Leighton's Heating & Cooling has been the go-to HVAC contractor for Newburyport homeowners and businesses since 2007. Nineteen years of showing up, solving problems, and standing behind the work has built something worth talking about: a reputation you can count on across Essex County. The person who answers the phone is often the technician at your door. That kind of accountability is what keeps customers calling back season after season. Trusted by local homeowners and property managers for their heating and cooling, we handle everything from a furnace that quit overnight to a full system replacement planned months in advance. Residential HVAC. Commercial HVAC. One number for both.
If you've never hired an HVAC company before, it can feel like a gamble. Who actually shows up? Will they explain what's wrong before they start charging? Will the price match the quote? Those are fair questions, and they're exactly why we built this business the way we did.
Founded in 2007 by a Newburyport-area technician who had spent years working for other companies and wanted to do things differently, we have grown steadily by doing the basics well. We know the climate here. Essex County winters are long and cold, and the heating system in your home or building carries a serious load from November through April. Summers bring humidity and heat that push air conditioning hard. We've seen every combination of aging equipment, outdated ductwork, and comfort complaints that come with this region's weather, and we know how to fix them.
We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, and small business owners across the area. Our team is made up of qualified HVAC technicians who take the work seriously and treat every property with care. We show up on time and ready to work. Call and we'll handle the furnace, the AC, and the ductwork.
Booking an HVAC service call is simple, and we've made it that way on purpose. You call, we listen, we schedule, we show up. The scope of what we handle covers the full range of residential and commercial heating and cooling work, from a quick repair to a complete system overhaul.
When the air conditioner stops cooling, starts blowing warm air, or shuts off unexpectedly, you need someone who can diagnose the problem fast and explain the fix clearly. We handle central air repair, condenser and compressor service, evaporator coil cleaning, and refrigerant leak diagnosis. If airflow feels uneven or certain rooms won't reach temperature, that's worth a look too. We also handle full central air installation and system replacement when the equipment has reached the end of its useful life. Seasonal AC tune-ups before summer help catch small issues before they become mid-July emergencies.
A furnace that stops working in January is not a situation that can wait. We respond to no-heat calls quickly and carry common parts to keep repair visits efficient. Whether the furnace is failing to ignite, cycling on and off, or simply not producing enough heat to keep up with the cold, our technicians will diagnose the problem and walk you through the options. We also handle annual furnace tune-ups and inspections, which are the single best way to catch a developing problem before it turns into an emergency. When replacement makes more sense than repair, we install new furnace systems and make sure the work is done to code. Reach out and we'll get it diagnosed today.
Heat pumps have become one of the strongest fits for the New England climate, particularly for shoulder-season comfort when temperatures are mild and a full furnace feels like too much. Modern heat pump systems handle both heating and cooling efficiently, and ductless mini-split systems add zoning flexibility that older forced-air setups can't match. We repair, service, and install heat pump systems of all types, including ductless mini-splits for additions, finished basements, and older homes where running ductwork isn't practical. If your heat pump is failing to heat in cold weather or not cooling in summer, we'll find the cause and get it running right.
Leaky or damaged ductwork is one of the most common reasons a heating or cooling system underperforms. We inspect, repair, and seal ductwork to restore proper airflow and improve system efficiency. On the control side, we install programmable and smart thermostats that make it easier to manage comfort and energy use without thinking about it. If the thermostat has stopped responding or the system isn't following the schedule, we can sort that out too.
Indoor air quality matters especially in a climate where homes stay sealed up for months at a time. We install air filtration systems, whole-home air purifiers, and UV air purifiers that reduce airborne contaminants and improve the air your family breathes. For homes that deal with dry air during winter, we also install whole-home humidifiers that work with your existing heating system to keep indoor air comfortable.
Some HVAC problems can wait a few days. A system that's completely down in the middle of winter or a heat wave is not one of them. We take emergency calls seriously and respond with prompt response, even for last-minute comfort calls. Whether it's a furnace that died overnight, an air conditioner that quit on the hottest day of the year, or a heat pump that stopped working without warning, we get to you as fast as we can and we come prepared to work.
Same-day HVAC service is available for urgent situations. We'll give you an honest assessment of what's wrong, explain your options, and get the repair done right the first time. Arrives fast. Repairs it right. Priced fair. Call and we'll get your heat or AC back on.
The technicians who handle your HVAC work are experienced across a wide range of systems and property types. They understand New England equipment, know what years of hard winters and humid summers do to heating and cooling systems, and approach every job with the same care whether it's a small repair or a full system replacement.
