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10 Best HVAC Companies in Carrboro, NC

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated February 2024

If you're like the typical American homeowner, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Energy costs in Carrboro are often higher than in other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.

Our list of the top HVAC companies in Carrboro can help you save money by getting your HVAC system installed, repaired or replaced by the right person for the right price.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Carrboro

Warren-Hay Mechanical

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214 Millstone Dr, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (919) 251-5615 warren-hay.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Lee Air Conditioning

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5109 Neal Rd, Durham, NC 27705 (919) 383-1588 leeac.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Happy Home Services

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5112 Neal Rd, Durham, NC 27705 (919) 263-5752 happyhomeheatingandcooling.com

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Reliable customer support

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Ductless
Filtration
Furnace repair
Duct cleaning
Emergency services
Maintenance
Furnace installation

Boer Brothers Heating & Cooling

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630 N Carolina Hwy 54 W, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 929-9886 boerbrothershvac.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Services Offered

Indoor air quality
Ac repair
Maintenance
Ac installation

CWJ Heating & Air Conditioning

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4901 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705 (919) 296-4999 cwjheatac.net

Free quote

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Stone Services Inc

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3403 NC-54, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (919) 933-1423 stoneservicesinc.com

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Maintenance
Ac installation
Emergency services
Ac repair

Air Innovations Heating and Cooling, LLC.

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450 Valleymede Dr, Durham, NC 27713 (919) 620-6715 airinnovationshvac.com

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Maintenance
Inspection
Ac repair
Ac installation

Bryant-Durham Services

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5102 Neal Rd, Durham, NC 27705 (919) 383-9227 bryantdurham.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ductless
Maintenance
Ac installation
Inspection
Furnace installation
Ac repair
Furnace repair

Piedmont Metro Heating & Air

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8305 Fayetteville Rd, Durham, NC 27713 (919) 544-9767 piedmontmetro.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ventilation
Furnace repair
Ac repair

Alternative Aire Inc

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3156 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705 (919) 404-9040 alternativeaire.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Fair employee wages

Services Offered

Furnace repair
Ac installation
Furnace installation
Ac repair
Maintenance
Inspection
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 malfunctioning or past its lifespan likely needs professional attention for repairs or replacement. Watch for these signals that your system needs service:

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

If you notice any of the above, it's wise to have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and let you know whether repair or full HVAC replacement is required.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Carrboro

What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

  • Split or mini-split: If your home doesn't have the right ductwork for central heating or air, you likely have a split HVAC system. Split or mini-split systems consist of indoor units that regulate the temperature in individual rooms. These interior units are all connected to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions much like a standard split system, but is able to utilize either electricity or gas as energy sources.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps work by transferring warm and cool air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't generate heat or air conditioning themselves, and are more effective in more moderate climates. They may not be as effective during Carrboro's hot summers.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a practical choice for smaller houses. These systems have a single combined AC and heating, typically located in a basement or attic. They're space-saving, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also depends on the kind of work being 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 $1,869-$4,765
Hybrid Split $3,787-$6,977
Heat Pump $2,932-$29,880
Packaged Heating and Air $245-$409

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be expensive. Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system 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 find and solve issues before they get out of hand.
  • Keep your system clean. Cleaning your indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, grills, and condenser fan blades regularly helps your HVAC system work efficiently and reduces the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system once it begins to look dirty.
  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Leaving your blinds open during the colder months helps warm your home with passive solar heating. Closing the blinds in warmer seasons helps prevent the heat from getting inside. Doing both helps reduce the strain on your HVAC.
  • Change filters regularly. Changing or cleaning your air filters every 30–90 days helps air flow efficiently through your HVAC system. We also recommend regularly clearing dirt and debris away from the outside areas of your system.

Service Cost
Filter Replacement $61-$164
Condensor Cleaning $1,227-$3,681
Thermostat Repair $82-$204
Ductwork Cleaning $393-$982

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is vital for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide consistent heating and air conditioning year-round.

Compare Multiple Bids

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

Check Credentials

When hiring an HVAC company, choose one with technicians that have the appropriate training, licenses, and experience. HVAC contractors in all states 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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.

In North Carolina, HVAC contractors must be licensed through the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. A licensed firm may employ individuals who aren't all individually licensed; however, all work must be supervised by a licensed contractor. A contractor may hold multiple different licenses for different kinds of jobs. Checking reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can help your decision. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive customer experiences.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should detail which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are finished to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new model, brand, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and features. Before work starts, 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

A trustworthy HVAC company will stand behind its repair work and installations with a warranty. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty coverage, the better. Carefully review the fine print for each contractor and choose the company that provides the most protection at a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

Get written bids before starting any HVAC work. The quote should cover costs for both materials and labor. Review all terms carefully before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Carrboro, NC

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

The best times to have an HVAC inspection are the spring and fall. Technicians are often less busy during these times, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it sees the most use.

You can save energy during the summer by making it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home cool. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you comfortably can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any leaks around your windows and doors to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.

Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different parts of the system are, and whether your technician finds any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll need between 2.5 and 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Carrboro, you'll probably want to purchase a unit on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will generally 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). In Carrboro, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.

Your HVAC company may provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain your own loan. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.

There are a number of ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:

  • Keep ductwork clean, and change or clean your air filters regularly.
  • Schedule regular inspections to take care of problems as they come up.
  • 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 to keep the temperature indoors as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable.
  • When you need to replace part of your HVAC system, explore Energy Star-certified or other environmentally friendly options.

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