Our Approach

How we analyzed the best A/C Repair Companies

Coverage & Plans
A/C repair companies that offered comprehensive maintenance programs, warranties, 24/7 emergency service, and flexible repair plans consistently scored higher in our rankings.
Claims & Service
We did a cost/benefit analysis for each company we reviewed, taking into account regularity of servicing, available discounts, and service charges for different types of repair.
Customer Experience
Company or technician reputation and certifications were prime indicators we used to determine whether a repair will be completed correctly and comprehensively the first time.

Our list of the best A/C Repair Companies

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Our Research

More insight into our methodology

Coverage & Plans

There are many different brands of air conditioning systems and HVAC units, suited for both residential and commercial applications. There's also a wide variety of companies that offer maintenance and repair plans for said equipment. There are even plans that cover both maintenance and repair costs. The sheer amount of options available can make the decision process a complicated one. However, this can be broken down fairly easily.

Geographic location generally determines whether a property has an HVAC system or an air conditioning unit, with warmer regions focusing solely on cooling, and colder or temperate climates will generally have combination cooling and heating units. The choice of repair or maintenance service a customer may need will depend on the type of system they have installed. Air conditioners that see constant use throughout the year in order to combat high outside temperatures, need more maintenance and checkups than those that are only used during the late spring, summer, and early fall months.

Maintenance should include:

  • Checking the thermostat and making sure it's not outdated. Installing a new, efficient, programmable one can save money and energy.
  • Checking exposed ductwork for wear and tear, as this can result in cooling loss around the house. The same goes for air vent blockage around the home. Drapes, toys, and furniture placed in front of vents can restrict airflow and make cooling units have to work harder.
  • Checking the drain line is important, as the indoor coil can lead to dirt buildups that in turn lead to water back-ups in the unit's drain pan, and subsequent water damage in the home. Drain lines should be cleaned professionally once a year.
  • Checking the air filter. These should be changed a minimum of every three months, or following manufacturer's recommendations. At the very least, they should be changed at the start of any cooling or heating season. 
  • Checking the outdoor condenser unit, when applicable. Blockages by leaves, plants, and debris can obstruct the interior components, affecting the system's performance. It's also important to verify that all the panels that cover electrical components are in place.
  • Checking the refrigerant lines visually for insulation is important. If the insulation is faulty or incomplete, costs can easily skyrocket. This should only be done by a licensed professional. 
  • Checking the outdoor electrical wiring. If there is damage or wear, this should only be dealt with by a professional, and for safety purposes, the unit should not even be turned on.

Whether it’s a basic plan for annual maintenance or protection to cover occasional repair costs, there are protection plans for a range of homes and budgets. Both coverage and plans will vary depending on the company and the specific unit or equipment. For instance, the maintenance needs for a room air conditioner are generally different to those of a ductless mini-split A/C, or a central air conditioning system.

A good general rule of thumb is that air conditioners and HVACs should have regular maintenance checkups at least once a year, or more if the unit is in constant use. For every year of operation that an air conditioner doesn't receive service, it loses 5% of its efficiency, whereas properly maintained units can retain 95% efficiency over their lifespan, which generally tops out around the 15-year mark. This efficiency also results in lower energy bills, by as much as 15% a year.

Though some of the required maintenance checkups can be done fairly easily by a layperson, we recommend the services of a professional for most of the tasks. Through regular inspections, qualified technicians can often identify issues before they become problems, and save hundreds of dollars in future repairs, all for an approximate $70-$100. It's important to make sure that the service company employs licensed HVAC contractors, and it has workers compensation and liability insurance, in case of an injury or property damage.

For the purpose of evaluating our list of A/C repair companies, we’re looking at five contributing factors: type of plan, amount of annual checkups, covered system and parts, age restriction, and any warranty or guarantee they may offer.

Claims & Service

Generally, A/C and HVAC repair and maintenance companies provide diagnostic services, monthly repairs, and annual tune-ups. While conducting our research, we found that service charges are usually based on the present condition of your A/C unit. Another important factor during our ranking process was looking not only at the services provided by each company but comparing their costs and benefits. Some companies offer priority or emergency repairs and coverage per repair incident, while others offer free in-home estimates and coupons or discounts for people such as veterans, military personnel, students, and teachers.

