Repair or replace?
Age, repair cost, efficiency and how often the system has failed all matter. Ask for the reasoning behind a recommendation — and consider a second estimate for any full replacement.
Get HVAC Help Near You
A house that won't warm up or cool down gets uncomfortable fast. Tell us what your system is doing and we'll help you reach independent HVAC professionals who serve your area.
What's your system doing?
- Free to use
- No obligation
- You decide whether to hire
- About a minuteA few taps, then your contact details.
- Details entered onceNo bouncing between forms and sites.
- Independent local prosBusinesses that serve your area.
- Clear about our roleWe connect you. You choose who to hire.
Four quick checks before you call.
An early call often means a simpler repair, and fewer hours without heat or cooling while you wait.
0 of 4 checked
Smell gas or hear a carbon monoxide alarm? Leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
While you wait for a technician
Keep everyone comfortable and safe until the system is looked at.
If there's fire, a gas smell or any risk to someone's safety, leave and call 911.
- In freezing weather, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls and let faucets drip slightly to help keep pipes from freezing.
- Use space heaters only with plenty of clearance, plugged straight into the wall, and never while sleeping or unattended.
- In the heat, close blinds, run fans, drink water, and check on older relatives, babies and pets.
- Never use a gas oven, stove or grill to heat the house.
- Leave the system off if it's grinding, banging or giving off a burning smell.
Before you hire.
Every provider is an independent business. A little context helps you compare estimates and choose with confidence.
Seasonal maintenance
A tune-up before heating and cooling seasons lets a technician clean components and catch worn parts before they fail on the coldest or hottest day of the year.
Questions worth asking a pro
- What's the diagnostic fee, and is it credited toward the repair?
- Is a repair worth it at my system's age, or should I plan for replacement?
- If replacing, how will you size the new system for my home?
- Are there rebates or efficiency incentives I should know about?
- What maintenance will help this system last?
Questions about heating and cooling.
What happens after you ask for help
- Home Service Pros Now securely saves your request.
- Provider connections aren't active yet, so it isn't sent to a service professional for now.
- You're never obligated to hire anyone.
How often should I change my air filter?
It varies by filter type, pets and household. Many homeowners check monthly and replace every one to three months. Your system's manual is the best guide.
Why is one room always hotter or colder?
Duct layout, insulation, closed vents and system sizing can all play a role. An HVAC professional can check airflow and suggest options.
What affects the cost of HVAC repair or replacement?
It depends on what's wrong, how big the job is, access, materials and local rates. Independent pros set their own prices, so ask for a written estimate — and what could change it — before work starts.
How quickly can someone come out?
It depends on your area, the time of day and how busy local pros are. Say that it's urgent when a pro contacts you, and follow the safety steps on this page in the meantime.
