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10 Best HVAC Companies in Lincoln, NE

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated February 2024

On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You want to be comfortable in your Lincoln home, but you also don't want to waste your money on ineffective cooling and heating.

The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Lincoln.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Lincoln

Dave's Heating and Air, Inc.

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3401 S 7th St, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 480-3004 davesheatingandairlincoln.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quote

Services Offered

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

Star City Heating, Cooling, & Electrical

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5401 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln, NE 68504 (402) 313-4834 starcityair.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Ac repair
Ac installation
Inspection
Duct cleaning
Furnace repair
Indoor air quality
Furnace installation
Maintenance

Harley's Heating & Air Conditioning

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4224 Progressive Ave, Lincoln, NE 68504 (402) 466-3408 harleysheatingandair.com

Informative resources

Free quote

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Maintenance
Ac repair
Duct cleaning
Ac installation
Ductless
Furnace repair
Indoor air quality

Bill's Heating & Air Conditioning

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526 Garfield St, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 477-1371 billscooling.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ac repair
Ductless
Furnace installation
Indoor air quality
Furnace repair
Maintenance

National Furnace & Air Conditioning

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3740 S 6th St STE C, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 436-3492 nationalfurnace.net

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quote

Services Offered

Furnace installation
Filtration
Maintenance
Ductless
Indoor air quality

COMFORTTECHS

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540 Blue Heron Dr, Lincoln, NE 68522 (402) 465-0000 comforttechs.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ac repair
Maintenance
Furnace repair
Emergency services
Geothermal heating
Ac installation

Wellmann Heating & Air, Inc

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3130 S 6th St, Lincoln, NE 68502 (402) 858-5809 wellmannheating.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Maintenance
Indoor air quality
Ac repair
Furnace repair
Furnace installation
Emergency services

Cool Concepts

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3701 Touzalin Ave, Lincoln, NE 68507 (402) 483-2665 coolconceptsne.com

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Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Services Offered

Ac repair
Maintenance
Inspection

Degree Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

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5401 Cornhusker Hwy, Lincoln, NE 68504 (402) 488-1893 degreeheatingandair.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Maintenance
Ductless
Ac installation
Furnace installation
Indoor air quality

Custom Cooling & Heating, Inc

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11720 O St, Lincoln, NE 68520 (402) 489-9227 customcooling.net

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Filtration
Furnace installation
Ductless
Maintenance
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 not working properly or outdated likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:

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

If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can pinpoint problems and recommend whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Lincoln

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

  • Split or mini-split: If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for central air or heating, you likely have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to control temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions much like a standard split system, but has the capacity to draw on either gas or electricity for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps move warm and cool air between your home and the outside. These systems don't produce their own heat or AC, so they work more effectively in milder climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a good choice for smaller houses. They have a single heating and cooling unit, usually in a basement or attic. This unit is often space-saving, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

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 prices of some common jobs are as follows:

HVAC Unit Type Cost
Split $1,859-$4,739
Hybrid Split $3,767-$6,940
Heat Pump $2,917-$29,721
Packaged Heating and Air $244-$407

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. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.

  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Leaving your blinds open during the winter allows passive solar heating to warm your home. Closing the blinds during the summer helps prevent the heat from getting inside. Doing both helps decrease the strain on your HVAC system.
  • Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you replace or clean the filters every 30–90 days. Also try not to let debris pile up on the external sections of your HVAC.
  • Keep your system clean. Keeping your grills, indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, and condenser fan blades clean enables your HVAC system to function properly and lowers your risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your home's HVAC when you notice things starting to get dirty.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Keeping a close eye on the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by reviewing your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you identify and fix problems before they get too expensive.

Service Cost
Filter Replacement $61-$163
Condensor Cleaning $1,220-$3,661
Thermostat Repair $81-$203
Ductwork Cleaning $391-$976

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 make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC providers for quotes. Describe the issues and have specialists visit to inspect your system if possible. Compare the companies' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.

Check Credentials

When looking for an HVAC provider, choose one with technicians that have the proper training, licenses, and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory 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 the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.

The state of Nebraska doesn't have any specific licensing requirements for HVAC contractors. However, all contractors in the state are required to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor, and any companies with employees must have workers' compensation insurance. Your city or municipality might have additional requirements, so make sure that you check with your local government before signing a contract. Also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with great feedback and stories of satisfied customers.

Understand Work Details

It’s important to understand what the work process is going to look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should list the exact parts that need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to guarantee everything is working correctly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask your installation company to provide details on the new estimated installation time, features, brand, energy efficiency, 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.

Compare Warranties

Reputable HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that provides the most coverage for a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

Get a written quote before HVAC work starts. A full quote includes both materials and labor costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Lincoln, NE

You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as unusual smells, leaks, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.

Generally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it typically sees the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, 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 might also consider a smart thermostat.

Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days. 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 depend on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For a house over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective for cooling than window units.

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

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

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