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10 Best HVAC
in Alexandria, VA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. You don't want to spend more than you need to on temperature control in your Alexandria home, so it's important to make sure all systems are working properly.

Our guide to Alexandria's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Alexandria

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Breeze Master Inc - Heating and Air Conditioning Company

Breeze Master Inc - Heating and Air Conditioning Company Logo

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4800 Braddock Knoll Way, Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 996-9879 breezemasterinc.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

United Air Temp

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6094 Franconia Rd # B, Alexandria, VA 22310 (703) 762-2488 unitedairtemp.com

Prompt service delivery

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Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Service Cart

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7255 Gabe Ct, Manassas, VA 20109 (703) 705-2525 theservicecart.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Snell Home Services

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21660 Ridgetop Cir #138, Sterling, VA 20166 (571) 470-7206 snellheatingandair.com

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

McCrea Heating & Air Conditioning

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4463 Beech Rd, Temple Hills, MD 20748 (301) 973-3132 mccreaway.com

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Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Nice Heating & Air

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8560 Cinder Bed Rd Suite 1500, Lorton, VA 22079 (703) 783-4944 nicehomeservices.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

M.E. Flow

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8580 Cinder Bed Rd #200, Lorton, VA 22079 (571) 350-3183 meflow.com

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Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Belair Engineering

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15881 Commerce Ct, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 (301) 249-0300 belairengineering.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Riley Heat And Air

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14504 Banquo Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20906 (301) 880-0666 rileyheatandair.com

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Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

GAC Services

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227 E Deer Park Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (866) 955-7192 gacservices.com

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make repairs or install a new unit. Look out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:

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

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

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Alexandria

What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance is determined by your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

  • Split or mini-split: If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for central heating and cooling, you probably have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have interior units in each room to control temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system works almost the same as a standard split system. It has the benefit of being able to utilize either electricity or gas for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps transfer warm and cool air between your home and outside. These systems don't produce their own heat or AC, so they work more effectively in moderate climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a great choice for smaller homes. They have a single heating and cooling unit, usually in a basement or attic. This unit is often space-saving, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

The cost of HVAC maintenance also depends on what kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The prices of some common jobs are as follows:

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$2,107-$5,370
Hybrid Split$4,268-$7,864
Heat Pump$3,305-$33,677
Packaged Heating and Air$277-$461

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

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

  • Keep your system clean. Regularly cleaning grills, indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, and condenser fan blades helps keep your HVAC system running efficiently and reduces your risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association advises cleaning your heating and cooling system when it starts to look dirty.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Keep an eye on your system for issues, for example by routinely checking your thermostat and energy bills. This enables you to address problems before they get out of hand.
  • Change filters regularly. Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 1–3 months helps air flow efficiently through your system. Also try to keep debris away from the outside areas of your HVAC system as much as possible.
  • 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 some heat from getting inside. Doing both helps lessen the strain on your HVAC.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$69-$184
Condensor Cleaning$1,383-$4,149
Thermostat Repair$92-$230
Ductwork Cleaning$443-$1,106

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can fix your system, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating in your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

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

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with highly trained technicians who have proper 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, individuals must pass an exam (the type of 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.

In Virginia, HVAC contractors must have a contractor license with an HVAC specialization from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. A valid Master HVAC Tradesman License (which has its own experience and education requirements) is necessary to apply. A license can be class A, B, or C.

  • Class A: Contractor has at least five years of experience and can work on projects valued over $120,000
  • Class B: Contractor has at least three years of experience and can work on projects valued between $10,000 and $120,000
  • Class C: Contractor has at least two years of experience and can work on projects valued under $10,000
Always check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Yelp. You'll want to select a company with positive reviews and a history of good customer service.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand the details of any project. When HVAC repairs are required, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When getting a replacement, ask your contractor to explain the new HVAC system estimated installation time, model, brand, energy efficiency, and features. Before signing a contract, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.

Compare Warranties

Trustworthy 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 gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.

Get Quote in Writing

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

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Alexandria, VA

Generally, your HVAC system should be inspected twice a year. After that inspection, your technician will tell you what, if any, services are required. You should also have your system inspected and serviced if you start to notice any issues, like leaks, strange noises, or unusual smells. 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, so it will be easier to get an appointment. This also ensures that your system is ready for the summer and winter, the times of the year when it 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 possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You might also consider getting a smart thermostat.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want 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 an air conditioning unit with between 2.5 and 5 tons of capacity. Typically, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.

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

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

  • Keep ductwork clean, and clean or change your air filters regularly.
  • 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 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 other environmentally friendly options.

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