Your AC isn't cooling. Your furnace won't turn on. You hear strange noises from your HVAC system. You need professional help, but who can you trust with your home's comfort? And how much will it cost?
Professional HVAC services do more than fix immediate problems—they ensure year-round comfort, prevent expensive breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, extend equipment life, and maintain healthy indoor air quality. But with varying service levels, seasonal pricing, and emergency rates, finding the right HVAC technician can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide shows you everything you need to know about HVAC services. You'll learn what repairs and installations cost, how often to schedule maintenance, when to repair vs. replace, and where to find reliable local HVAC technicians who won't overcharge you.
❄️ Types of HVAC Services & Costs
🔧 AC Repair
$150-600
Diagnose and repair air conditioning issues.
- Service call: $75-150
- Minor repair: $150-300
- Major repair: $300-600
- Refrigerant recharge: $200-500
- Time: 1-3 hours
🔥 Furnace Repair
$150-500
Diagnose and repair heating system problems.
- Service call: $75-150
- Minor repair: $150-300
- Major repair: $300-600
- Ignitor replacement: $150-300
- Time: 1-3 hours
🛠️ HVAC Maintenance
$75-200
Annual tune-up and preventive maintenance.
- AC tune-up: $75-150
- Furnace tune-up: $80-150
- Both systems: $150-250
- Frequency: Annually or bi-annually
- Time: 1-2 hours
❄️ New AC Installation
$3,000-8,000
Install new air conditioning system.
- Basic unit: $3,000-5,000
- Mid-range: $5,000-7,000
- High-efficiency: $7,000-12,000
- Includes: Unit, installation, labor
- Time: 1-2 days
🔥 New Furnace Installation
$2,500-7,000
Install new heating system.
- Basic furnace: $2,500-4,000
- Mid-range: $4,000-6,000
- High-efficiency: $6,000-10,000
- Includes: Unit, installation, labor
- Time: 1 day
🌡️ Thermostat Installation
$100-400
Install or upgrade thermostat.
- Basic thermostat: $100-200
- Programmable: $150-300
- Smart thermostat: $200-500
- Includes: Device, wiring, setup
- Time: 1-2 hours
🌬️ Duct Cleaning
$300-500
Clean air ducts and improve air quality.
- Whole house: $300-700
- Per vent: $25-50
- Includes: Cleaning, sanitizing
- Frequency: Every 3-5 years
- Time: 2-4 hours
🚨 Emergency HVAC
1.5-3x rates
After-hours and emergency service.
- Nights/weekends: 1.5-2x rates
- Holidays: 2-3x rates
- No heat (winter): Emergency
- No AC (summer): Urgent
- Available: 24/7
💰 Understanding HVAC Costs
Average Costs by Service Type
| Service | Average Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| AC Tune-Up | $75-150 | 1-2 hours |
| Furnace Tune-Up | $80-150 | 1-2 hours |
| AC Repair | $150-600 | 1-3 hours |
| Furnace Repair | $150-500 | 1-3 hours |
| New AC Unit | $3,000-8,000 | 1-2 days |
| New Furnace | $2,500-7,000 | 1 day |
| Duct Cleaning | $300-500 | 2-4 hours |
Factors That Affect HVAC Costs
- System type: Central AC, heat pump, furnace, boiler
- System age: Older systems harder to repair, parts scarce
- Repair complexity: Simple fix vs. major component replacement
- Parts availability: Common vs. specialized parts
- Efficiency rating: Higher SEER/AFUE costs more upfront
- Home size: Larger homes need bigger systems
- Time of year: Peak season (summer/winter) costs more
- Emergency service: After-hours costs 1.5-3x more
- Location: Urban areas cost 20-40% more
- Warranty coverage: May reduce repair costs
💡 Why Local Platforms Save You Money
On zero-fee platforms like GigNGo, you connect directly with local HVAC technicians without middleman markups:
- No franchise fees: Large HVAC companies add 30-50% overhead
- No platform commissions: Technicians don't pay 15-30% fees
- Direct communication: Discuss your system and get accurate quotes
- Licensed professionals: Certified HVAC techs in your area
- Real reviews: See feedback from actual local customers
- Transparent pricing: Know costs upfront, no surprise fees
- Better for technicians: They keep 100% of earnings
- Flexible scheduling: Easier to arrange convenient times
Average savings: 30-50% compared to large HVAC companies, while technicians earn more. Everyone wins.
🔧 Repair vs. Replace: When to Replace Your HVAC
Signs You Need to Replace (Not Repair)
- Age: AC over 15 years, furnace over 20 years
- Frequent repairs: Multiple repairs per year
- Rising energy bills: Efficiency declining
- Uneven temperatures: Can't maintain comfort
- Expensive repair: Repair costs 50%+ of replacement
- R-22 refrigerant: Phased out, very expensive
- Loud noises: Grinding, squealing, banging
- Poor air quality: Excess dust, humidity issues
The $5,000 Rule
Multiply the repair cost by the age of your system. If the result is more than $5,000, replace instead of repair.
