Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in Durham, New Hampshire. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier HVAC contractor serving Durham and the Seacoast region with a focus on high-efficiency system installations and comprehensive 24/7 emergency repair services. They are known for their expertise in handling the region's humid summers and harsh winters, offering solutions from top brands like Carrier and Trane. Their team includes NATE-certified technicians specializing in heat pumps, geothermal systems, and smart thermostat integration.
A family-owned and operated HVAC specialist with deep roots in the Durham community. They excel in furnace and boiler services, crucial for New England winters, and provide expert air conditioning installation and maintenance for the summer months. They are a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer and offer thorough ductwork assessment and sealing services to improve home energy efficiency and comfort.
A local, responsive team known for its prompt emergency service and excellent customer care. They specialize in servicing and replacing systems for Durham's mix of historic homes and modern buildings, offering tailored solutions for each. Their services range from quick AC tune-ups and furnace repairs to complete system replacements, with a strong focus on improving indoor air quality through advanced filtration and humidification systems.
The HVAC market in Durham, New Hampshire, is characterized by high demand for robust and efficient systems due to its humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The presence of the University of New Hampshire creates a diverse housing stock, from older, historic homes requiring specialized ductwork and system retrofits to modern, energy-efficient student housing. Key market drivers include the need for energy efficiency upgrades to combat high heating oil and electricity costs, a strong demand for reliable emergency services during winter storms and summer heatwaves, and a growing interest in heat pumps and dual-fuel systems for year-round comfort. The market is competitive with a mix of long-standing local providers and larger regional companies.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Durham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in Durham, New Hampshire.
The ideal times are during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). This avoids the peak summer cooling and winter heating demands, ensuring better availability from local contractors and often more competitive pricing. Scheduling in the fall is particularly crucial in our climate to ensure your heating system is ready for the cold, often snowy Seacoast New Hampshire winters.
For a standard, high-efficiency gas furnace replacement, Durham homeowners can expect a range of $4,500 to $8,000, while a heat pump system (which provides both heating and cooling) typically ranges from $6,500 to $12,000+, depending on capacity and features. These costs reflect regional labor rates and the specific challenges of older homes in the area. Always get multiple itemized quotes that include removal of the old unit, new ductwork modifications if needed, and proper permitting with the Town of Durham.
Yes, New Hampshire residents should first check for rebates directly from their utility provider, such as Unitil or Eversource, which often offer incentives for high-efficiency heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners. Additionally, the federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements can apply. For Durham homeowners, installing a cold-climate heat pump is a smart investment given our winters, and these incentives can significantly offset the upfront cost.
Prioritize contractors who are fully licensed, insured, and familiar with the specific needs of Durham's mix of historic and modern homes. Look for strong local references and membership in organizations like the NH Plumbing and Mechanical Advisory Board. A reputable provider will perform a detailed Manual J load calculation to correctly size your system for our climate, rather than simply replacing your old unit with one of the same size.
This is very common in older New England homes due to insufficient insulation, leaky ductwork in attics or crawlspaces, and single-pane windows. Beyond sealing air leaks and adding insulation, a local HVAC professional can perform a duct leakage test and balance your system. For many Durham homes, adding a mini-split heat pump to a problematic zone or supplementing with duct sealing can dramatically improve comfort and efficiency without a full system overhaul.