling, or you can get recommendations after you’ve looked through the HVAC companies near you. If you need AC repairs, your timeline for finding the right company likely won’t be as long as your timeline for a full HVAC system replacement.
However much time you have, do this preliminary research.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC Company
When you’re evaluating an HVAC company, you need to consider a lot of factors. Some things to do while you’re deciding who to choose include:
- Make sure they are licensed.
- Ensure they are certified to work with and properly dispose of refrigerants.
- Look for NATE certification as an indicator of HVAC training and expertise
- Look for a company that’s been in business for at least 5 years and has experienced HVAC technicians.
- Read through customer reviews and testimonials, the good and the bad.
- Ask which HVAC systems they install if they don’t specify it on their website.
- Check out the labor warranties and equipment warranties.
- Compare quotes.
For that last item on comparing quotes - know that it is standard for HVAC companies to charge a repair service call fee just for driving to your house and walking in the door. For HVAC repair, many companies won’t give an estimate over the phone unless they have been able to remotely diagnose the problem through something like the Trane Home App. So you may opt to go with the company that can do the repairs first.
For HVAC installation services such as furnace replacement or heat pump installation where you are proactively seeking quotes, take your time. Interview multiple companies and compare quotes. If one quote is a lot lower than the others, ask why. The company may have left something out.
Interact with the HVAC Technician or Company Representative
When an HVAC technician arrives at your home for air conditioning repair or furnace repair, be fully present. Make mental notes - did they arrive on time? Were they friendly? Were they polite?
Show them the HVAC system and feel free to hang around and ask questions. A good technician will explain to you what they are doing and why. When they discover the root of the problem, they may recommend more than one solution.
Ask any technical questions you have so that you fully understand the issues involved. Do they explain things simply in a way that’s easy to understand? If you’re satisfied with the work they do, consider leaving a review to help the next person choose the right HVAC company near them.
When Getting a Quote for a New System
When you’re getting a quote for a new system, make the same mental notes. In many cases, you may be speaking with the owner or co-owner of the company if it’s a small outfit. Or you may be speaking with a sales representative.
Are they knowledgeable? Do they go over more than one system (AC + furnace vs heat pump system)? Do they go over all of the tax credits, rebates, and financing options available?
How a technician or other company representative interacts with you may seal the deal for your future business.
Develop a Relationship
Once you find an HVAC service near you that you’re happy with, develop a relationship with the company. Many heating and air companies have seasonal maintenance plans available for a relatively small cost. By signing up for HVAC maintenance, you help ensure your heating and cooling system will operate at peak performance. Plans generally include a spring AC tune-up and a fall furnace tune-up.
As a bonus, many HVAC contractors give existing customers top priority in emergencies such as heat waves and cold snaps. You might also be the first to hear about new money-saving offers.
Contact Your Local Comfort Specialist
Finding the best HVAC service near you doesn’t have to be hard. If you need HVAC repair or you’re looking to upgrade to a heat pump system, look no further than your local Trane Comfort Specialist™ to schedule repairs or a free consultation. Visit the link, enter your zip code, and get a list of some of the best HVAC companies near you.
Comfort Specialists have received Trane’s stamp of approval. These are independent HVAC contractors who are experts in servicing and maintaining Trane systems. They are also experts in new system sizing and helping you select the best products for your home and budget.
With a nationwide network, you’re sure to find the best HVAC service near you.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
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