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Top 5 HVAC Companies (2024 Guide)
In this EcoWatch guide to the best HVAC companies, you’ll learn:
- What are the best HVAC companies?
- What should you look for in an HVAC company?
- How we evaluated the top HVAC companies
This guide has helped many homeowners make a more informed decision on which HVAC company is the best option for their home.
What Are the Best HVAC Brands?
Energy used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) accounts for roughly 55% of the average home’s energy consumption. For the average household, that consumption alone accounts for more than 17,300 pounds of CO2 emissions per year.1
That’s why choosing the best HVAC company to improve your home’s energy efficiency is so important. It won’t only save you money, but will also help you conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you choose systems with qualified SEER ratings.
EcoWatch has put in hours of research to help you find the best HVAC companies, ranking them all on efficiency, availability, cost, customer service and environmental impact.
Carrier Heating and Cooling
Most Eco-Friendly
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Wide availability (25+ states)
- Focus on energy efficiency
- Transparent about environmental impact
- Industry-leading company
Cons
- Weak or non-existent warranty
- More expensive than some competitors
ARS Rescue Rooter
Best Emergency Service
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Focus on energy efficiency
- Positive customer reviews
- 15+ years in business
- Outstanding social impact
- Strong warranty
- Offers eco-home systems (heat pumps, solar, etc)
- Financing options available
Cons
- Available in fewer than 25 states
Service Experts Heating
Best Service Offerings
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Wide availability (25+ states)
- Positive customer reviews
- 15+ years in business
- Outstanding social impact
- Strong warranty
- Offers eco-home systems (heat pumps, solar, etc)
- Offers money-saving membership programs
Cons
- No emergency service
Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems
Most Affordable Systems
Nationwide Service
Average cost
Pros
- Wide availability (25+ states)
- Focus on energy efficiency
- Positive customer reviews
- Financing options available
- Affordable options
Cons
- Few services offered
- No community outreach or charitable giving
- Weak or non-existent warranty
- No emergency service
Trane
HVAC Veteran
Average cost
Pros
- Wide availability (25+ states)
- Focus on energy efficiency
- 15+ years in business
- Offers eco-home systems (heat pumps, solar, etc.)
- Financing options available
Cons
- Some negative customer reviews
- Poor BBB score
- More expensive than competitors
Compare the Best HVAC Companies
We reviewed over a dozen national companies to find the best HVAC brands for homeowners across the country. Here’s a quick comparison of our top picks for HVAC companies:
Company |
Services |
Warranty |
Price ($ – $$$$) |
Availability |
| Carrier Heating and Cooling | • HVAC, • geothermal, • energy efficiency, • smart thermostats, • emergency, • commercial |
5-10-year product warranty,* 1-year money-back guarantee |
$$ – $$$$ | 50 States |
| ARS Rescue Rooter | • HVAC, • geothermal, • energy efficiency, • smart thermostats, • plumbing, • insulation, • emergency, • commercial |
10-year product,** 1-year workmanship warranties |
$ – $$ | 24 States |
| Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning | • HVAC, • geothermal, • smart thermostats, • plumbing, • insulation, • fireplaces, • indoor air quality |
10-year product,** 1-year workmanship warranties |
$ – $$ | 29 States and Canada |
| Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems | • HVAC, • geothermal, • smart thermostats, • indoor air quality, • commercial |
10-year limited product warranty* | $ – $$$ | 50 States |
| Trane | • HVAC, • geothermal, • energy efficiency, • smart thermostats, • indoor air quality, • emergency |
5-10 years limited product* | $$ – $$$ | 50 States |
*Customer must register equipment within 60-90 days to receive maximum warranty
**Length of warranty may vary by product, manufacturer or dealer
Most Eco-Friendly: Carrier Heating and Cooling
Year founded: 1915
Price range: $$ – $$$$
Warranty: 5-10-year product warranty, covers functional parts only (must register)
Better Business Bureau (BBB) score: A+ (Non-accredited)
Carrier Heating and Cooling is one of the best HVAC manufacturers in the market. It’s known for long-lasting cooling and heating systems with top-notch energy efficiency, making it an eco-friendly pick.
The Carrier brand is extremely trusted in the HVAC industry with more than 100 years in business. The company was founded in 1915 by Willis Carrier — the same man who invented the first modern air conditioning system in 1902.
Along with AC units, Carrier makes furnaces, geothermal heat pumps, ductless systems, indoor air quality systems and smart thermostats.
With a big global brand, the quality of your Carrier experience will rely heavily on your local dealer, but the company says that all of its HVAC technicians go through a certification program at headquarters. Also, Carrier-authorized dealers offer a one-year 100% money-back guarantee if you’re dissatisfied.
Carrier tends to be more expensive compared to other HVAC service companies, but with peak functionality and energy efficiency, you’ll likely see bigger savings on your energy bills with a brand like Carrier.
The company does offer a wide variety of products that range in price, plus financing and lease-to-own options.