Example: $500 repair × 12 years old = $6,000 → Replace
Example: $300 repair × 8 years old = $2,400 → Repair
🛠️ HVAC Maintenance: Prevent Expensive Repairs
What's Included in HVAC Maintenance
AC Maintenance Checklist:
- Clean or replace air filters
- Check refrigerant levels
- Clean condenser coils
- Inspect electrical connections
- Test thermostat accuracy
- Lubricate moving parts
- Check condensate drain
- Measure airflow
- Inspect ductwork for leaks
- Test system performance
Furnace Maintenance Checklist:
- Clean or replace air filters
- Inspect heat exchanger
- Test ignition system
- Check gas connections (if gas furnace)
- Inspect burner assembly
- Test safety controls
- Lubricate blower motor
- Check flue system
- Test carbon monoxide levels
- Measure system efficiency
Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| Change Air Filters | Every 1-3 months | Homeowner (DIY) |
| AC Tune-Up | Annually (spring) | Professional |
| Furnace Tune-Up | Annually (fall) | Professional |
| Duct Cleaning | Every 3-5 years | Professional |
| Thermostat Check | Seasonally | Homeowner |
Benefits of Regular Maintenance
- Lower energy bills: 15-30% savings
- Fewer breakdowns: Catch issues early
- Extended equipment life: 5-10 years longer
- Better air quality: Cleaner, healthier air
- Warranty protection: Many require annual maintenance
- Consistent comfort: Better temperature control
- Avoid emergency repairs: Prevent costly breakdowns
🚨 HVAC Emergencies: When to Call Immediately
⚠️ Call HVAC Technician Immediately For:
- No heat in winter: Freezing temperatures, pipe burst risk
- Gas smell: Evacuate, call gas company + HVAC tech
- Carbon monoxide alarm: Evacuate immediately, call 911
- Water leaking from furnace: Can cause damage
- Electrical burning smell: Fire risk
- Frozen AC unit (summer): System damage risk
- No AC in extreme heat: Health risk for elderly/children
- Strange loud noises: Grinding, squealing, banging
For emergencies: Turn off system at thermostat, then call licensed HVAC technician. For gas leaks or CO alarms, evacuate and call 911 first.
Non-Emergency Issues (Can Wait for Regular Hours)
- AC not cooling well (but working)
- Furnace not heating well (but working)
- Thermostat issues
- Minor noises
- Scheduled maintenance
- Filter replacement
- System upgrades
🔍 How to Find Reliable HVAC Technicians
Qualities of Reliable HVAC Technicians:
- Licensed and certified (NATE certification preferred)
- Insured (liability + workers comp)
- 15+ positive reviews from verified customers
- Clear, upfront pricing with written estimates
- Professional appearance and equipment
- Explains the problem and options clearly
- Offers warranty on work (1-2 years typical)
- Arrives on time or calls if delayed
- Cleans up after work
- Provides detailed invoice
- Doesn't pressure unnecessary replacements
- Offers maintenance plans
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does HVAC service cost?
HVAC service costs $75-200 for maintenance, $150-600 for repairs, $3,000-10,000 for installation. AC repair: $150-600. Furnace repair: $150-500. New AC unit: $3,000-8,000. New furnace: $2,500-7,000. Emergency service: 1.5-3x regular rates. Annual maintenance: $75-200. Factors: system type, repair complexity, parts needed, and location. On local platforms like GigNGo, find HVAC technicians 30-50% cheaper than large HVAC companies.
How often should I service my HVAC system?
Service HVAC systems annually. AC: tune-up every spring before cooling season. Furnace: tune-up every fall before heating season. Both systems: twice per year. Air filters: change every 1-3 months. Duct cleaning: every 3-5 years. Benefits: 15-30% lower energy bills, fewer breakdowns, extended equipment life, better air quality, and warranty protection. Annual maintenance costs $75-200 but prevents expensive repairs and extends system life 5-10 years.
When should I replace my HVAC system?
Replace HVAC when: AC over 15 years old, furnace over 20 years, frequent repairs (multiple per year), repair costs 50%+ of replacement, uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out), rising energy bills, or can't maintain comfort. Use $5,000 rule: repair cost × system age. If over $5,000, replace. New systems: more efficient (lower bills), better comfort, fewer repairs, and improved air quality. Cost: $3,000-8,000 for AC, $2,500-7,000 for furnace.
Why is my AC not cooling?
