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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. Energy costs in Rochester are often higher than in other places, which means you're probably trying to save money on your bill.
Our list of Rochester's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.
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Reliable customer support
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Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on hvac companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
A malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Watch out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:
If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the better solution.
HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit varieties include the following:
The price of HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work you're having done. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:
| HVAC Unit Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Split | $1,904-$4,853 | |
| Hybrid Split | $3,857-$7,107 | |
| Heat Pump | $2,987-$30,434 | |
| Packaged Heating and Air | $250-$417 |
It’s important to complete repairs or full-system HVAC replacements as needed, though they can be expensive. The good news is that homeowners have methods to decrease the effect of wear and tear and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
| Service | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Replacement | $62-$167 | |
| Condensor Cleaning | $1,250-$3,749 | |
| Thermostat Repair | $83-$208 | |
| Ductwork Cleaning | $400-$1,000 |
Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Partnering with an experienced, licensed contractor can give you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.
Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the proper qualifications and expertise. HVAC contractors in all states have federal requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the kind of equipment they intend to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.
There is no state-level HVAC licensing in New York. However, there may be local requirements, so be sure to check with your city or municipal government. For example, in some cases, a technician may need a High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer or Oil Burning Equipment Installer license from the NYC Department of Buildings, or a Certificate of Qualification for Refrigerating System Operating Engineer from the Fire Department of New York. You should also check a provider's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews. You want to hire a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.
Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to explain which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system after finishing the work to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask the installation company to provide details on the new brand, energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, and model. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.
Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Compare warranties from different companies, remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.
Get a written quote before HVAC work begins. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and agree to all terms before signing the contract.
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After the inspection, your technician will inform you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.
Usually, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably sees the most use.
You can save energy during the winter by reducing how much power your HVAC system uses to heat your home. Keep your thermostat as low as is comfortable and don't make drastic temperature changes — only increase or decrease it a few degrees at a time. If you're able to, try switching to a smart thermostat.
It takes around one to three days to have an HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need an air conditioning unit or a furnace, this can take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline can be determined by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician uncovers.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Rochester, you can probably make do with a unit on the lower end of this range. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective for cooling than window units.
For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).
Usually, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't have financing options, you might consider taking out your own loan. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to learn what options are available and appropriate for your situation.
There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:
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