For more information on Carrier’s products, check out the video below:
Pros of Carrier
- Energy efficient heat and AC systems
- Industry leader
- Wide availability
- Transparent with environmental impact (read its 2022 ESG report)
Cons of Carrier
- No workmanship/labor warranty
- Must register equipment within 90 days to receive 10-year product warranty covering functional parts
- More expensive compared to others
- Quality of installation varies on dealer
Best Emergency HVAC Services: ARS Rescue Rooter
Year founded: 1975
Price range: $ – $$
Warranty: 10-year product, 1-year labor warranties (may vary by manufacturer)
BBB score: A+
ARS Rescue Rooter is a heating and air conditioning company that provides HVAC, insulation, plumbing, electrical and a variety of other home comfort services.
With availability 24/7, it’s an optimal choice for homeowners who need emergency services. ARS doesn’t manufacture its own equipment, meaning it can work with homeowners who have different HVAC brands.
Established in 1975 in Memphis, Tennessee, ARS Rescue Rooter has since grown to serve customers across the country with locations in 24 states. The company is known for quality service and certified technicians that have passed stringent background checks, drug tests and stringent health and safety training.
ARS Rescue Rooter offers the following services: air conditioning, heating and furnace, indoor air quality, plumbing, smart home products, attic insulation and commercial HVAC systems.
Technicians are available for installations, replacements, tune-ups and repair services and are knowledgeable on everything from water heaters and air conditioning units to ductwork and geothermal heating solutions.
While prices are only available upon consultation, ARS Rescue Rooter says written estimates will be provided for approval before a job is started. Plus, all ARS jobs are protected under a one-year “Exceptional Service Guarantee,” which means all work will be completed to satisfaction or your money back.
Customer reviews have indicated that ARS Rescue Rooter is more affordable compared to other HVAC businesses.
Pros of ABS Rescue
- Reliable, trustworthy technicians available 24/7
- One-year service warranty with satisfaction guarantee
- Can work with multiple HVAC brands
Cons of ABS Rescue
- Not available in 26 states
Best Services: Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Year founded: 1996
Price range: $ – $$
Warranty: 10-year product, 1-year workmanship warranties
BBB score: A+
Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning offers a superior selection of home improvement services compared to standard air conditioning and heating companies.
Service Experts is not an HVAC manufacturer, so technicians can work across different brands and systems. Technicians can perform plumbing, water treatment, insulation, air quality services and even fireplace repair. However, services may vary depending on location.
Established in 1996, Service Experts has quickly expanded to offer more than 100 locations across North America, including most U.S. major cities and a few in Canada. It’s headquartered in Plano, Texas and currently serves 28 states.
A big plus for Service Experts is its “Advantage Program,” which allows it to sell HVAC equipment — including gas furnaces, water heaters and water treatment systems — to homeowners with no downpayment required.
The Advantage Program fee also includes HVAC repairs, diagnostic and seasonal maintenance, as well as additional add-ons for people to upgrade to “armor,” “maintenance” and “priority” memberships.
Pros of Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
- 24/7 availability and emergency services
- Offers savings through its membership programs
- One-year service warranty with satisfaction guarantee
- Variety of services offered
Cons of Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
- Not available in 22 states
- Services vary by state
- Emergency services may only be available for previous customers
Most Affordable Systems: Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems
Year founded: 1904
Price range: $ – $$$
Warranty: 10-year product warranty for specific parts
BBB score: A+
Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems is owned by Carrier, so it also offers some of the most energy-efficient HVAC equipment on the market, but typically at a lower price. That equipment includes both central air conditioning and ductless systems, air and geothermal heat pumps, air purifiers and more.
Today Bryant operates under the Carrier Global Corporation, but the company has been around since 1904 and is a trusted name in the HVAC industry. Bryant is an equipment manufacturer with certified dealers across the country, meaning the quality of your service can vary depending on your local Bryant HVAC dealer.
The best thing about Bryant is that its HVAC equipment is nearly on-par with Carrier in terms of efficiency, lifespan and noise, but it comes with a lower price tag.
However, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest technology, you’re probably not going to get it with Bryant, as new products typically debut on the Carrier line.
Pros of Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems
- High-quality, energy-efficient systems
- Affordable pricing
- Wide availability
Cons of Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems
- Quality of installation or repair of HVAC unit varies depending on dealer
- No workmanship/labor warranty
- Must register equipment within 90 days to receive 10-year warranty on specified parts
HVAC Veteran: Trane
Year founded: 1885
Price range: $$ – $$$
Warranty: 10-year product warranty, 12-year coverage on some compressors
BBB score: B (Not accredited)
Trane is a world leader in HVAC equipment and manufacturers air conditioners, air handlers, heat pumps, furnaces, air purifiers, smart thermostats and more. It has a great reputation for high quality and reliability, but installation quality may vary as Trane has dealers all across the country.
The company dates back to 1885 when founder James Trane started producing low-pressure heating systems. The company was purchased by fellow HVAC company American Standard in 1984.
