The Best AC Installation Companies Of 2023 | Reviews

Aire Serv is a leading AC installation company that offers services in 42 states, provides phone and online appointment scheduling, and offers free heat gain and loss evaluations. Another company, American Residential Services, LLP, provides the widest range of services and third-party financing.

Summer is fast approaching, and you may be planning to replace your old air conditioning unit with a new one.

In that case, the first thing to do is to find the best AC installation companies in the area. But with so many options to choose from, it can be quite challenging to determine which one to go with.

That’s where this guide on the best AC installation companies can help you out.

How To Choose The Best AC Installation Company?

When you’re planning to get a new air conditioner installed at home, finding the right installation company is one of the most important decisions. And you need to look at several aspects, such as services offered, products available, and customer support post-installation, when making this decision.

Putting in the time and effort to find the right company will ensure you have the best experience and help avoid a lot of hassle in the future. Here, I’ve mentioned some factors that should be considered when selecting an air conditioning company.

1. Scheduling And Service Area

Generally, there are two options when it comes to AC installation service. You can either find contractors who work locally and provide service to select towns or bigger companies that offer nationwide services. For any specific city, local air conditioning contractors are better suited since they have limited products, services, staff, and availability.

However, selecting a well-known AC installation company might be a better option if you have an extremely busy schedule. They cater to a larger area, have a bigger staff made up of experienced HVAC technicians, and are generally more easily available.

Some AC installation companies are also willing to visit locations outside their service area for an extra fee. In such cases, you should ask them how the total price will be calculated before making a decision.

Also, the installation or repair service depends upon how the AC installation company schedules appointments, as some companies require on-site consultation. In such cases, you will have to make more than a single appointment. Additionally, while the majority of companies allow making appointments over the phone, some offer the facility of online scheduling.

2. Emergency Services

If your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of summer, finding a reliable AC installation and repair company that offers emergency services becomes necessary. And doing so quickly is crucial since, in some cases, extremely high temperatures may pose health risks.

Having a dependable air conditioner repair or replacement company on-call can help you avoid such situations. But I would like to point out that companies providing emergency services generally charge an emergency fee for them. So, it is a good idea to find out about the cost breakdown before hiring an air conditioning service company.

3. Brands Offered

Most AC installation companies offer several brands, but these can vary considerably from one company to the next. If you plan to purchase from a different brand, it is generally treated as a special order and leads to an increase in the installation cost. Small air conditioning contractors usually have a limited stock of AC units you can purchase immediately.

Alternatively, some AC installation companies deal in specific brands for which they provide installation and maintenance services. I also suggest checking with the company you plan to hire if any restrictions prohibit other technicians from performing repair and maintenance activities.

Since the AC brand plays such an important part in the selection of the installation company, make sure to research different brands and products properly. For this purpose, the suggestions and expertise of an AC professional might come in handy.

4. Insurance And Licensing

Before hiring a professional to install your air conditioning system, make sure to check that they are properly insured, certified, and trained as required by the law. States like Wyoming do not have any insurance or licensing requirements for AC installers, while others, like California, require contractors to take various licensing examinations.

Apart from these legal requirements, a company that imparts further training and provides additional certifications to its technicians can be relied upon to deliver good service.

5. Guarantee

One of the most important factors to consider when searching for AC installation companies is the guarantee offered on the service provided. The best AC installation companies provide a guarantee on the repairs or services performed. But this generally differs from the manufacturer’s warranty, which covers your AC unit.

The guarantee provided by installation and maintenance companies usually covers improper installations, faulty wiring, and similar issues. You should try to find out all you can about the guarantee provided by the installation company, which will help avoid making multiple payments for the same thing.

6. Customer Support

Businesses operating in the service industry should have customer support as their topmost priority. In the case of AC installation companies, this means that the company should provide complete information regarding products, services, pricing, insurance, licensing, and other aspects. If it fails to do so, you will not be able to determine whether that business is reliable or not.

In such instances, selecting a different company that can provide the required information might be a more sensible choice. Most leading AC installation companies have a dedicated customer support team that is often not found in the case of smaller contractors.

This team can help with all your queries, guide you through the appointment booking process, and clear any doubts regarding various aspects of the process. Additionally, they can provide much-needed support in case of emergencies.

