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10 Best HVAC Companies in Highland Park, IL

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated February 2024

If you're like most Americans, over half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. You want your Highland Park home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient heating and cooling.

We've compiled this guide to the top HVAC companies in Highland Park to help you choose the right person for your job and get your system into top shape.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Highland Park

AA Service Co Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

AA Service Co Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Logo

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346 Huehl Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 579-9963 aaserviceco.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Informative resources

Services Offered

Ductless
Furnace installation
Ac installation
Filtration
Maintenance
Furnace repair
Boiler installation
Ac repair
Radiant heating
Zoning systems
Boiler repair
Indoor air quality
Geothermal heating
Emergency services
Thermostat installation
Inspection

Carlson Heating, Cooling & Electric

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3340 W Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60026 (847) 379-1609 callcarlson.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Services Offered

Geothermal heating
Furnace repair
Ductless
Boiler repair
Ac installation
Boiler installation
Radiant heating
Inspection
Filtration
Maintenance
Thermostat installation
Indoor air quality
Zoning systems
Furnace installation
Emergency services
Ac repair

Azrikam The Price Is Right Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC Company

Azrikam The Price Is Right Heating and Air Conditioning HVAC Company Logo

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1363 Shermer Rd Ste 214, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 409-8699 thepriceisrighthvac.com

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Free quote

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Rooftop hvac
Inspection
Boiler installation
Furnace repair
Ventilation
Ductless
Ac repair
Duct cleaning
Maintenance
Furnace installation
Emergency services
Ac installation

Guardian Heating & Cooling

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900 Skokie Blvd Suite 110, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 582-0925 guardianheatingandcooling.com

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Inspection
Maintenance
Boiler repair
Ductless
Ac repair
Indoor air quality
Furnace repair
Filtration
Duct cleaning
Ac installation

GSHA Services, LTD

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11 N Skokie Hwy #111c, Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (224) 507-6107 gshaservices.com

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Ac installation
Maintenance
Filtration
Ventilation
Ductless
Furnace installation
Boiler installation
Indoor air quality
Duct cleaning
Furnace repair
Ac repair

Libertyville Unique Indoor Comfort - Now AA Service Co

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624 Second St, Libertyville, IL 60048 (847) 362-1910 aaserviceco.com

Free quote

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Radiant heating
Inspection
Furnace repair
Emergency services
Filtration
Boiler installation
Maintenance
Ductless
Indoor air quality
Geothermal heating
Ac repair
Ac installation
Furnace installation
Boiler repair
Zoning systems
Thermostat installation

Air Blue Heating and Cooling

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513 N Wolf Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090 (847) 260-8648 airblueinc.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Indoor air quality
Maintenance
Duct cleaning
Smart home integration
Ac repair
Ventilation
Ac installation
Furnace repair
Ductless

iTemp Chicago Heating & Air Conditioning

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7616 Arcadia St, Morton Grove, IL 60053 (773) 704-0640 itemphvac.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Informative resources

Services Offered

Maintenance
Ductless
Duct cleaning
Ac repair
Indoor air quality
Furnace repair
Furnace installation
Ventilation
Zoning systems
Ac installation
Filtration

Discount Heating & Cooling

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113 Wheeling Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090 (847) 459-6226 discountheating.net

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Services Offered

Emergency services
Ac repair
Furnace installation
Furnace repair
Duct cleaning
Ventilation
Ductless
Ac installation
Indoor air quality
Maintenance

Effective Air, Inc.

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2033 Johns Ct, Glenview, IL 60025 (847) 729-1820 effectiveair.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Ac repair
Furnace repair
Furnace installation
Ductless
Emergency services
Indoor air quality
Filtration
Maintenance
Boiler repair
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your HVAC system is broken or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these signs your system needs service:

  • Unusually high energy bills
  • Strange noises when the system turns on
  • Rust, cracking, or corrosion
  • Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
  • Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
  • Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you notice any of these HVAC issues, have a technician inspect your system. A local professional can diagnose problems and let you know whether whether fixing or replacing your HVAC unit is the best solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Highland Park

HVAC installation or maintenance prices vary depending on your system. Common HVAC unit types include the following:

  • Split or mini-split: If your home doesn't have the right ductwork for central heating or air, you probably have a split HVAC system. Split or mini-split systems consist of internal units that control the temperature in individual rooms. These interior units are all connected to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions very similarly to a standard split system. It has the advantage of being able to utilize either gas or electricity for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps circulate warm and cold air between your home and the outdoors. They don't make their own heat or AC, so they work best in mild climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems work well in smaller houses. They consist of a single combined heating and air conditioning unit, typically located in an attic or basement. This unit is typically space-saving, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

HVAC expenses vary based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need a number of types of maintenance. Prices for common jobs are as follows:

HVAC Unit Type Cost
Split $1,973-$5,030
Hybrid Split $3,998-$7,366
Heat Pump $3,096-$31,544
Packaged Heating and Air $259-$432

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be pricey. Luckily, there are steps homeowners can take to reduce wear and tear on their HVAC and lower future maintenance needs.

  • Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by checking your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you identify and fix problems before they get out of hand.
  • Change filters regularly. Replacing your air filters or washing them every 30–90 days allows efficient air circulation through your HVAC system. Also try to keep debris from accumulating on the outdoor sections of your HVAC.
  • Keep your system clean. Keeping your indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, condenser fan blades, and grills clean helps your system function optimally and reduces the chance of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that you clean your HVAC system whenever it begins to look dirty.
  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leave your blinds open so your home benefits from passive solar heat. In summer, keep blinds shut to block out heat. Doing both helps minimize the amount of work your HVAC system must perform.

Service Cost
Filter Replacement $65-$173
Condensor Cleaning $1,295-$3,886
Thermostat Repair $86-$216
Ductwork Cleaning $414-$1,036

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. Working with a contractor that's properly licensed and highly experienced will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Request estimates from at least three HVAC companies. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timelines. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

When picking an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the right training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states need to obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is required for all contractors who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." Contractors must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.

Illinois doesn't have state-level contractor licensing requirements. However, there may be local regulations. Be sure to check with your municipal government to confirm that your contractor meets all of the requirements. You can verify an Illinois business license on the Secretary of State's website. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a company with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the entire system after the repair to verify that everything works. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system brand, features, model, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before starting the project, you should understand the process your provider will use to properly size the system for your home and the price you'll pay.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to compare warranties between companies. Choose the one that offers the best coverage at a fair cost.

Get Quote in Writing

Get written estimates before beginning HVAC work. The quote should include costs for both labor and materials. Review all terms carefully before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Highland Park, IL

You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After the inspection, your technician will inform you if any services are required. You should also call a technician if you notice new issues such as strange noises, unusual smells, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.

Generally, it's best to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain your home's temperature. Always keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. Usually, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.

Usually, HVAC financing is through a third-party lender. If your HVAC company doesn't offer financing, you might consider taking out a loan on your own. Be sure to talk to a financial advisor and your HVAC company to determine what options are available to you and appropriate for your situation.

There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:

  • Make sure your air ducts remain clean, and change or clean your air filters regularly.
  • Have regular inspections to take care of issues as they arise.
  • Keep your attic well-ventilated and make sure all doors and windows are well-sealed.
  • Install a smart thermostat. If you aren't able to purchase one, try keeping the temperature indoors as close to the outside temperature as you can.
  • When it comes time to replace any part of your system, explore Energy Star-certified or similar environmentally friendly options.

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