Customer Experience

A crucial aspect in the decision-making process of choosing an A/C repair company is whether the technicians are compliant with the highest quality industry standards. Some certifications to look out for include the North American Technician Excellence, Air Conditioning Contractors of America, and the Environmental Protection Agency's 608 certification. All of these relate to real working knowledge of HVAC and A/C systems. Overall, hiring certified technicians ensures less callbacks and fewer warranty returns, as they know how to do the job correctly the first time.

As with any other home service provider, it's important to research their reputation and customer reviews. To best assess this, a good idea is to check out reviews on trusted websites such as the Better Business Bureau or TrustPilot. However, it's always important to remember that these reviews should be taken with a grain of salt and read carefully. Disgruntled customers tend to be much more vocal than satisfied ones, and the problem only increases with the size of the company.

Likewise, it's important to make sure that the company offers various ways to get in touch with them. Some companies have 24/7 telephone lines, apps or online scheduling capablity, or online chat for immediate troubleshooting.

Helpful information about A/C Repair

In the United States, air conditioning and HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) are now considered an essential part of almost every modern home and business, or indeed, any building meant to house or shelter people for a considerable length of time. A/C's, as they're commonly referred to, have become an intrinsic part of the American way of life. This wasn't always so, however. Discovering the way to harness electricity in the late 1800s led to the invention of oscillating fans in the early twentieth century, and Willis Carrier's first air conditioner meant for public use was installed in the Rivoli Theater in Times Square in 1925. Crowds soon began packing into air-conditioned movie theaters during the dog days of summer, rather than sweltering in the unbearably hot temperatures of their homes, eventually giving rise to the notion of the summer blockbuster and the Golden Age of Hollywood.

By the mid-1930s, air conditioning systems were commonly used in department stores, rail cars, and offices, increasing productivity and leading to more sales. Home air conditioners and HVACs took slightly longer to take hold. During the postwar period, A/Cs entered into mass production, selling over one million units in 1953, and contributing to a long term shift in the U.S. population, towards areas whose high average temperatures had previously been a barrier to large-scale urban development. Developers were able to build large amounts of homes in places such as Florida, Southern California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, and New Mexico, all of which experienced above-average growth during the second half of the twentieth century. Cooling technology also contributed to the development of computers and the entire IT industry, and even the central role that television plays in American life—artificially cooled houses became havens to escape the heat, often gathering families around the tv. Houses began to be built with cooling systems in mind, eliminating the profusion of windows, high ceilings, and porches, which had been common architectural elements designed to maximize airflow. 

Willis Carrier's invention truly shaped the future of America and American living, and like any invention, air conditioning systems need maintenance and repair, especially when they're placed in homes or buildings designed around the convenience of air cooling systems. Modern units have high-tech parts that require continuous monitoring, adjustments, and cleaning, as well as occasional repairs or replacement parts to keep them working efficiently. When run continually over the course of a hot summer, or simply due to living in a high-temperature region, any issues an air conditioner or HVAC may have is exacerbated, just like a runner in a grueling marathon. They can overheat or get their drainage clogged, and older cooling systems may simply run out of steam, having reached the end of their working life.

The number one reason for breakdowns is lack of correct maintenance. Seemingly small issues such as not changing out air filters at least four times a year can mushroom into much larger problems, leading to compressors overheating and shortening the overall lifetime of the unit. Constantly running the unit, or changing temperatures a lot can also wreak havoc on the internal systems. Finally, air leakage in the property can also can make both heating and cooling units have to work much harder, due to heat loss or heat gain. The bottom line is that it's essential to find a dependable A/C maintenance and repair company that offers reliable service from qualified technicians who can diagnose and repair heating and cooling systems efficiently, at an affordable price. Although most homeowners can easily tackle minor projects like changing a filter or clearing a vent, other tasks undoubtedly require the intervention of a technician. When parts need to be adjusted or repaired, when it’s time for the system’s annual inspection and maintenance, or when the unit just won’t work, consumers need to know who to call. 

