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10 Best HVAC
in Charlottesville, VA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

According to the Department of Energy, about 55% of energy use in American homes goes toward heating and cooling. Energy costs in Charlottesville are often higher than in other places, meaning that you'd probably like to save money on your bill.

The right HVAC contractor can get your system into shape for a reasonable price, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've assembled this guide to the best HVAC companies in Charlottesville.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Charlottesville

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Aire Serv of Central Shenandoah Valley

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11 Warehouse Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 274-6711 aireserv.com

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

United Air Temp

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11047 Pierson Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (540) 681-8016 unitedairtemp.com

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of West Richmond

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13507 E Boundary Rd Suite E, Midlothian, VA 23112 (804) 376-5682 onehourheatandair.com

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Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Zephyr Environmental Solutions, Inc.

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2509 Hillwood Pl, Charlottesville, VA 22901 (434) 363-4565 zephyres.com

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Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Duct-Rite Mechanical LLC

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1305 N Seminole Trail, Madison, VA 22727 (540) 216-0545 ductritemechanical.com

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Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

TKC Heating & Air Conditioning

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393 Waylands Mill Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 543-2200 tkchvac.com

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Services Offered

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

Air Nerds Home Services

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205 Freestyle Ln, Mineral, VA 23117 (833) 247-6373 airnerdshvac.com

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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Mode Comfort & Air Quality

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14349 Sommerville Ct, Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 481-6633 modecomfort.com

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Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Loving Air Inc.

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2999 Germanna Dr, Locust Grove, VA 22508 (540) 399-1300 lovingairinc.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Complete Heating & Cooling

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11047 Pierson Dr Suite H, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 (540) 701-3772 completemc.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Indoor air quality
Ac repair
Furnace installation
Maintenance
Ac installation
Emergency services
Inspection
Ductless
Ventilation
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 malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make fixes or install a new unit. Look out for these common indicators that your HVAC needs service:

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

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

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Charlottesville

What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance depends on your system type. Common HVAC unit styles 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 interior units in each room to control temperature, which all connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions comparably to a regular split system. It provides flexibility by having the option to use either electricity or gas for energy.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange hot and cool air between your home and the outdoors. They don't produce their own heat or AC, so they perform best in temperate climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a practical choice for smaller homes. These systems have a single combined AC and heating, normally located in a basement or attic. They're space-saving, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complicated and may need several types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$1,889-$4,815
Hybrid Split$3,827-$7,051
Heat Pump$2,963-$30,197
Packaged Heating and Air$248-$413

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Taking care of necessary HVAC repairs and replacements when needed is important, but can be expensive. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to minimize wear and tear over time on your system.

  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Opening your blinds in winter allows passive solar heat into your house. Closing your blinds in summer blocks some heat from getting indoors. Both of these measures help lower the work required from your HVAC system.
  • Change filters regularly. Replacing your air filters or washing them every 1–3 months allows efficient air circulation through your system. You should also try to keep debris from accumulating on the outside components of your HVAC.
  • Keep your system clean. Keeping your indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, grills, and condenser fan blades clean enables your HVAC system to function properly and lowers the risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your home's HVAC system when you notice things starting to get dirty.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Keeping an eye out for problems, for instance by consistently checking your thermostat and energy bills, helps you resolve them before they get out of hand.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$62-$165
Condensor Cleaning$1,240-$3,720
Thermostat Repair$83-$207
Ductwork Cleaning$397-$992

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

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

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare contractors' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, warranties, and timeframes. Avoid companies 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 by the state.

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 both experience and education requirements) is necessary to apply. Licenses 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
You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. Look for a a provider with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of your project before it begins. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts need replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test the system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC, ask the contractor to provide details on the new model, energy efficiency, features, brand, and estimated installation time. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand the process your provider will use to select the correctly sized system 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 provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

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

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Charlottesville, VA

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

Generally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it likely sees the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain the temperature of your home. Always 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 could also consider purchasing a smart thermostat.

Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and 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 be based on things like the size of your home, how easily accessible different areas 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 usually 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).

Your HVAC company might offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you might 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're choosing the best option for you.

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