Your HVAC Buyer's Guide
Air conditioners. Furnaces. Heat pumps. Filters and accessories. These things can be expensive and complicated.
You want to know that you’re making the right choices. How much should I expect to pay? How do I know what I do and don’t need?
These aren’t easy questions. But we can help you find the answers.This comprehensive eBook includes:
- Price ranges for all major equipment
- How to determine value in HVAC
- How to reduce your costs
- Factors that affect price and value
- Resources for additional research
Frequently Asked Questions
- Focus on proper sizing through a Manual J load calculation, energy efficiency ratings (SEER for cooling, AFUE for furnaces), equipment reliability, warranty coverage, and the quality of the installing contractor. The installation is just as important as the equipment itself — a great system installed poorly will underperform.
- The federal minimum for new AC systems is currently 14 SEER in our region. Systems in the 16-20+ SEER range offer meaningfully lower operating costs over the life of the equipment. The right rating for you depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and your comfort priorities.
- With proper maintenance, furnaces typically last 15-20 years, air conditioners 15-20 years, and heat pumps 10-15 years. The actual lifespan depends on usage patterns, maintenance history, installation quality, and the specific equipment. Regular tune-ups are the single biggest factor in reaching the upper end of those ranges.
- While matching brands can simplify warranty claims and ensure component compatibility, it is not strictly necessary. What matters more is that both systems are properly sized and installed by a qualified contractor. Our team will recommend the best combination for your home regardless of brand.
Denise Boley
Kyle has been my service repairman previously and again he provided excellent service. He is always polite and informative. I would give him an A+!
Mark McCann
Jimmy did an outstanding job as usual. Very responsive on a weekend. I absolutely trust their honesty and integrity.
Laurence Blackman
From start to finish the process was very simple. Our comfort consultant Rodger was great. He helped us understand the flaws in our old HVAC system and helped us choose the right product to replace it with. Our installers arrived not only ahead of the original time but also did a great job in getting everything installed right and were able to get things done ahead of the original finish time. It was a true pleasureto have them in our home. We look forward to doing business with Fire & Ice in the future.
Laura Davis
Jimmy was awesome! He got stuck at the nearby train tracks and was afraid he would be late so he proactively called to tell me. My little yappy dogs were horrible and he wasn’t even phased. He squatted down to pet them and they were best friends by the time he left. On top of that I knew he was going to tell us that we needed a new unit, but I appreciated that he explained why to me and did ask to just speak to my husband. That respect as a woman is everything! Highly recommended!
Mary Chandler
Fire & Ice did a great job replacing the blower motor on my dad's furnace. Of coursethe motor decided to quit during the first hot spell which is a very busy time for all heating and A/C companies. We were able to get someone to come out the same day we called and diagnose the problem. They confirmed that they had the part andcould replace it in about a week. Everyone we dealt with at the company was very pleasant and knowledgeable.
Gerald Ruskan
Very through and professional. Isaac explained everything in easy-to-understand terms. We decided to sign up for the service plan.
Jim Sargent
Davon was very professional and personable. My service was going to be $230 but he told me about the monthly $25 service contract and what it included and it was ano brainer, my service visit only cost me $25 instead of $230. Shoot....he's like family now...lol
Jessica Parker
James was very professional and thorough; we’ve had a very positive experience with Fire and Ice thus far- from installing the AC/Furnace and maintaining them.