Work is performed by qualified HVAC technicians who take code compliance seriously and won't cut corners to save time. When the job is done, we make sure the system is operating correctly before we leave. If something isn't right, we make it right. That's not a policy statement. It's how we've kept customers coming back for nineteen years.
Ready to get the comfort back? Commercial properties have their own demands, and we understand that a system failure in a retail space, office building, or multi-unit property affects more than just one household. We provide commercial HVAC repair, service, and maintenance for businesses and property managers across the area.
Our commercial work includes rooftop unit repair and service, commercial furnace and heating repair, commercial AC repair, and boiler service and installation for buildings that use hydronic space heating. We work around your schedule where possible and communicate clearly so property managers and building owners aren't left guessing about timeline or cost. Call today and we'll get the temperature back where it belongs.
Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective HVAC decision most property owners can make. A seasonal tune-up catches developing problems before they cause a breakdown, keeps the system running efficiently, and extends equipment life. We offer AC tune-ups before summer and furnace inspections before winter, as well as heat pump maintenance for year-round systems.
A maintenance visit typically includes a full inspection of the system, cleaning of key components like the evaporator coil and blower, a check of electrical connections and controls, and an honest report on anything that needs attention. We back this work with a workmanship guarantee on every HVAC job. Preventive maintenance is the difference between a system that lasts and one that fails at the worst possible time.
We believe in explaining the cost before the work begins, not after. When a technician visits your property, they'll diagnose the problem, explain what needs to be done, and give you a clear price before any repair or installation starts. No surprise fees. No vague estimates that balloon once the job is underway.
We position our pricing as fair, not the cheapest in the market, but honest and consistent with the quality of work we deliver. Whether you're asking about AC repair cost, furnace repair cost, or heat pump installation cost, we'll give you a straight answer. Call for a quote and we'll walk you through exactly what to expect.
We are based in Newburyport and serve residential and commercial properties throughout Essex County. Our regular service area includes Amesbury, Salisbury, Newbury, Rowley, Georgetown, Groveland, and Haverhill, along with the neighborhoods and communities in between. If you're nearby and need HVAC help, give us a call and we'll let you know we can get to you.
Yes. We stand behind every job with a workmanship guarantee. If something is not right after we complete the work, we come back and make it right. That commitment is part of how we have built our reputation in Newburyport over nearly two decades.
We are. A large portion of the homes in this area were built with steam or hot-water boiler systems, and many still run on oil-fired equipment. We have been working on these systems since 2007 and understand the specific service needs that come with older New England housing stock.
We respond to calls promptly, and for urgent situations we work to get someone out the same day. Our hours run every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, so you are not waiting until Monday morning to reach a real person who can help.
Call us and we will come back to look at it. We stand behind the work we do, and if a repair we completed is not holding up, we will diagnose the situation and make it right. Our goal is a lasting fix, not a temporary patch.
We are locally owned and have been operating in Newburyport since 2007. Every job we take on reflects directly on our reputation here, so we approach each one with the same level of care and accountability. The person who answers the phone is often the technician at your door.
Our technicians treat every property with care. We use drop cloths where needed, clean up after the work is done, and take precautions to avoid scuffs or damage to finished surfaces. If we are working in a finished basement or a tight mechanical room, we are mindful of the space around the equipment.
We have been serving Newburyport and the surrounding Essex County communities since 2007. The experience we have built over those years, working through New England winters and summers on a wide range of residential and commercial equipment, is what we bring to every job.
Our technicians arrive prepared for the most common repairs and carry frequently needed parts so visits stay efficient. For larger jobs or less common equipment, we source parts quickly to avoid extended delays. Showing up ready to work is a basic standard we hold ourselves to.
We have been doing this work locally since 2007, and our approach has stayed consistent: honest diagnosis, clear pricing, and work performed by qualified HVAC technicians who take the job seriously. We are trusted by local homeowners and property managers for their heating and cooling because we show up and do the work right.
