Cool comfort built for Indiana summers

AC Installation & Replacement in Bloomington 

AC Installation for Hot, Humid Bloomington Days
When humidity lingers over Bloomington and heat builds along Kirkwood Avenue and the SR-45/46 Bypass, a right-sized system keeps every room comfortable. Bates Mechanical handles AC installation in Bloomington, IN with clear options, careful setup, and straightforward timelines. If your current unit struggles near the IU campus, in Elm Heights, or out toward Ellettsville, we’ll compare the pros and cons of repair versus replacement in plain language. For short-term fixes, our team provides AC repair to get you through a heat wave, and you can apply for financing if a new system makes more sense.

When a New AC Beats Another Fix

Know when to keep it running and when to upgrade

A replacement often makes sense when the system is 12–15 years old, major parts are failing, or a single repair is close to half the cost of a new unit. If energy bills spike, the house feels uneven, or noise has increased, newer equipment can lower operating costs and improve comfort. Bates Mechanical will walk through the numbers so you can choose what fits your budget and timeline.

AJ M.

Matt from Bates Mechanical was able to solve our issue quickly and took the time to explain how we can avoid it in the future. I would really recommend them to anyone else with a heating issue in the cold weather!

Jude S.

Just love this business. They have always taken care of me. I trust them not to rip me off. Their work has always been reasonably priced and reliable.

Austin C.

My AC went out and I wanted to get it replaced quickly. I called a franchise company and they got out here the next day, tried to sell me outrageously priced units, and guaranteed next day install. I called Bates Mechanical next and they came out that same day and quoted me half the cost of the other guys. Matt even tried to do what he could to get my AC going until they could get back for the install. I couldn’t be happier with the professionalism by all, honesty in all aspects, and making sure I fully understood what had happened with my old unit and how to use of my new one. Bates Mechanical has a customer for life.

Brian M.

These guys are the best!! Came out the same day to replace a faulty thermostat and did a fantastic job. Matt solved a previously bad install and fixed it quickly and correctly. Would absolutely recommend Bates to anyone looking for great, friendly, and cost effective HVAC service.

Tiffany T.

I am very happy with the furnace repair services that I received from Bates Mechanical. They were able to quickly fix my problem and I will definitely be using them again in the future.

Dianne S.

If you're in need of AC repair, I highly recommend Bates Mechanical. They did a great job repairing my AC and I will definitely be hiring them again in the future.

Nellie C.

Overall, I was very satisfied with the ac replacement services I received from Bates Mechanical. I would recommend them to anyone who needs ac repair or replacement services.

Stanley C.

I was impressed with the quality of their workmanship. The ac repair team was efficient and did a great job. I was also pleased with their customer service. They were friendly and helpful.

Brian G.

What I thought might have been was not at all what it was thank God it was only a Capacitor thanks for your help

Kristin W.

I was very impressed with the quality of their workmanship and their customer service. The team was very professional and courteous. I would highly recommend Bates Mechanical to anyone who needs ac replacement services. Thank you!

Meghan V.

I appreciate the great work that they did and would recommend them to anyone in need of furnace repair services. Thank you!

Lauren W.

Overall, I'm very happy with the experience I had with Bates Mechanical and would recommend their services to anyone in need of AC repair. Thanks for a great job!

Madeline M.

I was especially impressed with the quality of their workmanship and their ac repair service. They took the time to do a great job and didn't cut any corners. I'm also very pleased with their customer service. They were very responsive to my needs and questions.

Agnes F.

I was extremely pleased with the AC repair services I received from Bates Mechanical. The team was very professional and did an excellent job. I will definitely hire them again in the future.

Marsha P.

I was very impressed with their professionalism and skill. The AC repair team was very friendly and knowledgeable. They explained everything clearly and made sure I was comfortable with the process. The AC replacement services were very efficient and well-priced.

Patsy W.

If you're in need of HVAC services, there's no better company to call than this AC repair company. They were able to quickly repair my AC unit and had great customer service. I'll definitely be using them again in the future!

Erica M.

Had a different company come out in the spring, put too small of compacter in. Called them back today and they said they would make time to come out later today but might not be able to fix it. Called this company and said they would be out within a couple hours, arrived promptly which wasn’t expected on weekend call. Took about 20 minutes for him to fix the problem and charged about half the price as the other company for an off hours call! Would highly recommend this company. 👍🏻

Heidi L.