Although Trane has long-lasting and durable products, it’s typically not as energy-efficient compared to brands like Carrier and Bryant. Some Trane customers have also complained about the noise level of the HVAC systems. However, some of its air conditioners have SEER ratings up to 22, a very high rating.
Trane products come with a 10-year limited warranty on parts, with some of its higher-end models coming with an extended 12-year warranty on compressors. While the standard warranty does not cover labor or refrigerant, Trane offers extended warranty options to cover additional HVAC parts and labor.
Pros of Trane
- High-quality equipment
- More than 130 years in business
- Most durable equipment, great for coastal homes
Cons of Trane
- Less efficient than competitors
- Complaints of loud HVAC systems
- Quality of installation depends on local dealer
How to Choose the Right HVAC Company
There’s always going to be a need for home heating and cooling, so HVAC companies stay in high demand. As most people aren’t experts in heating and cooling equipment, so how do you know how to choose the right HVAC system?
The following is a list of factors homeowners should consider to find the best HVAC system and installer for their household.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient equipment isn’t just a wise choice for the environment, it will save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills as well. SEER ratings are the best indicators of efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the product.
Availability
To state the obvious, you need to find an HVAC technician that offers services where you live. A large HVAC company like Carrier or Bryant has a wide network of installers, but you’ll still need to find the best HVAC contractor from their list of dealers.
Cost
The best HVAC company isn’t always going to be the most affordable, so we recommend you choose the highest quality job within your budget. Many factors can affect the cost of an HVAC service, including the climate where you live, the size of your home and of course, the system you choose.
Contractor Licensing and Experience
You don’t want to be too cheap when choosing an HVAC technician. Your contractor should be licensed, with expertise on heating and cooling systems.
They should take their time examining your home and current setup before giving you a quote and estimated timeline.
Established Reputation
You may prefer having a large, trusted brand to send over an HVAC technician, or you may want to pick a small, family-owned HVAC company near you.
Either way, you want to choose a company that has an established reputation for quality service and pricing. Make sure to do your research and read customer reviews.
Customer Service
The best HVAC companies will not only have knowledgeable technicians, but ones who show up on time, answer all your questions and provide great customer service.
If you have a hard time getting a company to come to your house for an initial estimate, assume they’re probably not the best person for the job.
Warranty
HVAC systems are a big investment, so you want to make sure that investment is protected. Products should come with at least a 10-year warranty and labor with a one-year satisfaction guarantee.
Offers and Discounts
When shopping for an HVAC system, keep your eyes out for special offers and discounts. Again, the best HVAC company is typically not going to be the cheapest HVAC company, but many great brands offer first-time specials and discounts.
Additionally, homeowners who upgrade to energy-efficient equipment may be eligible for government rebates.
How Long Does an HVAC System Last?
Typically, HVAC equipment has a lifespan between 10 and 25 years, but it could be more or less depending on the type of HVAC system, the quality of the brand and the climate in which you live.
There are several things you can do to prolong the life of your HVAC system, including regular maintenance and cleaning. On the other hand, insufficient insulation, unchecked air filters or cracks in your air ducts can wear on your system and cause it to break down sooner than it should having your HVAC unit inspected yearly can help find root issues faster.
Learn More About Top-Rated Local HVAC Contractors Near You
As a trusted name for eco-conscious homeowners, EcoWatch is often able to secure low rates for readers looking for the best companies for HVAC and other energy-efficient upgrades.
If you’re ready to connect with a local HVAC contractor for installation, repairs or maintenance, click on one of the links below for a no-commitment, free quote.
Our Methodology for Choosing the Best HVAC Companies
Wondering how we landed on these top five HVAC companies? To stay impartial, the EcoWatch Reviews team evaluated data from a number of different national HVAC companies based on the following criteria and assigned scores to each category. We aggregated those results into an overall score and finalized our top five.
We considered the following main factors to determine a score:
- Cost
- Availability
- Company reputation and history
- Warranty
- Customer experience
FAQ: Best HVAC Companies
The top HVAC brand for energy efficiency is Carrier, followed closely by Bryant. Both are owned by the same parent company and are often manufactured in the same facilities.
The best brands for HVAC equipment and installation are Carrier, Bryant and Trane. Other top American HVAC brands include Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning, Daikin Applied and Lennox Commercial, who were runner-ups for this review.
The best way to find out what size HVAC system you need for your home is to get a professional “Manual J calculation,” that considers factors like square footage, natural shade or sunlight and how many heat-generating appliances you have.
However, you can get a rough estimate by finding the square footage of your floor space and multiplying it by 25 to get the base BTU (British thermal unit) measurement — that’s the unit used to measure the energy used for heating and cooling. Once you have the BTUs, you can use that to determine what size HVAC unit you need.
Compare HVAC Installers
Average cost
Pros
Cons
-
- Wide availability (25+ states)
- Focus on energy efficiency
- Transparent about environmental impact
- Industry-leading company
- Weak or non-existent warranty
- More expensive than some competitors