Get matched with licensed HVAC contractors in your state. AC replacement, heat pump installs, furnace replacement, mini-splits, and HVAC repair — compare quotes from local pros with no obligation.
HVAC equipment is one of the largest mechanical purchases most homeowners ever make, and pricing for the exact same system can vary by 20–35% between contractors in the same metro. Studies consistently show that homeowners who collect at least three competing quotes save an average of $1,500–$3,500 on a full system replacement — and that's before factoring in equipment quality differences, warranty terms, or installation craftsmanship. The Home Service Guide connects you with multiple licensed local contractors so you can compare apples to apples on equipment, scope, and price before you commit.
A reputable HVAC quote isn't a single number on a one-page proposal — it should itemize equipment make and model with AHRI certification, refrigerant type, capacity in tons or BTU, SEER2/HSPF2 ratings, ductwork inspection findings, electrical service requirements, permit costs, installation labor, system commissioning, and the warranty terms for both parts and labor. If a quote doesn't break those line items out, that's a yellow flag — it usually means the contractor wants flexibility to substitute equipment after the deposit clears. Always insist on a Manual J load calculation rather than a thumb-rule sizing estimate; oversized systems short-cycle, waste energy, and fail prematurely.
The Inflation Reduction Act's 25C tax credit covers up to $2,000 toward qualifying heat pump installations through 2032 — and that federal credit stacks with state utility rebates that can add another $1,000–$8,000 depending on where you live. California's TECH Clean program, NJ's Whole House Energy Solutions, NY's Clean Heat program, and Massachusetts' Mass Save all offer substantial incentives that change the payback math dramatically. A reputable contractor will walk you through which rebates apply to your project and handle the paperwork; an unreliable one will quote a higher list price and pocket the rebate themselves. Ask up front.
Cold-climate heat pumps now perform well below freezing thanks to inverter-driven compressors, but the right system depends on your local climate, current fuel costs, and existing equipment. In mild climates like California and Florida, a high-SEER2 heat pump is almost always the right answer — lowest operating cost, IRA-eligible, and simplest install. In NY, NJ, MA, and CT where winters get cold, a dual-fuel system (heat pump with gas backup) often wins on lifetime cost because the heat pump handles 70–80% of the heating season at higher efficiency than gas, then switches to the furnace on the coldest nights. Texas varies by region — Dallas and Austin lean heat pump, Houston still favors high-SEER straight AC.
The Home Service Guide connects homeowners with pre-vetted HVAC Contractors Near You — Free Quotes | The Home Service Guide contractors in seven states. Click your state to see state-specific incentives, regulations, top contractors, and average pricing.
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
HVAC contractors statewide — 20 cities served
Get HVAC Contractors Near You — Free Quotes | The Home Service Guide quotes in any of the cities below — or any nearby city, ZIP code, or county.
Most full residential HVAC replacements run $5,500–$15,000 installed. Mid-tier single-stage AC + 80% gas furnace lands in the $6,000–$9,000 range. Variable-speed heat pumps with cold-climate inverter compressors run $11,000–$18,000 before incentives. Federal and state incentives can knock $2,000–$10,000 off depending on equipment tier and your state. Always get itemized quotes — list price plus rebate paperwork handling is normal; opaque pricing isn't.
Yes — modern cold-climate heat pumps (HSPF2 8.5+, rated for low-temperature performance) maintain efficiency down to -5°F or lower. Combined with the 25C federal tax credit and aggressive state rebates in the Northeast, total ownership cost over 15 years usually beats gas in NY, NJ, MA, and CT. Dual-fuel hybrid systems are the safest middle ground if you already have working gas service.
Every state in our network (CA, CT, FL, MA, NJ, NY, TX) requires HVAC licensing. Verify the license number on your state's contractor licensing board website before signing. The Home Service Guide pre-vets every contractor in our network for active licensing, insurance (general liability + workers' comp), and a clean complaint history. Ask for license number and proof of insurance before any work begins.
SEER2 is the updated 2023+ federal efficiency rating that uses a more realistic test procedure with higher external static pressure — meaning a SEER2 rating is roughly 4.5% lower than the old SEER number for the same equipment. A 16 SEER2 unit is approximately equivalent to a 16.7 SEER unit under the old rating. All new equipment sold after January 2023 uses SEER2; older quotes you may have from years past will use SEER. Compare like to like.
Standard residential HVAC replacement (existing ductwork in good condition) takes one to two days. Heat pump installs with new line sets, electrical upgrades, or ductwork modifications can stretch to three to four days. Schedule replacements in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when contractors are less booked — you'll often get sharper pricing and faster scheduling than during peak summer or winter emergency demand.
Sometimes — but a high-efficiency variable-speed system performs poorly on undersized or leaky ductwork. A proper assessment includes static pressure measurements and a duct leakage test (often part of the home performance rebate programs). If your ducts are more than 25 years old, undersized, or showing visible leaks, plan to budget $1,500–$4,000 for sealing and selective repairs. Skipping this means paying for high-efficiency equipment that runs in low-efficiency mode.