Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in Bristol, New Hampshire. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier full-service HVAC contractor serving Bristol and the Lakes Region since 1985. They specialize in high-efficiency heating and cooling systems tailored to New Hampshire's variable climate, offering installation, repair, and premium maintenance plans. Their technicians are NATE-certified and experts in both traditional and modern heat pump technologies.
A family-owned and operated HVAC specialist known for reliable service and deep community roots. They excel in servicing all major brands, from oil and gas furnaces to modern ductless mini-splits, making them a versatile choice for Bristol's older homes and new constructions. They are praised for their honest diagnostics and focus on energy-efficient upgrades.
This provider has built a strong reputation on rapid response times and effective solutions for urgent HVAC breakdowns. They offer a robust 24/7 emergency service, crucial for Bristol's cold winters. Their services span everything from AC tune-ups and refrigerant leaks to complete furnace replacements and complex ductwork design for improved home efficiency.
The HVAC market in Bristol, NH, is driven by a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. This creates a high year-round demand for reliable heating (especially furnaces and boilers) and a growing demand for efficient air conditioning and heat pumps. The presence of many older homes leads to significant demand for system replacements, ductwork modifications, and energy efficiency upgrades to manage heating costs. The market is competitive among a small number of established local providers who emphasize reliability and emergency service.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bristol regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in Bristol, New Hampshire.
For a full system replacement (furnace or heat pump with air handler), Bristol homeowners can expect a range of $5,500 to $12,000+, heavily influenced by home size, system efficiency, and fuel type. Our cold, long winters make a properly sized and efficient system critical, so investing in a higher-efficiency model (like a modulating furnace or cold-climate heat pump) often yields significant long-term savings on heating oil or propane bills, despite a higher upfront cost. Always get itemized estimates that include removal of the old unit, all labor, materials, and compliance with local codes.
The optimal times are during the shoulder seasons—late spring (April-May) after heating season and early fall (September-October) before heating season begins. Scheduling during these periods ensures you avoid the extreme demand and potential wait times during the first deep freeze in November/December or a July heatwave. For installations like central air, planning in spring is ideal, as Bristol's humid summer days make AC a necessity, and contractors' schedules fill up quickly.
While Bristol follows the State of New Hampshire building codes, there are no unique town-level HVAC ordinances beyond standard permits for major installations. Importantly, New Hampshire residents have access to valuable incentives, such as rebates from NHSaves for installing high-efficiency heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. These can substantially offset costs, and your local HVAC provider should be well-versed in the application process to help you maximize these savings.
Prioritize contractors who are locally established, fully licensed and insured in New Hampshire, and have specific experience with homes in our region. Look for strong reviews addressing responsiveness during winter emergencies and proper system sizing for cold climates. A trustworthy provider will perform a detailed Manual J load calculation for your specific Bristol home, considering its insulation, windows, and exposure, rather than just recommending the same size as your old unit.
It's common for standard air-source heat pumps to lose efficiency and require supplemental heat (like a backup furnace or electric resistance strips) when temperatures consistently drop below 25-30°F, which is frequent here. However, a significant loss in heating output or a constant reliance on expensive backup heat could indicate a problem like low refrigerant or a failing component. Consider having it serviced before winter, and if replacing, explore "cold-climate" heat pump models specifically designed for New Hampshire winters.