The Best HVAC in Boston, MA

Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in Boston, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.

#1

Boston Standard Company

4.8
(324 reviews)
Verified

A leading full-service HVAC contractor specializing in both residential and commercial systems. Known for expertise in handling Boston's extreme seasonal shifts, from humid summers requiring robust AC to harsh winters demanding reliable heating. They are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and work with top-tier equipment.

88 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02110

Specialties & Features

24/7 Emergency Service
High-Efficiency Furnace Installation
Ductless Mini-Splits
Boiler Systems
Mass Save Partner

Business Information

Years in Business:15 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

New England Cooling & Heating

4.7
(278 reviews)
Verified

A highly-rated provider specializing in energy-efficient HVAC solutions tailored for Boston's historic homes and modern buildings. They are experts in navigating the challenges of installing and servicing systems in older properties with unique ductwork and insulation needs. They are a Lennox Premier Dealer.

255 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110

Specialties & Features

Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Historic Home HVAC
Ductwork Design & Sealing
Heat Pump Installation
Smart Thermostats

Business Information

Years in Business:20 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Dorchester Heating & Air Conditioning

4.6
(195 reviews)
Verified

A trusted, family-owned local contractor with deep roots in the Boston community. They excel in prompt repair and maintenance services, ensuring systems operate efficiently to combat the city's high heating costs in winter. They offer comprehensive service plans and are known for their reliable emergency response.

1500 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02122

Specialties & Features

Furnace Repair & Replacement
24/7 Emergency Service
AC Maintenance Plans
Boiler Service
Local & Family-Owned

Business Information

Years in Business:30 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top HVAC Contractors in Boston

The Boston HVAC market is characterized by high demand for systems capable of handling both extreme cold winters and hot, humid summers. The prevalence of older, historic housing stock creates a need for contractors skilled in retrofitting modern, high-efficiency systems into challenging layouts. Energy efficiency is a major driver due to high local energy costs, with many homeowners utilizing Mass Save rebates and financing. The market is competitive with a mix of large established companies and smaller local contractors, all emphasizing 24/7 emergency service, especially during the winter heating season.

High Ratings

4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews

Fully Licensed

All contractors are properly licensed and insured

Proven Experience

10+ years average experience in the industry

Local Experts

Familiar with Boston regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Boston

Get answers to common questions about hvac services in Boston, Massachusetts.

1What is the typical cost to replace a central air conditioning system in a Boston home?

For a standard, single-family home in Boston, a full AC replacement typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,000. This wide range depends on the system's size (tonnage), efficiency rating (SEER), and the complexity of the installation in older homes, which may require ductwork modifications. Given our humid summers and high energy costs, investing in a higher-efficiency unit (16+ SEER) can provide significant long-term savings on cooling bills.

2When is the best time of year to schedule HVAC maintenance or replacement in Boston?

The ideal times are during the shoulder seasons—early spring (March-April) for AC service and early fall (September-October) for heating service. Scheduling during these periods ensures your system is ready for Boston's intense summer heat and harsh winter cold, and you'll avoid the high-demand service delays and potential emergency rates of peak summer and winter. This timing also provides the best availability for installation appointments.

3Are there any Massachusetts-specific rebates or incentives for upgrading my HVAC system?

Yes, Massachusetts offers excellent incentives through Mass Save®. Homeowners can qualify for substantial rebates for installing high-efficiency heat pumps, furnaces, and central AC units, often covering hundreds to thousands of dollars. Additionally, Mass Save provides heavily discounted or even no-cost home energy assessments, which include evaluating your HVAC system and can unlock 0% financing for major upgrades, making high-efficiency systems very accessible.

4How do I choose a reliable HVAC contractor in the Boston area?

Always verify that the contractor is licensed by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters (for gas/oil work) and holds an appropriate Construction Supervisor License (CSL). Look for companies that are Mass Save® partners, as this indicates they are trained on current efficiency programs. Seek local, established companies with strong reviews that are familiar with the challenges of Boston's older housing stock and strict city permitting processes.

5My Boston home is over 80 years old and has steam radiators. What are my best options for adding central air conditioning?

For historic homes with radiator heat and no existing ductwork, the two most common and least invasive solutions are a ductless mini-split system or a high-velocity ducted system like Unico or SpacePak. Mini-splits are excellent for zoning individual rooms, while high-velocity systems use small, flexible tubing that can be snaked through walls and floors with minimal disruption. Both are highly efficient and well-suited to handle Boston's summer humidity.