Did you know that the summer of 2020 was one of the hottest on record in the US, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration? If temperatures this coming summer are any similar, it’s going to be a hot one! This article is a helpful guide to choosing the right residential HVAC repair company.
While this is good news for people looking forward to a summer full of afternoons at the pool and vacations at the beach, it isn’t great news for anyone who needs residential HVAC repair work done.
If you’ve found that you need to fix your HVAC system, then you might be stressed about finding the right HVAC repair company for the job.
There are so many options out there and at so many prices. It can be overwhelming to make your decision.
That’s why we’ve put together this article. In it, we’ll review everything you need to consider when choosing the right HVAC repair company for your home.
Finally, you can have a cool home during a hot summer without having to break the bank. Read on to learn more.
1. Referrals
Before calling up HVAC repair companies and finding out more about their services, ask your friends and family if they have any they recommend. When putting your list together, ask them what they thought was best about the company.
Additionally, ask questions about rates, how long the repair took, how long it has lasted, and whether they would hire that company again.
In addition to reaching out to friends and family, ask around your neighborhood for tips.
If you belong to a neighborhood association, they might even have connections with nearby HVAC companies—in which case you may be able to get a discount.
2. Customer Reviews
When you’re looking for the best HVAC repair experience possible, it helps read online customer reviews. Go to the HVAC repair company’s website to find out what past clients have said about them. If it’s full of negative reviews, don’t hire them.
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However, keep in mind that it still might be a good company to go with if there are only a few negative reviews.
To be sure, check reviews on websites such as Angi’s List, Google Maps, and Yelp. It would be best if you had a good idea by then that customers have been happy with their service in the past.
3. Your Budget
Something else you need to consider when fixing residential HVAC systems is how much you can afford to pay for the service. If you don’t have much saved up for the repair, you might have to take out an emergency loan, including this in your calculation.
Generally speaking, the cost will be somewhere between $6,500 and $12,500.
Put together a budget to find out how much you can actually afford. This way, when you’re researching potential HVAC repair companies, you can exclude the ones with prices that are too high from your list.
4. Different Repair Costs
Once you know what your budget is, the next step is comparing repair costs. Go to the websites of the different HVAC companies you’re considering and work out what the average price for an HVAC repair is in your area. Then, think about:
- Which companies offer the most expensive repairs
- Which companies offer average-priced repairs
- Which companies offer the cheapest repairs
It may be tempting to take the expensive companies off your list immediately, but you should only do this if they’re outside of the budget you calculated. This is because they might offer additional services, such as emergency repairs and 24-hour service (we’ll go into that next).
Companies with average prices for repairs are usually reliable. However, when it comes to the companies that have the cheapest repairs, be careful.
If the prices are incredibly low, then they’re probably too good to be true. You might end up with an HVAC unit that isn’t properly fixed or have to end up replacing it entirely after the supposed “repair.”
Worse, you could end up being scammed by this company. So we recommend you stay away from the companies with insanely low rates.
Get It in Writing: Estimates and Transparency
Before hiring an HVAC contractor, always ask for a written estimate with itemized costs. Reputable companies should be willing to break down labor, materials, and any optional services like plumbing services or control systems integration. Getting a written estimate:
- Prevent surprise fees
- Makes it easier to compare AC repair costs across service providers
- Helps you decide if a new HVAC system or a simple repair is the better option
This is especially important when choosing between repairing or replacing your air conditioning unit or upgrading to new heating and cooling systems.
Know Your HVAC System Before You Call
When hiring AC repair services, one of the most overlooked yet powerful steps homeowners can take is learning the basics of their HVAC system. Knowing the model, brand, and maintenance history of your air conditioning unit or heating systems can make a major difference.
Why It Matters
If you’re aware of your AC unit’s age, how often it’s had routine maintenance, or what repairs it’s had in the past, you’ll be better prepared to explain your repair needs. It also allows your HVAC technician or HVAC installer to get straight to the source of the problem faster.
Having this background can lead to fewer service calls, lower AC repair costs, and ultimately, better long-term performance and energy efficiency from your cooling systems.
Don’t Rush the Decision—Take Your Time
A reliable HVAC installation technician won’t pressure you into immediate decisions. Whether you’re debating between repairing heating or investing in a new heating system, take time to consider your finances, comfort goals, and energy savings.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Companies that don’t explain service options clearly
- Quotes that seem too good to be true
- Pushy sales tactics without regard for your long-term comfort
Taking your time ensures you hire an HVAC professional who aligns with your expectations and adheres to industry standards.
5. Emergency Repairs and 24-Hour Service
When you’re looking for the right residential HVAC repair company, it’s good to choose one that offers emergency AC repairs. This is for two reasons. First of all, the last thing you want is for your HVAC unit to stop working, and there’s no one there to fix it.
After all, you could end up having to wait a day or two in the heat. With so many people working from home these days, this could be incredibly uncomfortable.
The second reason is your safety. If there are any other issues causing HVAC problems—for example, faulty electrical wiring—you could end up with a dangerous problem like a fire in your home.