Now that you know what factors to consider when searching for the best AC installation companies, let us look at the top options.

6 Best AC Installation Companies

1. Aire Serv – Best Overall

Aire Serv is among the most well-known heating and air conditioning companies operating in the United States. Established in 1992, the company caters to customers throughout the nation and even in Canada.

It has more than 200 franchise locations spread across the two nations and provides a wide range of commercial and residential heating and cooling services. These include installations, repairs, maintenance, and replacements.

Apart from that, Aire Serv provides air conditioners from almost all the major brands, such as Coleman, Armstrong Air, American Standard, etc. The company also has a team of expert HVAC technicians that are fully certified and well-trained to provide all types of AC installation services. And they can work with different types of air conditioning systems.

So, whether you have a central air conditioning system, wall, and window AC units, or even a ductless mini-split AC, there won’t be any problem. But the most important reason I recommend this company is that it provides evaluations regarding heat gain and loss, which can help determine the energy efficiency of your home.

The emergency services are also quick and responsive, and the company provides full information regarding the pricing before any work is started. On top of that, you do not need to pay extra for hiring them on a holiday or a weekend or even for overtime.

As for the technicians, they arrive properly uniformed and also send you a text before their visit. Then, there are various guarantees, such as the Performance and Satisfaction Guarantee, which ensure that the highest quality standards will be maintained.

That being said, you should remember that Aire Serv offers a warranty for only 60 days, which is a bit less compared to what other companies offer.

2. American Residential Services, LLC – Maximum Service Offerings

American Residential Services, LLC was established in 1975 in Memphis, Tennessee, and currently offers services in over 20 states. Unlike some of the other AC installation companies, American Residential Services, or ARS, offers a wide selection of home improvement solutions, not just AC installations and repairs.

These include plumbing, electrical, smart technologies, insulation, and other services. In fact, the company only started offering air conditioning installation and maintenance services in 1998 but has now become a leader in the industry.

ARS can also help you select the best cooling system for your home, which can be very helpful when getting an air conditioning system for the first time. Another advantage of selecting this company is that it offers upfront pricing, making it easy to know about the breakdown of the total cost.

What’s more, you can finance the cost of repairs, installations, or other activities by any third-party lender. Many AC installation companies do not provide this facility, which is why I find ARS a better option in this respect.

As for the installation procedure, the company employs licensed and experienced professionals. They are familiar with most brands and can install and replace almost any type of AC unit and cooling system. And on all AC installation services, you get an Exceptional Service Guarantee that lasts for a year.

If you are unhappy with the service provided, the company will try to remedy it within the guarantee period. In case it fails to do so, it will refund 100% of the price charged for the installation. You can schedule appointments online or through the phone, and ARS also provides a free estimate for installations and offers 24/7 emergency services.

3. One Hour Heating And Air Conditioning – Best For Same-Day Installation

Different AC installation companies have varying USPs, and the USP for the One Hour Heating And Air Conditioning Company is delivering prompt service. The company strives to set itself apart by providing same-day services, whether you require the installation of a new HVAC system or emergency repairs.

And if it fails to deliver the services within the stipulated time, customers do not need to make any payments. For people with a very busy schedule, the same-day services of One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning can be the ideal option for getting an AC unit installed.

Additionally, all air conditioning technicians hired by the company are selected only after they pass drug tests and background checks. This helps eliminate any worries that you might have regarding the quality of the services offered.

Speaking of the services, you get all the standard services that the best AC installation companies offer. These include installing the air conditioning system, repairs, heating, and indoor air quality control.

The pricing policy of the company is also great, and One Hour Heating And Air Conditioning has transparent pricing without any hidden charges. And as for the warranty, you get a two-year warranty on labor and materials, besides the manufacturer’s warranty on the AC unit.

Customer service can be contacted online or over the phone, and you can even sign up for the Home Comfort Club annual maintenance program to get discounts. Appointments can similarly be booked online or by phone, though I should let you know that navigating the website using a mobile phone or tablet is not an enjoyable experience.

Also, while the company does not provide service to all the states in the country, it can provide assistance if you are located close to a serviceable location.

