HVAC Contractors
Compare 507 hvac contractors across 51 states — averaging 4.9★ from 730,228 verified Google reviews. Pick your state to see local firms with ratings, service areas, and licensing rules. No lead fees.
HVAC contractors install and service heating and cooling systems, licensed work in most states because it involves EPA-regulated refrigerant and often gas. A full system replacement runs $6,000 to $14,000, and a proper installer sizes the system with a load calculation rather than a guess.
HVAC Contractors by State
How to Hire HVAC Contractors in 2026
Insist on a Manual J load calculation before anyone quotes a system size, because an oversized unit short-cycles, wastes energy, and fails early. Confirm EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling and a state HVAC or mechanical license where required. Ask for the SEER2 and HSPF ratings and the full model numbers in the quote.
Compare bids on identical equipment and scope, since one installer's system may exclude a new line set, pad, or thermostat that another includes. Register the manufacturer warranty, which often requires professional installation to stay valid, and ask about a maintenance plan. Permits and a post-install inspection protect you if the work is ever questioned.
HVAC Contractors FAQs
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
A full HVAC system replacement typically runs $6,000 to $14,000 installed, depending on system type, size, and efficiency. A high-efficiency heat pump or a system needing new ductwork lands at the top of that range. A furnace or AC unit alone runs $3,000 to $7,500.
Do HVAC contractors need to be licensed?
Most states require an HVAC or mechanical contractor license, and federal law requires EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerant. Installations usually need a permit and inspection. Verify both the state license and EPA certification before hiring.
What size HVAC system do I need?
The right size comes from a Manual J load calculation that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation, windows, and climate, not a rule of thumb. A good contractor performs this calculation; an oversized system cycles on and off too quickly and wears out faster.
How often should HVAC be serviced?
Service the system twice a year, heating in fall and cooling in spring, to keep efficiency up and the warranty valid. Change filters every one to three months. Many contractors offer maintenance plans that include both visits and priority scheduling.
Directory refreshed April 2026. Listings sourced from public business data; confirm licensing and insurance directly with each firm.