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10 Best HVAC
in Ames, IA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. With so much money spent on heating and cooling your Ames home, you want to make sure you're getting the best return on your investment.

Our list of the top HVAC companies in Ames can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced for a fair price by a skilled worker.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Ames

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Baxter Comfort Solutions

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120 S Main St, Baxter, IA 50028 (641) 328-8797 baxtercs.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Ames

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409 S Bell Ave, Ames, IA 50010 (515) 303-3782 onehourheatandair.com

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Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Inspection
Furnace repair
Maintenance
Emergency services
Ac repair
Filtration
Indoor air quality
Boiler installation
Ventilation
Furnace installation
Ac installation
Ductless

Heartland Heating & Cooling

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3155 SE Miehe Dr Suite 1, Grimes, IA 50111 (515) 344-3579 heartlandheating.com

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Services Offered

Maintenance
Smart home integration
Ventilation
Filtration
Ac installation
Emergency services
Zoning systems
Indoor air quality
Furnace repair
Ductless
Ac repair
Furnace installation
Boiler installation

True Comfort Heating and Cooling

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751 NE Broadway Ave Unit B, Des Moines, IA 50313 (515) 206-6899 truecomfortiowa.com

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Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling

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5185 NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131 (515) 207-6569 kohlesandbach.com

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Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Emergency services
Filtration
Ac installation
Ac repair
Boiler installation
Indoor air quality
Furnace installation
Ductless
Zoning systems
Ventilation
Maintenance
Furnace repair

Midwest Comfort Heating & Cooling

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6741 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50324 (515) 277-6327 midwestcomfortiowa.com

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Reliable customer support

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Services Offered

Furnace installation
Boiler repair
Maintenance
Inspection
Boiler installation
Ac installation
Filtration
Ductless
Ventilation
Emergency services
Ac repair

Kapaun & Brown Inc

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1002 Lincoln Way, Marshalltown, IA 50158 (641) 812-2028 kapaunandbrowninc.com

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Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Ventilation
Ac installation
Maintenance
Furnace installation
Zoning systems
Filtration
Ductless
Furnace repair
Ac repair
Indoor air quality
Emergency services
Boiler installation

Metro Heating & Cooling

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3517 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317 (515) 266-3693 metrohci.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ac repair
Furnace installation
Zoning systems
Ductless
Maintenance
Emergency services
Indoor air quality
Radiant heating
Duct cleaning
Ac installation

Honest Heating and Cooling Inc

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507 Player St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 (641) 753-3524 honestheatingac.com

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Maintenance
Boiler installation
Furnace installation
Radiant heating
Ac repair
Ductless
Indoor air quality
Furnace repair
Filtration
Boiler repair
Ac installation

Sears Heating and Air Conditioning

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3069 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322 (463) 213-9439 searshomeservices.com

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Clear pricing policy

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Free quote

Services Offered

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

An HVAC system that's broken or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these signs that your system needs service:

  • Strange noises when turning on
  • Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
  • Rust, cracking, or corrosion
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Poor air circulation or uneven heating/cooling
  • Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
  • Higher than normal energy bills
  • An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

Arrange an inspection if you notice any of these issues. A local technician can assess your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Ames

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

  • Split or mini-split: Homes without ductwork for central air often have split or mini-split HVAC systems. These systems consist of indoor units in each room to control temperature. These indoor units connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system performs similarly to a standard split system, but is able to utilize either electricity or gas for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange warm and cool air between your home and outside. These systems don't generate their own heat or AC, so they work more efficiently in milder climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems work best in smaller homes. They consist of a single combined air conditioner and heating unit, commonly located in an attic or basement. This unit is typically small, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices vary depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and might require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services are as follows:

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$1,947-$4,963
Hybrid Split$3,945-$7,268
Heat Pump$3,055-$31,126
Packaged Heating and Air$256-$426

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.

  • Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for problems — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills routinely — helps you get ahead of problems before they get too expensive.
  • Change filters regularly. Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 1–3 months helps air flow smoothly through your system. You should also try to keep debris away from the outside areas of your HVAC system as much as possible.
  • Keep your system clean. Keeping your condenser fan blades, ductwork, grills, and indoor evaporator coil clean enables your HVAC system to function properly and lowers the risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC when you notice it starting to get 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 needs to do.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$64-$170
Condensor Cleaning$1,278-$3,834
Thermostat Repair$85-$213
Ductwork Cleaning$409-$1,022

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

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 ensure your system provides reliable heating and air conditioning for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with skilled technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, a contractor must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what 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.

In Iowa, HVAC contractors are required to be licensed by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board and registered with the Iowa Division of Labor. Contractors must be both bonded and insured. An individual can be licensed as an apprentice, journeyperson, or master; apprentices and journeypersons must be supervised by a licensed master. You should also look at a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. Pick a company with positive feedback and stories of satisfied customers.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to explain which parts require replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the full system afterward to verify proper operation. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new brand, energy efficiency, features, estimated installation time, and model. Before signing a contract, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get HVAC quotes in writing before work begins. A thorough quote covers costs for both materials and labor. Make sure that you agree to all terms before signing the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Ames, IA

Generally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also have an inspection if you notice any new issues, like unusual smells, strange noises, or leaks. If your home has ductwork, it should be serviced every few years.

The best times of the year to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready 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. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and try to adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You may also consider installing a smart thermostat.

Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing a furnace or air conditioning unit can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like how large your home is, how easily accessible different areas are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to 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).

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

  • Keep your air ducts 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 don't want to or can't buy one, try keeping your inside temperature as close to the outside temperature as you can.
  • When replacing part of your system, explore Energy Star-certified or similar environmentally friendly options.

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