To determine the best HVAC companies, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 18 companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:
Years in Business (5%)
However long a company has been in business gained or lost it points totaling 5% of the ranking.
Customer Reviews (19%)
Customer reviews accounted for 19% of the rating. Our team analyzed BBB scores, ratios of complaints to overall reviews,Trustpilot ratings and more.
Consumer Reports Reviews (12%)
Our team analyzed each company’s most recent Consumer Reports ratings based on central AC, heat pump and gas furnace predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
Customer Support (8%)
Options like live chat, phone service, FAQ page, knowledge base and community forums gave some HVAC companies a leg up over others.
Installation Availability (4%)
Installation availability points were awarded to each company based on consumer convenience when locating an installer. Metrics included installation service availability at AireServ, Sears, Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Central Air Conditioner Features (19%)
Each company’s central air conditioner feature list was evaluated and awarded points for the inclusion and quality of smart thermostat compatibility, remote operating access and humidity control features. Specifications related to each competitor’s central air conditioning offerings were analyzed and ranked according to SEER ratings, noise levels and warranties of parts and compressors.
Ductless (Mini-Split) System Specs (9%)
Ductless mini-split offerings from each company were ranked and awarded points based on average SEER ratings, sound levels and warranty length.
Heat Pump Specs (12%)
Each HVAC company’s offerings of heat pump models as well as overall SEER ratings, sound ratings and warranty were evaluated for 12% of the total ranking.
Oil Furnace Specs (6%)
Each HVAC company’s number of oil furnace models as well as overall SEER ratings, sound ratings and warranty were evaluated for 6% of the total ranking.
Gas Furnace Specs (6%)
Each HVAC company’s number of gas furnace models as well as overall AFUE ratings, parts and heat exchanger warranty were evaluated for 6% of the total ranking.