By choosing an HVAC repair company that offers emergency repairs, you won’t have to worry anytime you have a problem with your HVAC unit.
Fast Response Time Reflects Great Service
A company’s response time often reflects its level of professionalism. If they can’t get back to you quickly—especially when you’re facing AC issues during peak season—it’s time to consider another provider. Look for:
- Multiple communication options: phone, email, live chat
- Response within 12–24 hours for non-emergency service calls
- Friendly, helpful support that shows they care about your HVAC repair needs
Whether you're scheduling hour air conditioning service or have questions about HVAC maintenance, timely communication is part of delivering exceptional services.
6. Experience
Experience is something else to consider when choosing an HVAC repair company. When visiting company websites, see if you can find out how long they’ve been operating in your area. The longer, the better, since they’ll know how to deal with your local climate better.
Additionally, call up companies and ask about how long their employees have been working for them.
Often, these businesses have contracted-out workers, so you want to be sure that the person repairing your home has been doing repairs for as long as the company has.
7. Proper Licensing
It would be best if you also made sure that the HVAC company you’re hiring has a license to operate in your state and nationally. If they don’t have this license, they might not be using the best methods in the industry to do their repairs in your home.
Additionally, it’s best if the company is a member of a professional body in the industry.
Generally speaking, the more certifications and accreditations the company has, the better. You’ll also want to check that everyone contracted out working for them has the proper licenses and accreditations.
8. Extended Warranties Reflect Confidence in Quality Repairs
A company that offers extended warranties on labor and parts is one that stands behind its work. This not only speaks to their commitment to quality repairs but also shows they meet industry standards. Extended warranties:
- Give you peace of mind for future AC issues
- Help reduce long-term HVAC repair costs
- Sign of an experienced HVAC career professional who takes pride in their craft
Look for warranties when hiring an HVAC installation technician or contractor for furnace repair, heating services, or air conditioning unit replacement.
9. Post-Repair Support: What Quality Service Looks Like
A reliable service provider doesn’t stop delivering value after the job is done. After-service support is a key factor in customer satisfaction—especially when your HVAC system breaks down again just weeks after a repair.
What to Expect from a Trustworthy HVAC Contractor
- Willingness to return and address recurring AC issues
- Optional HVAC maintenance plans for long-term savings
- Fast and responsive emergency services when AC breaks unexpectedly
Establishing a relationship with a dependable HVAC professional can give you peace of mind for years to come, whether you need air conditioning service or furnace repair.
10. The Best HVAC Repair Equipment
The best HVAC repair companies will have the best HVAC repair equipment. Even if you’re not an expert, you can do a bit of research online to find out what the best equipment is. Then, when you’re contacting companies about their services, ask about what they’ll use.
If some companies use more old-fashioned equipment, they may not be the best fit.
Additionally, find out if there’s any specific repair equipment that has to be used to fix your HVAC unit specifically.
If the company doesn’t use this type of equipment, you can take them off your list.
11. Insurance
Any HVAC repair company that is professional will have the insurance needed for all of their repairs. After all, if one of their workers injures themselves when they’re at your home, they need to be covered for that. The same goes for any damages to your home.
Without insurance, you’re putting both yourself and your property at physical and financial risk.
In addition to being better for you, a company having insurance demonstrates that they’re professional and will do their repairs professionally, too.
12. Online Presence
These days, most businesses have a website. Even if they’re a brick-and-mortar store, they’ll have an online presence to provide customers with information about what they do, FAQ pages, and ways of contacting them.
If one of the companies you’re thinking of hiring doesn’t have an online presence, then this is a red flag. They could be pretending to be a company and steal your money.
13. Various Services in Addition to Residential HVAC Repair
You want to hire an HVAC repair company with additional services, such as HVAC installation and maintenance. This is for two reasons. First of all, this demonstrates that they’re professionals who know their way around an HVAC unit. Whatever issue they’re dealing with, they’ll be able to fix it because they’re experts in their field.
Second, it’s good to have a relationship with an HVAC repair company that offers many services. This way, when you need them, they’re only a call away.
Repair vs. Replace: Expect Multiple Options
Your HVAC technician should provide more than one path forward. If the only recommendation is a costly new HVAC system, it’s okay to get a second opinion.
A Balanced Repair Expert Will:
- Evaluate whether replacing a few electrical components will fix your AC unit
- Check whether routine maintenance or filter replacement could solve airflow issues
- Help you understand the pros and cons of upgrading to energy-efficient heat pumps
The goal is to offer flexibility based on your unique HVAC system and home needs—not to upsell unnecessary services.
Need More Information?
Now that you’ve learned about everything you need to consider when choosing a residential HVAC repair company, you might need additional information. Maybe you want to learn about what signs to look for that show your HVAC unit needs repairing—or explore the benefits of enrolling in HVAC maintenance plans in St. Louis to help prevent costly breakdowns before they happen.
Or maybe you’re looking for an HVAC repair service company near you.
Whatever information you need, we can help. Crystal is the leading St. Louis heating and cooling company, serving the whole metro area. We're experts at HVAC repair and also offer the best air purifier available.