The good news is that home and business owners have a large array of options to choose from. Many companies sell service plans that include preventative maintenance, emergency repair, and 24/7 support. With a maintenance contract, customers can ensure that their unit is receiving all the periodic checkups it needs in order to keep its performance at optimum levels, resulting in a longer life. These types of contracts often have flat-rate pricing that includes an annual multi-inspection point, priority scheduling for service calls, and discounts on repairs.

Before choosing a technician or A/C repair company, make sure that the individual or organization holds the appropriate certifications and licenses, and that they can service your particular brand. Customers should also be aware that there are industry standards that service providers must meet. Finally, consumer reviews are also an important source of information about the quality of service the company provides, since platforms such as the BBB and Trustpilot allow customers to provide detailed experiences of the services they purchased and can be instrumental when choosing a service provider. Consumers should always practice due diligence, and make sure to do some research into their potential service provider.

FAQs about A/C Repair

How often should I have my A/C serviced?

In addition to the regular, homeowner preventative maintenance of keeping filters clean on the blower and debris cleared from exterior units, A/C units that are used regularly should have service once a year. Units that are used for both cooling and heating need extra attention and may need service twice a year. Proper maintenance of an HVAC system will not only insure that it is operating at maximum efficiency, but may prolong its usable life as well, maximizing the investment.

How is the energy efficiency of my A/C measured?

Energy efficiency in air conditioners is measured in EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The EER of an air conditioner is calculated by dividing the unit’s cooling energy output, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) by the amount of energy used, measured in watts. The higher the ratio, the more efficient the unit -- that is, the more space a unit can cool using the least amount of energy is the most efficient unit. The SEER can be a more accurate number for many climates, because unlike the EER which uses a constant outdoor temperature (95 degrees) to calculate the amount of energy used, the SEER uses a range of temperature conditions to calculate the ratio.

What is a swamp cooler?

A swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, is a method to cool a space that differs from air-conditioning methods that incorporate refrigerant. Using the natural process of evaporation, swamp coolers use a fan to pass warm air over a moistened pad -- the moisture evaporates and the exiting air from the unit is cooled. Swamp coolers are easy to maintain, are energy-efficient, and without the use of refrigerants, are eco-friendly. Swamp coolers are best suited for dry climates and less ideal for regions that are humid. Most models are portable, but there are window models available, as well.

What's the difference between A/C and HVAC?

A/C is an air conditioning unit, and that’s it -- a device used to cool the climate within an interior space. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and encompasses all the technology that is engineered to create a comfortable temperature and provide high quality indoor air within a structure. When shopping for a retail air conditioning unit or searching for a qualified repair company, HVAC will most often be the category to research.

When should I replace my A/C unit?

Anything can be repaired, but is it worth it? The lifespan of your air conditioner will be based on several factors: the build quality of the unit, how heavily it is used, and whether it has been properly maintained. While the typical lifespan of a properly maintained system will vary, there will come a time when a consumer will need to decide whether it is better to repair or replace. Expect most units to have a lifespan of 15-20 years. Budget-conscious consumers should weigh the expense of their current electric bills with the cost of repairing or replacing the unit. Chances are that an aging unit will need more frequent and expensive repairs. When getting an estimate for an A/C repair, your repairman should be able to give you an informed opinion on what will be the most prudent.

How do I clean and prepare my A/C for summer?

There are a handful of things you can do to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner and to keep it running smoothly throughout its life. Maintenance is similar for all types of units, and proper care will ensure your unit works well all year long. Make sure that any filter is clean and that nothing is obstructing the vents on the outside section of the unit. Confirm that there are no gaps in a window A/C installation allowing cooled air to escape the room. Most units will feature exposed coil fins; these should be straightened from any impact to insure maximum air flow on the outside of the unit. If there are any exposed drains, make sure they are unobstructed by using a small wire brush -- blocked drains will prevent the unit from dehydrating the air efficiently. Finally, if you are more comfortable with a professional performing routine maintenance, choose one of the Top 10 companies from ConsumersAdvocate.org’s page to find a company that offers an affordable plan for the best upkeep of your HVAC system.

What is a central air conditioning?

