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10 Best HVAC
in Cincinnati, OH

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

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

Our list of the top HVAC companies in Cincinnati can help you get your system into top shape, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Cincinnati

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Watkins Heating & Cooling

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4457 Bethany Rd b100, Mason, OH 45040 (513) 456-7705 watkinsheating.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Cincinnati

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756 Old State Rte 74, Cincinnati, OH 45245 (513) 815-3460 onehourheatandair.com

Prompt service delivery

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Shafer Heating & Cooling, LLC

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970 W Main St, Hillsboro, OH 45133 (937) 466-2755 shaferhvac.us

Clear pricing policy

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Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ductless
Emergency services
Duct cleaning
Ventilation
Boiler installation
Indoor air quality
Filtration
Furnace installation
Maintenance
Ac installation
Radiant heating
Inspection
Ac repair

Kens Heating And Air Conditioning

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2231 Donald Rd, Bethel, OH 45106 (513) 252-3275 kensheatingandair.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Wallpe Heating & Cooling

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8422 IN-46, Greensburg, IN 47240 (812) 663-7252 wallpeheatingandcooling.com

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Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Fayette Heating & Air

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601 Buckner St Suite B, Elsmere, KY 41018 (859) 203-5199 fayetteheating.com

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Clear pricing policy

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Services Offered

Duct cleaning
Boiler installation
Ac installation
Filtration
Emergency services
Maintenance
Smart home integration
Ac repair
Inspection
Ductless
Indoor air quality
Furnace installation

Bassett Services: Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

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1417 E Main St, Eaton, OH 45320 (937) 240-4049 bassettservices.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Barker Heating and Air Conditioning

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637 Watervliet Ave, Dayton, OH 45420 (937) 222-2275 barkerhvac.com

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Services Offered

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

National Heating and Air Conditioning

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5909 Stewart Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227 (513) 982-1320 nationalheatingandac.com

Clear pricing policy

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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Rusk Heating And Cooling

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666 W 3rd St, Covington, KY 41011 (859) 651-1093 docrusk.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Boiler repair
Maintenance
Furnace installation
Boiler installation
Ac repair
Emergency services
Ductless
Ac installation
Filtration
Indoor air quality
Furnace 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 home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or nearing the end of its lifespan, you may need to hire an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Look for these common signs that your system requires professional attention:

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

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

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Cincinnati

What you pay for HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

  • Split or mini-split: If your home lacks the ductwork for central heating and cooling, you probably have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to manage temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions very similarly to a standard split system. It has the benefit of being able to utilize either electricity or gas for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps work by moving warm and cool air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't produce heat or air conditioning themselves, and are better for more moderate climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a smart choice for smaller homes. They have a single cooling and heating unit, usually in a basement or attic. This unit is often space-saving, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

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

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$1,921-$4,898
Hybrid Split$3,893-$7,172
Heat Pump$3,014-$30,715
Packaged Heating and Air$252-$420

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Fixing your HVAC by repairing or replacing parts when needed is important, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your 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 outdoor parts of your HVAC.
  • Keep your system clean. Cleaning your ductwork, grills, condenser fan blades, and indoor evaporator coil regularly helps keep your HVAC system working efficiently and reduces the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system once it starts to look dirty.
  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Keeping your blinds closed in the summer helps block out passive solar heat. Keeping them open in the winter helps you take advantage of this same heat. Both of these measures help reduce the frequency with which you need to run your HVAC.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for problems — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills regularly — helps you catch issues before they get too expensive.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$63-$168
Condensor Cleaning$1,261-$3,784
Thermostat Repair$84-$210
Ductwork Cleaning$404-$1,009

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is important for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that 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, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have appropriate licensing and experience. HVAC contractors in all states 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 the kind of equipment they plan 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 at the state level.

HVAC contractors in Ohio are licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. To obtain a license, contractors need to have at least five years of experience, possess a minimum amount of contractor liability coverage, and pass an exam. Specific jurisdictions may have additional licensing requirements. Reviewing feedback on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites can assist your decision. Choose a company with great reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.

Understand Work Details

It’s important to know what the work process will look like. For HVAC repairs, the company should detail 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, have the contractor explain the new features, brand, energy efficiency, model, and estimated installation time. Before signing paperwork, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to size the new HVAC system appropriately for your home and what the price will be.

Compare Warranties

Trustworthy HVAC companies back their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, bearing in mind that broader coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

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

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Cincinnati, OH

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

Normally, you should 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 probably sees the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. 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 may also consider getting a smart thermostat.

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 will generally be more effective than window units for cooling.

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).

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

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

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

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