Get a Free Quote for Your HVAC Replacement Today
Whether your system is on its last legs or you’re researching options early — we’ll come out, size it right, and walk you through the numbers.
We come out, size your system 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
“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!”
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, 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
“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.”Danny Mitchell 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
“Overall, we have had a great experience with the Otter Guys. Before having work done, we got three quotes for the work needed, and The Otter Guys price estimate was unbeatable. We had a full HVAC replacement and ductwork added/modified in our home. They were courteous, efficient, and communicative during the whole process, and they have been great with follow-up maintenance/tune-ups. We would definitely recommend their services to others.”Rebecca P 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.
Putting it off? Heating and cooling failures usually happen at the worst time.
A failing system rarely just dies — it limps along until the hottest week of summer or the coldest week of winter, then quits. A free in-home estimate now lets you make this decision on your timeline. Written estimate, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Full HVAC system replacement in Charlottesville typically runs $12,000+ depending on system type and home size. AC-only: $5,500–$9,500. Furnace-only: $4,500–$8,500. Heat pump (full system): $9,000–$16,000. Mini split (single zone): $4,000–$7,000. Our rebate of up to $1,500 applies to qualifying 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.