A central air conditioning unit is a whole-home heating and cooling system that circulates air through a series of ducts extending to each room. A central air conditioning system can be powered purely by electricity or be aided by a geothermal source. Central air conditioning systems are an efficient and quiet way to control temperature in an entire home, but often do not have the ability to control the temperature on a per room basis without closing a vent entirely. Ductwork is most commonly found in new construction, as retrofitting ductwork in an existing home can be a significant expense.

What is a ductless, mini split A/C?

A ductless unit is one that is “split” between an outdoor unit, containing the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit, which is connected to the outdoor unit via a small insulated pipe. More efficient than a window unit and much easier to install in a property that doesn’t already have (or can’t have) forced air ductwork, split units have the advantage of being able to supply either air conditioning or heat and allow for per room thermostats.

What is a window A/C?

A window air conditioner, also known as a room air conditioner, is a self-contained “packaged” unit that is installed either in an existing window or a cutout in the wall. Because the unit is one piece and somewhat easy to install, window units are the least expensive one can buy. Depending on the size of the model, window A/C units can be plugged directly into a standard 120v outlet, as long as other major appliances are not on the same circuit. If your budget does not permit the installation of a more expensive system or your home is not set up for a central air, individual window units are an affordable solution that allows you to cool individual rooms instead of the whole home.

What is a portable A/C?

A portable A/C unit is like a window unit on wheels -- they are compact, freestanding, “packaged” units that can be plugged into a regular wall outlet, but they must also be tethered to a vent that leads to an exhaust port, usually a window. Convenient for rooms that cannot be cooled with conventional systems, like basements or attics, portable units are easy to operate and can also be used to supplement the cooling from another system in a room. Whereas permanently installed units drain the accumulated moisture outside, a portable unit will have a tray that must be emptied regularly.

What are hybrid air conditioners?

A hybrid air conditioning system is a unit that is assisted by an alternate power source. Most often, the systems that bill themselves as “hybrid” are mini-split systems that are aided, but not entirely run, by solar power. Hybrid systems decrease the workload of the condenser by incorporating a handful of solar panels to absorb thermal energy. As a result of the technology, a smaller condenser is used in the system and with the assistance of the solar source, it can draw 50% less AC, significantly lowering the monthly costs of operating the unit.

What is geothermal heating & cooling?

Geothermal heating and cooling systems employ the constant temperature of subsurface earth to either extract its warmth for heating in the winter or receive the heat from a building in summer. With the installation of a heat pump at the property connected to a series of looped pipes filled with liquid buried underground, heat is either transferred from the home to the ground to cool, or transferred from the earth to the home to heat. This system still requires a distribution system, most often a central forced air system. But instead of creating the cooling or heating properties solely from electricity, the heat pump system significantly reduces the power needed to heat or cool the home -- up to 70% for heating and 50% for cooling. The upfront costs are much higher than a conventional system, but most systems will pay for themselves within 7 years, depending on the size of the installation and the cost of energy in your area.

Is Your HVAC Upgrade or Repair Tax Deductible?

Although everyone wants to save on their monthly electric bill, the cost of upgrading an existing HVAC system to a more energy-efficient one can be prohibitive. The federal government recently reinstated for 2018 (and retroactively for 2017) tax credits that help consumers to reduce the overall cost of installing energy-efficient HVAC units in their new or existing homes. Homeowners who invest in any of the following HVAC systems may be eligible for tax credits up to 30% on the cost of the material and labor: solar water heaters solar panels geothermal heat pumps small wind turbines fuel cells Consumers should also check to see if there are tax credits and other incentives within their state. For many, the credits and monthly energy bill savings can provide incentive enough to invest in an energy-efficient HVAC system. To confirm that you qualify for a tax credit or other incentives, ConsumersAdvocate.org recommends that you consult with your tax adviser or use tax-filing software.

How long should my A/C system last?

The expected lifetime of any A/C system will depend on how often it is used and the quality of the unit, but here’s a rough guideline of how long one should expect their system to last without major repairs. Room/Window A/C: 10-15 years Ductless, Mini-Split A/C: 12-15 years Evaporative Cooler: 15-20 years Central A/C: 15-20 years Like any other major appliance purchase, consumers should weigh the costs of a repair, the estimated life of the unit, and the benefits of replacing the unit with a more energy-efficient system before spending a significant amount on the system.