Get a Free Quote for Your AC Replacement Today
Whether your AC is making strange noises, struggling on hot days, or already failed — we’ll size the right replacement and give you a written quote.
We come out, size your AC right, and give you a written estimate before any work begins. Up to $1,500 rebate + 0% for 36 months financing available.
Same-day estimates available — call before noon.
Request Your Free Estimate
Leave your number and we’ll call within 15 minutes to schedule.
Or call us now: (434) 505-4780
“The technician Devin was great to work with, he was very knowledgeable of the installation. Very friendly. And a great person to work with. Great company to work with, highly recommend them. And I ended up buying a yearly maintenance plan also.”
Why Charlottesville homeowners choose The Otter Guys
65+ years of HVAC installs in Central Virginia
Since 1960, we’ve installed thousands of HVAC systems across Charlottesville, Crozet, Earlysville, Ruckersville, and surrounding areas. We know the housing stock — older homes with retrofit ductwork, new construction load calcs, additions that need zoning.
We size the system, not the sale
Most HVAC quotes are based on what was already there. We assess your home’s performance and ductwork — square footage, insulation, windows, duct condition — and recommend the right size for your home. An oversized system short-cycles and wears out. An undersized one runs constantly. We get it right the first time.
Up to $1,500 rebate, 0% for 36 months, no surprise charges
You see the full system price before we order anything. Our rebate of up to $1,500 (on full system replacements) comes off the install. 0% financing for 36 months is approved in about 2 minutes. No commission-based salesperson, no upsells in the middle of the job.
10-Year Parts + 1-Year Labor Warranty
On all new HVAC system installations
Licensed & Insured
VA License #2705181379
BBB A+ Rated
Accredited business
Charlottesville’s Finest
Gold Award 2023–2025
Signs it’s time to replace your AC, not repair
System Is 12+ Years Old
Most HVAC systems last 12–18 years. Past 12, repair costs add up fast and efficiency drops every season. If you’re putting $500+ into the same unit each year, replacement usually pays for itself in 5-7 years.
Energy Bills Climbing Each Year
A failing system works harder for the same comfort. If your bills have crept up 20–30% over 2-3 years with no change in usage, the system is losing efficiency.
Uneven Temperatures Room to Room
Some rooms freezing, others stuffy — usually means the system can no longer move enough conditioned air through the ductwork. New systems with variable-speed fans fix this in most homes.
Frequent Repair Calls
If you’ve had two or more service calls in the last 12 months, you’re already on the path to replacement. We’ll tell you honestly when it’s worth one more repair vs. when to stop spending.
Older Refrigerant Type (R-22)
AC systems using R-22 refrigerant (phased out since 2020) cost increasingly more to recharge. Modern systems use R-410A or R-32 and run more efficiently. The next major repair is a good time to replace.
Loud Operation or Short-Cycling
Banging, hissing, or systems that turn on and off every few minutes are signs of major component failure. Worth getting a free estimate before the next breakdown leaves you without heat or AC.
Trusted by 6,000+ Charlottesville homeowners
“Michael was fantastic, taking time to thoroughly assess my HVAC system as well as follow up on other home issues that he helped me identify. Great service and staff and I will be continuing to use the Otter Guys in the future!”AJ M. Google Review
“Devon has serviced my system in the past. We knew a replacement was going to happen and when my system failed (as he had warned) he quickly helped me find a solution, get financing, and then even stopped by after installation to check on the system and ensure it was working — which it is! The installation itself went well too. John and Yahmond were great. They were friendly, helpful, willing to problem-solve, and got me and my housemate from huddling around a window unit to lounging in our living room fast! Very happy with Otter Guys all around.”David Newsome Google Review
“The Otter Guys recommended a lower cost unit, did an installation in one day, AND got it done before Christmas. Very happy to have heat again.”Charlie Fairchild Google Review
Here’s exactly what happens when you call
Free in-home estimate
A Comfort Advisor comes to your home, measures the space, checks your ductwork, and calculates the right system size for your home. You see the numbers — load, sizing, options. No pressure, no commission-driven upsells.
Your options and pricing
You get a written estimate with 2-3 system options at different price points. We explain the tradeoffs — efficiency, warranty, brand. You choose. We apply the rebate of up to $1,500 (on qualifying full system replacements) and walk you through 0% financing for 36 months if you want it. No surprise costs added later.
Installation
Most installs are done in 1 day for AC, furnace, or heat pump replacements. Larger projects with new ductwork or zoning take 2-3 days. We protect your floors, haul away the old system, and test everything before we leave. We don’t collect the final payment until the system is running and you’re satisfied.
AC failing? Don’t wait for the hottest week of the year.
Failing AC systems almost always quit on the hottest day — right when emergency service costs the most and you’re sweating in your living room. A free in-home estimate now lets you replace on your timeline. Written estimate, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
AC-only replacement in Charlottesville typically runs $5,500 to $9,500. Full HVAC system replacements (AC + furnace, or AC + heat pump conversion) typically start at $12,000+. The big factors are what’s being replaced, home size, current ductwork condition, and the SEER rating you choose. Our rebate of up to $1,500 applies only to full system replacements.
We’ll inspect your ductwork during the in-home estimate and tell you honestly what’s needed. If we find leaks or sizing issues, we’ll explain the options — sealing, modifying, or replacing problem sections — and quote each option in writing. Mini split installs skip ductwork entirely.
Standard policies don’t cover replacement due to age or normal wear. They sometimes cover damage from a sudden event (fire, flood, lightning strike). Some homeowners have separate equipment-breakdown coverage. We can document the failure if you want to file a claim.
We offer 0% financing for 36 months as our headline promotional option. We also offer longer financing terms of 5 to 15 years — we tailor the term to the monthly payment you’re comfortable with. Most homeowners are approved in about 2 minutes through our financing partner. We walk through your exact monthly payment at the free estimate. Plus our Otter Guys rebate of up to $1,500 (on full system replacements) comes off the total before financing.
Most AC, furnace, or heat pump replacements are completed in 1 day. Larger projects — new ductwork, zoning, multi-zone mini splits — take 2-3 days. We give you a specific timeline with your written estimate so you can plan around it. We protect your floors and haul away the old system at no extra charge.
Whatever’s going on with your heating or cooling, we’ve seen it before. Over 65 years, we’ve helped thousands of Central Virginia homeowners replace systems that were on their last legs and turn their homes back into the comfortable place they’re supposed to be. You don’t have to figure this out alone.