Bates installed a new furnace for us this fall. They went above and beyond to do the job right. Knowing we sometimes have water problems in the basement, they put the unit up on blocks, which is exactly what we wanted. Thanks, Matt for coming out to do the quote and following up on the project, and thanks Tom and Larry for working hard to get the old furnace out and the new one in and running! Great company and people! - Daniel & Heidi

Wendy S.

Bates Mechanical installed a new Bryant HVAC system in our home about 9 years ago. This winter we were having an intermittent noise issue with the inducer motor on our furnace. Because THEY registered our system when they installed it, all parts have a 10 year warranty. They came out quickly, assessed the problem, and replaced the part. Yes, we paid a little for the labor (less than an hour) but it saved us hundreds of dollars. Through the whole process they were very professional and easy to work with. We definitely would recommend their products & services!!

Kelly S.

We’ve used Bates for over ten years. Highly recommend!

Tice E.

You get what you pay for. I paid for good equipment and Bates put it in for me. Absolutely the best, most professional installers and office staff I have ever seen. They ran new ductwork where mine was inadequate or decayed and put in a filter that lasts almost a year between changes. My heating and cooling costs are down almost 50% and seeing as I'm on LP, every penny counts. You want cheap, I know I guy who knows a guy who can slap you in a furnace for a couple six packs and lunch; you want a top of the line heating system, and you want to pay for it, you call Bates and you won't regret it.

Caver42

Just had Bates Mechanical install a new Bryant Evolution heat pump system. Old unit was 15 years old so decided that it was time to replace. Greg the owner came out and gave me a quote on the new system. Three days later Tom, Larry and Kain came out and installed it. Everyone was professional and good at their job. System was installed in around 4 hours and the guys left everything as clean or cleaner than they found it. Would definitely recommend these guys to anyone who is looking for a fair, competent HVAC company.

John W.

Bates has been my HVAC company for many many years great people very professional family owned and run highest quality work available

B S.

Always easy and great dealing with these guys. Everyone in the company is amazing to deal with. Patti is great, never got frustrated no matter how many times I called and Greg, Todd, and Matt are great. Very professional, friendly, and fair. If your having any kind of A/C-furnace problems I highly recommend Bates.

Lee M.

Great clean, professional installation. Product installed is very quiet and efficient. Bates is a wonderful company that I have been associated with four plus years. Highly recommended!

Kelly S.

We've used Bates for sixteen years. They've put in a new HVAC system and do semi-annual maintenance for us. Todd's awesome! Highly recommend.

William G.

Very professional from start to finish. Did a superb job in doing installation and cleaned up thoroughly when the job was over.

James N.

Bates Mechanical is the best Heating and Cooling company in southern Indiana I have ever had the pleasure of doing business with.Matt showed up when he said he would and gave me a more than fair estimate to replace my furnace and heat pump after being told some pretty ridiculous figures from other companies.They are a no gimmicks straight to the point kind of company.They didn’t try to sell me something I didn’t need and his guys showed up on time and did a wonderful job installing my new equipment. I couldn’t be happier.If you are looking for a experience like this I would 100% recommend them to anyone.

Raymond L.

Great place to work with friendly, professional , prompt for appointments for our twice a year preventive maintenance. Our service technician Todd is the best!

David H.

Professional, friendly, and fast. Can’t ask for any more. I will be recommending Bates to every one. I’m old enough to really appreciate his level of professionalism.

Cody S.

One of the top notch HVAC businesses in the area. Quote was reasonable and installation was clean and thought out. Working with a family owned business who takes pride in quality and craftsmanship is why chose Bates because I knew they would stand behind their work. They also supplied a temporary mobile system for the dry wall finishers so we’re not circulating that dust through our brand new system. Consider this when new construction, dryer vents, bath vents, and cooktop vents by them when the sheet metal guys are on site.

Arndt S.

The team was well organized, polite, careful, and efficient during the installation of our new hybrid heat pump/AC system. They even cleaned up after the work was done. I highly recommend them.

2288Julie

On time; quick; very professional

Adriana B.

Bates Mechanical was highly recommended to me by a local friend and I now know why. Tod was extremely professional, responsive, and honest. This is a great company and I will remain a customer for sure.

Jeff S.

Pleasant and prompt service

Kellie S.

Highly recommend Bates Mechanical! Todd showed up on time, explained things well and I feel confident my HVAC is ready for the changing season. Very reasonable and came the next day after I called for an appointment.

Amanda G.

Quick to diagnose and quick to get us back up and running! Always super friendly, very experienced and knowledgeable!

Richard A.

Great job will use again thanks

Jamie P.

Very knowledgeable technicians

Jane W.

Easy-going tech, pleasant to work with. Completed our HVAC installation to a high standard.