4. Dr. Energy Saver – Most Eco-Friendly Option

Dr. Energy Saver is an AC installation company that has built its reputation by focusing on energy efficiency. Ensuring that your AC unit is installed in the most efficient manner possible is of utmost importance for the company. To do that, it conducts home energy audits to find problems resulting in high energy bills.

While the company has its branches in 25 states, the scheduling, services offered, and customer support can vary depending on the location. The reason is that Dr. Energy Saver operates as a dealership, so branches in different locations tend to vary in how they operate.

Also, this air conditioner installation and repair business caters mostly to the eastern states of the United States. This means you may not find any branches in states like Washington and Oregon, which are located on the western side.

Aside from that, Dr. Energy Service is known for its wide selection of heating and cooling services for residential properties, which include installation, repairs, maintenance, whole-home insulation, and energy audits. Other services include ductwork and window and door work, which can make your air conditioning more effective.

If you opt for the energy audit, the company can recommend the most suitable air conditioning upgrades, more efficient insulation, and other solutions that can help ensure efficient energy use. Some branches also offer emergency services, but the warranty terms and conditions can vary by location.

So, if you’re planning to hire this company to get a new AC unit installed or fixed, I would suggest checking with the local branch first. Another way to find out about the services that Dr. Energy Service offers in the area is to visit the website and fill out the provided form. This can also help you get a free estimate.

5. The Home Depot – Best For Window AC Installation

The Home Depot is best known for being the largest home improvement retail service in the world and operates over 2300 stores in the US, Mexico, and Canada. But the business does not limit itself to selling home improvement tools and hardware, and its HVAC services are also quite remarkable, especially when it comes to window AC installations.

To get a new AC unit installed, simply visit the website and select the unit you want, and click on the button provided for installation services. Once the order is confirmed, you will get a call from an installation professional within one business day, who will schedule an appointment for the installation.

The Home Depot works with local contractors through partnerships to provide air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance services. This means that you can rest assured that the professional will be familiar with most makes and models available in the area and can deliver quality service.

Also, since the company operates across three countries, you can find its branches in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and it offers both in-home and virtual consultations. For the installation, the professional will remove the old air conditioner (if any) and check that the new AC unit is properly secured and completely weatherproof.

Moreover, The Home Depot provides flexible financing options, including both interest-free short payment periods and longer 120-month periods. You also get upfront pricing, a one-year warranty on the AC unit, and a 90-day one on tune-ups and repairs.

I would like to point out that most locations also offer emergency services, but not all of them. So, make sure to check with your nearby branch to know whether such a service is available or not.

6. TemperaturePro – Best For Commercial Installations

The above-mentioned options are great if you need to get an air conditioner installed at home, but when it comes to commercial requirements, I would recommend TemperaturePro. This company was founded in 1986 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to provide installation and repair services for HVAC systems.

TemperaturePro provides a wide range of HVAC services for commercial establishments across various sectors, including education, healthcare, retail, etc. The services include air conditioner installations, repairs, maintenance, and others. In addition, the company offers preventive programs to ensure your AC unit continues functioning properly for the long term.

To provide such services, TemperaturePro has a team of fully certified HVAC technicians with several years of experience. The professionals are also certified with the North American Technician Excellence (NATE), so you can count on a good experience.

Another thing that helps this company maintain its reputation as a leading air conditioner installation company is that it works with several manufacturers, including Goodman, Lennox, and Honeywell. And it offers several online tools that make the customer experience better. These include tracking tools, online chat, and more.

When you schedule an appointment, the installation professional will visit the site and conduct an evaluation of the property and the air conditioning requirements. Once done, the company can send you a quote along with recommendations for the property.

You can even get a free estimate by contacting the nearby TemperaturePro branch. Additionally, 24/7 emergency services are available, and the company offers various financing options while also allowing monthly payments.

However, the business does not provide clear information regarding the warranty offered since the website only mentions a standard factory or manufacturing warranty. And this warranty may not be available at all locations.

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Quick Comparisons Of The Top AC Installation Companies

Selecting The Best AC Installation Companies – The Methodology Used

To determine which companies offer the best AC installation, maintenance, and repair services, I had to research numerous businesses in the industry. Since this was a very long list, it was important to eliminate businesses that were not worth considering, for which certain factors had to be taken into account.

