HVAC in Chicago, IL
Reach independent HVAC companies that serve Chicago. No obligation to hire.
Talk to a local HVAC company in Chicago now.
Homeowners pay nothing to use Swupi. We connect you with independent local pros; we are not a contractor. Calls may be recorded and connected to a service provider.
Rather not call? Send a request
Half of the roughly 1.3 million homes in Chicago, IL were built before 1953, according to Census estimates for this city of about 2.7 million people. That housing is older than in about 93% of the 774 U.S. cities of 50,000+ people in our data. Cook County is in climate zone 5A (cool, humid), which shapes what heating and cooling work involves here. Use the notes below before you call, then reach an independent HVAC company that serves Chicago.
This page covers Chicago and its 84 ZIP codes. When you call or send a request, your ZIP code decides which company can take it.
HVAC in Chicago: what the local homes and climate mean
The median home in Chicago was built in 1953, and about 75% were built before 1980. Many older homes were built for radiators, floor furnaces or window units, so adding or replacing central air can mean new ductwork or a ductless system. Ask the company to look at what the house has now before quoting.
Cook County is in IECC climate zone 5A, a cool, humid climate, on the U.S. Department of Energy's county map. Heating carries most of the load here. If you are considering a heat pump, ask whether the model is rated for cold climates and how backup heat works. In a humid climate, ask how the system will control indoor humidity, not just temperature. Whatever the climate, ask for a room-by-room load calculation (ACCA Manual J) instead of matching the size of the old unit.
About 78% of occupied homes in Chicago heat with utility gas and 18% with electricity. Many replacement quotes will involve a gas furnace or boiler; if you are thinking about switching to an electric heat pump, ask whether your electrical panel needs an upgrade.
About 43% of homes in Chicago are in buildings with five or more units. Apartments and condos may have their own systems or share a central one, so check what your building allows before replacing equipment. Only about 46% of occupied homes in Chicago are lived in by their owners, so many residents rent. Renters should check with the property owner or manager before hiring anyone for heating and cooling work.
Permits and licenses in Chicago
Replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump usually needs a mechanical permit and a final inspection. In Chicago, permits come from the city's building department, or from Cook County for addresses outside city limits. Ask the company who pulls the permit, and keep a copy of it.
Illinois has no statewide general contractor license; IDFPR licenses roofing contractors. For other trades, ask your city or county building department which license applies, and ask the company for its license number.
Look up a license: Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Questions to ask an HVAC company in Chicago
- Will you do a load calculation (ACCA Manual J) before recommending a size?
- What efficiency ratings (SEER2, HSPF2 or AFUE) does each option have?
- Who pulls the permit, and is the final inspection included?
- What warranty covers the equipment, and what covers your labor?
HVAC companies serving Chicago
Company profiles for Chicago are on the way. Call or send a request above to reach a company that covers your ZIP code.
HVAC in Chicago: questions
Do I need a permit for heating and cooling work in Chicago?
Replacing a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump usually needs a mechanical permit and a final inspection. In Chicago, permits come from the city's building department, or from Cook County for addresses outside city limits. The company you hire usually pulls it.
I rent in Chicago. Can I hire an HVAC company myself?
About 46% of occupied homes in Chicago are owner-occupied, so many residents rent. Check your lease first: the property owner or manager usually decides on heating and cooling work and who does it.
How old are homes in Chicago?
Census estimates (ACS 2020-2024) put the median build year at 1953, and about 75% of homes were built before 1980. Many older homes were built for radiators, floor furnaces or window units, so adding or replacing central air can mean new ductwork or a ductless system.
How do I check an HVAC company in Chicago?
Illinois has no statewide general contractor license; IDFPR licenses roofing contractors. Ask for the company's license or registration number and look it up with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Also ask for proof of insurance and get the scope in writing.
What climate zone is Chicago in?
Cook County is in IECC climate zone 5A (cool, humid), per the U.S. Department of Energy's county map. Heating carries most of the load here.
Ready to talk to a local HVAC company in Chicago?
Homeowners pay nothing to use Swupi. We connect you with independent local pros; we are not a contractor. Calls may be recorded and connected to a service provider.
Rather not call? Send a request
Nearby cities
- No fee to SwupiHomeowners never pay Swupi.
- No obligationCompare quotes, hire only if it fits.
- Local companiesIndependent pros who serve your area.
- Call or requestTalk now, or send a short request.