Common causes: dirty air filter (change it), low refrigerant (leak needs repair), frozen evaporator coil (turn off, let thaw), dirty condenser coils (needs cleaning), thermostat issues (check settings), or compressor failure (expensive repair). DIY checks: change filter, check thermostat, ensure outdoor unit has power. If still not cooling: call HVAC technician. Don't run AC if frozen—causes damage. Professional diagnosis: $75-150. Repair: $150-600 depending on issue.
How long does an HVAC system last?
HVAC lifespan: Central AC: 15-20 years. Furnace: 20-30 years. Heat pump: 15-20 years. Boiler: 20-35 years. Factors affecting lifespan: maintenance quality (annual tune-ups extend life), usage (constant use wears faster), climate (extreme temperatures stress systems), and installation quality. Regular maintenance extends life 5-10 years. Signs of end of life: frequent repairs, age, rising bills, and poor performance. Budget for replacement when system reaches 75% of expected lifespan.
What size HVAC system do I need?
HVAC sizing requires professional calculation (Manual J load calculation). Factors: home square footage, insulation quality, window count/quality, ceiling height, climate zone, and sun exposure. General guideline: 1 ton (12,000 BTU) per 400-600 sq ft. But: oversized systems cycle too frequently (inefficient, uncomfortable), undersized can't maintain temperature. Never guess—improper sizing wastes money and reduces comfort. Licensed HVAC tech performs load calculation ($100-200, often free with installation quote). Right size: better efficiency, comfort, and longevity.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC?
Use $5,000 rule: repair cost × system age. If over $5,000, replace. Other factors: System age (AC 15+, furnace 20+), frequent repairs, rising energy bills, uses R-22 refrigerant, or repair costs 50%+ of replacement. Repair if: system under 10 years, minor issue, infrequent repairs, and repair under $500. Replace if: old system, expensive repair, poor efficiency, or frequent breakdowns. New systems pay for themselves through: lower energy bills (15-30% savings), fewer repairs, and better comfort.
What is SEER rating?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures AC efficiency. Higher SEER = more efficient = lower energy bills. Minimum: 14 SEER (new systems). Good: 16-18 SEER. Excellent: 20+ SEER. Cost difference: 14 SEER: $3,000-5,000. 16 SEER: $4,000-6,000. 20+ SEER: $6,000-10,000. Savings: 16 SEER uses 14% less energy than 14 SEER. Payback: 5-10 years through lower bills. Climate matters: hot climates benefit more from high SEER. Consider: upfront cost vs. long-term savings.
How do I find a reliable HVAC technician?
Find reliable HVAC technicians by: checking reviews on local platforms like GigNGo, verifying license and certification (NATE preferred), confirming insurance coverage, getting written estimates from 2-3 companies, asking for references, and choosing local professionals with established presence. Avoid: unlicensed technicians, no insurance, vague pricing, or pressure tactics. Local platforms connect you directly with certified HVAC techs without middleman fees, saving 30-50%. Look for: 15+ positive reviews, clear pricing, warranty offered, and professional communication.
Can I install my own HVAC system?
NO. HVAC installation requires licensed professional. Reasons: requires EPA certification for refrigerant handling, complex electrical work (dangerous), gas connections (if applicable) require permits, improper installation voids warranty, incorrect sizing causes problems, and illegal in most areas without license. DIY risks: refrigerant leaks (environmental hazard), electrical hazards, gas leaks (deadly), poor efficiency, and voided warranty. Professional installation: ensures proper sizing, correct installation, warranty protection, and code compliance. Cost: $3,000-10,000 installed. Always hire licensed HVAC technician.
Find HVAC Services Near You
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🎬 Final Thoughts
Professional HVAC services are essential for year-round comfort, energy efficiency, and preventing expensive breakdowns. By understanding costs, maintaining your system regularly, and using local platforms to find reliable technicians, you can keep your home comfortable without overpaying.
✅ Quick Recap: HVAC Services
Typical Costs:
- Maintenance: $75-200 annually
- AC repair: $150-600
- Furnace repair: $150-500
- New AC: $3,000-8,000
- New furnace: $2,500-7,000
- Save 30-50% using local platforms
Maintenance Schedule:
- Change filters: every 1-3 months
- AC tune-up: annually (spring)
- Furnace tune-up: annually (fall)
- Duct cleaning: every 3-5 years
Replace When:
- AC over 15 years, furnace over 20
- Frequent repairs
- Repair cost × age > $5,000
- Rising energy bills
Whether you need routine maintenance or emergency repair, finding the right local HVAC technician makes all the difference. Take time to research, compare quotes, and choose licensed professionals who do quality work at fair prices.
Need HVAC service? Post your needs on GigNGo and connect with licensed local HVAC technicians who do quality work at fair prices.