Cassie G.

I called to see about having an estimate & subsequently had them replace ALL the duct work under my house from water damage & also asked about having them service my furnace at the same time. They did a WONDERFUL JOB. VERY professional & definitely live by the golden rule as they claim. They even moved my thermostat for me as well & it was so much cheaper than I'd expected. I've found new AC/furnace repair techs for sure!!

Jay C.

Bates installed my complete system 22 years ago. Only have had to call them twice. First time was a year and a half ago for a new capacitor on the AC outside unit. The second time was yesterday because the heating unit had been getting louder and I thought maybe a bearing was going out. The same repair man came, easily fixed the problem and couldn't have been more professional and helpful. I called yesterday at 830 am, he was there at 1000 and he was done about 1045. You can't ask for better service than that. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to know.

Luz W.

After my ac broke down on a hot day, I called Bates Mechanical for help. They were so understanding about the situation and advised me to do an ac replacement and not just an ac repair. They did the ac installation for my house and I am so thankful that I called them. They are very professional and skilled.

Heather G.

If you need an HVAC company, then Bates Mechanical Inc. is your go to. They are a family-owned business in my home town and have been around for my entire life. I'm sure they have been working on every house in the neighborhood for as long as I can remember. The customer service is always prompt and very professional, which is so appreciated by someone like me who counts their time in minutes, not hours.

T D.

This is a three generations family owned business. The employees are extremely kind, professional and intelligent. I have known Bill Bates for two decades, his son Greg Bates for nearly 55 years. They are available, no matter how big or small the job is. I highly recommend Bates Heating and Cooling in Freedom IN.

Brenda

Prompt and courteous

Alisha C.

Clean, professional and friendly! We received a full HVAC replacement and duct installment for a home addition. They arrived on time, protected our floors, were very respectful of our home and showed us how everything worked when they were finished. I would highly recommend Bates Mechanical to anyone looking for HVAC services.

Don C.

Actually they did a great job they do deserve 5 stars.

AJ M.

Matt from Bates Mechanical was able to solve our issue quickly and took the time to explain how we can avoid it in the future. I would really recommend them to anyone else with a heating issue in the cold weather!

Jude S.

Just love this business. They have always taken care of me. I trust them not to rip me off. Their work has always been reasonably priced and reliable.

SEER2 Explained: Savings & Comfort

SEER2 measures cooling efficiency under updated national testing standards. Higher SEER2 systems generally use less electricity and run more consistently during Bloomington’s sticky afternoons. During your estimate, we’ll compare models, show estimated energy savings, and discuss air quality add-ons like better filtration or dehumidification so you get the comfort you’re paying for.

Ductless & Heat Pump Cooling Choices

Not every space is served well by existing ductwork. Ductless mini-splits offer targeted cooling for sunrooms, finished basements, and bonus rooms without opening walls. For whole-home comfort, some households benefit from heat pump installation paired with an air handler, delivering efficient cooling in summer and dependable heat in spring and fall.

What To Expect On Installation Day

Most AC installations finish in one day. We start with a quick walk-through, floor protection, and removal of the old equipment for haul-away. The new outdoor unit and indoor coil are set, line sets are connected, and we pressure-test and evacuate the system before charging. Finally, we verify airflow, confirm thermostat operation, and review filter changes and best practices for Indiana’s hottest weeks.

Local Service Coverage

Routes run daily across Bloomington neighborhoods near the IU campus, West 3rd Street, and the Near West Side, with regular availability in Ellettsville and Linton. We also serve homes toward Martinsville and Bedford and west to Jasonville and Clay City. Unsure about timing to your address? Send a note with your street and we’ll confirm the earliest appointment window.

Upgrade Now, Pay Over Time

Spreading costs over time can turn a necessary replacement into a manageable project. You can apply for financing online for quick decisions and flexible plans. Start with a free estimate from Bates Mechanical, choose the system, and pick a timeline that works for your household.

AC Installation: Quick Answers

  • How long does a new AC last?

    With proper maintenance, many systems run 12–15 years in our climate.

  • When is replacement better than repair?

    If your unit is older, uses more energy, or a repair approaches half the cost of a new system, replacement is often the better value.

  • What is SEER2 and why does it matter?

    SEER2 is today’s efficiency standard. Higher ratings generally use less electricity and improve comfort during peak heat.

  • Will my current thermostat work with a new system?

    Most modern thermostats are compatible; if an upgrade would help performance or scheduling, we’ll let you know during the estimate.

  • Are warranties included?

    New systems include manufacturer warranties; we’ll review coverage and registration steps before installation.