Some of these included the reputation of the company, residential and commercial services offered, brands offered, customer satisfaction, etc. Considering these factors allowed me to make the list more manageable and begin the next phase of the process. In this, I looked at the procedure followed by the remaining companies for installing AC units, repairing them, and providing maintenance.

This also covered the service area in which the services were offered since a company that does not operate in many locations is not suitable for most customers. In the end, the businesses offering all these services in a wider area were included in this list.

Each of the selected companies specializes in a certain area. For instance, American Residential Services, LLP offers the widest selection of services, while TemperaturePro offers the best services for commercial establishments.

Similarly, for customers who want sustainable options, Dr. Energy Saver is the ideal choice, while The Home Depot is great if you want to get window AC units installed. Here are some of the parameters that I considered when finalizing the list:

• Availability in different states
• Emergency services
• Warranty period
• Appointment scheduling options
• Customer service
• Available financing options
• Other services offered

What Is The Cost Of An AC Installation?

There are no standard charges when it comes to getting air conditioners installed in residential or commercial properties. In most cases, the price depends on the type and size of the air conditioning unit that needs to be installed. The installation cost can range from $3,800 to $7,900, with the average cost being around $5,800.

For instance, if you plan to get a window unit installed, which is usually smaller, the installation process will be less labor intensive, and therefore, the cost will be less. On the other hand, getting a central heating and AC unit installed can cost you thousands of dollars.

But other factors, such as the brand of the product and the location of the property, can also affect it. And the size of the building in which it has to be installed plays a major role in determining the cost.

The capacity of an air conditioning unit is measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs. One square foot of area requires about 18 BTUs for effective cooling, and air conditioners with a higher capacity tend to be more expensive. So, a bigger house will require a larger and more powerful HVAC system, and you need to pay more for cooling.

To find out the exact cost of AC installation, I recommend contacting the installation company and getting an accurate quote from them.

Services Provided By AC Installation Companies

AC installation companies generally provide a wide range of services related to installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Services included in installation generally involve installing new plumbing, ductwork, or electrical fixtures required for the air conditioning unit and the unit itself.

Depending on the company, it can provide installation services for different types of air conditioners, such as a central AC system, ductless mini split air conditioners, windows ACs, and others.

Then there are repair services, which involve diagnosing problems with the AC system, repairing parts and components that are malfunctioning, and performing replacements of such parts if required. Finally, the HVAC technicians perform inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups under the maintenance services offered by AC installation companies to keep the system running optimally.

Besides these, AC installation companies often offer emergency services, which can be especially beneficial if your air conditioner breaks down suddenly and requires quick repairs. In such cases, companies usually send a technician within a few hours who can perform an inspection to identify the issue and resolve it.

Such 24/7 services can also be very useful if there are other issues with your AC system, such as strange noises, unusual smells, or water leaks near the unit.

Benefits Of Hiring A Good AC Installation Company

If your old air conditioner is malfunctioning, waiting to get it repaired or replaced will only make the problem worse. Similarly, if the unit is due for maintenance, I suggest calling up a professional AC maintenance company as soon as possible. Timely maintenance can help prevent and resolve problems that may be caused by clogged filters, dust, and dirt.

Delaying the maintenance or waiting to get a faulty air conditioner replaced can lead to various problems. Firstly, old air conditioners that are not operating properly usually consume more energy, leading to higher power bills. Additionally, such units reduce the air quality, which can be a potential health hazard.

By hiring a reputed AC installation and repair company in time, you can get the issues affecting the air conditioner looked at. Properly trained HVAC professionals can perform repairs, undertake regular maintenance activities, and replace faulty air conditioners efficiently.

Thus, you can enjoy the benefits of improved air quality, greater energy savings, and maximum comfort.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right AC installation company can take considerable time and effort. But hopefully, with the options I’ve mentioned in this guide, you will find the process a bit simpler. The first thing to do is to check which of these businesses offers services at your location.

Then, select from the ones in the area and try to obtain quotes from them. I would also recommend going through their website to gather all the required information and checking out customer reviews. And when making price comparisons, consider additional factors, like emergency services, warranties offered, and customer services.

This will help you select the most suitable option.