Ready to get the comfort back? Leighton's Heating & Cooling has been serving Newburyport and the surrounding Essex County area since 2007, handling residential and commercial HVAC work with the same straightforward approach every time. Whether you need a same-day repair, a seasonal tune-up, or a full system replacement, we're ready to help. Call (978) 992-9593 to request an estimate or schedule a service call. Fast turnaround. Fair pricing. Comfortable results.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial heating and cooling work across Newburyport and the surrounding Essex County communities. Whether you need a quick repair, a seasonal tune-up, or a complete system replacement, the table below breaks down what each service covers and who it is best suited for. Use it to find the right starting point, then call us and we will take it from there.
| HVAC Service | What the Service Includes | Best Suited For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Air Quality and Air Filtration | air filtration system installation, ventilation upgrades, humidity control equipment | Households dealing with dust, allergens, stale air, or uncomfortable humidity levels | Tightly sealed homes in the Northeast often benefit most from ventilation and filtration upgrades |
| Oil-to-Gas and Heat Pump Conversion | existing system assessment, equipment sizing and selection, full conversion installation | Essex County homeowners ready to move away from oil heat for cost, efficiency, or environmental reasons | The Northeast runs on oil heat more than any other region; conversions to gas or heat pump systems are a common and practical upgrade here |
| Ductwork Repair and Sealing | duct leak detection, sealing and patching damaged sections, airflow balancing | Homes with uneven temperatures, high energy bills, or rooms that never reach the set temperature | Leaky ducts can waste a significant portion of conditioned air before it reaches the living space |
| Full System Installation and Replacement | load calculation and system sizing, complete equipment removal and installation, post-install testing and commissioning | Homeowners and property managers replacing an aging or failed heating or cooling system | Most residential replacements are completed in one day; we walk you through equipment options before any work begins |
| AC Repair and Service | refrigerant leak diagnosis, condenser and evaporator coil service, compressor and fan motor repair | Homeowners and businesses dealing with warm air, weak airflow, or a system that will not run | Most AC repairs can be completed in a single visit; full replacements are scheduled once the diagnosis is confirmed |
| Emergency HVAC Service | same-day response for system-down calls, no-heat and no-cool diagnosis, urgent repair for residential and commercial properties | Anyone with a completely failed heating or cooling system who cannot wait for a standard appointment | We prioritize urgent calls and aim to respond the same day; availability runs seven days a week |
| Heating and Furnace Repair | gas and oil furnace diagnostics, igniter and heat exchanger service, blower motor and airflow repair | Anyone whose furnace is blowing cold air, short-cycling, or failing to start | Furnace problems tend to surface on the coldest days; calling early in the season avoids the longest wait times |
| Seasonal Maintenance and Tune-Ups | cleaning and inspection of all major components, refrigerant level check, safety and efficiency testing | Homeowners who want to catch small problems before they become expensive repairs | Scheduling a tune-up before heating or cooling season starts is the best way to avoid emergency calls |
| Ductless Mini-Split Installation | single-zone and multi-zone system installation, wall-mounted indoor unit placement, compact outdoor compressor connection | Older homes with no ductwork, additions, converted spaces, or any room that a central system cannot reach | Mini-splits require only a small conduit opening through an exterior wall, making them practical for historic and older properties |
| Boiler and Hydronic Heating Service | boiler diagnostics and repair, circulator pump and zone valve service, pressure and expansion tank maintenance | Homeowners with steam or hot-water boiler systems, particularly in older Newburyport-area properties | Boiler systems require different service skills than forced-air equipment; uneven heat or short-cycling often has a straightforward cause |
| Thermostat and Smart-Control Installation | standard thermostat replacement, Wi-Fi and programmable smart thermostat setup, system compatibility check | Anyone losing comfort or efficiency due to inaccurate temperature readings or an outdated control | A smart thermostat upgrade is one of the fastest ways to improve daily comfort without replacing the whole system |
| Heat Pump Repair and Service | refrigerant circuit diagnostics, reversing valve inspection, air handler and coil service | Homeowners with a heat pump that is not heating or cooling properly in either season | Heat pumps run year-round, so they benefit from service checks in both spring and fall |
How do I know if my heating or cooling system needs to be repaired or replaced?
Age, repair history, and performance are the three factors we look at together. A system that is more than 15 years old, requires repairs more than once a year, or struggles to reach the set temperature is often a replacement candidate. We assess the equipment honestly and walk you through both options with clear numbers so you can make the decision that fits your situation.
What does a seasonal tune-up actually cover?
We clean the heat exchanger or evaporator and condenser coils, check refrigerant levels, test the igniter and safety controls, inspect the blower and motor, and run the system through a full operating cycle. The goal is to catch anything that could cause a breakdown during the season and make sure the system is running at its best efficiency before you need it most.
Why is one room in my home always hotter or colder than the rest?
Uneven temperatures usually point to a duct leak, a blocked or undersized supply register, a zone control issue, or a system that was not sized correctly for the layout of the home. In older Newburyport-area properties, ductwork that was added over time is a common source of imbalance. We diagnose the cause before recommending a fix.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
When a system goes down in the middle of a New England winter or a summer heat wave, we prioritize urgent calls and aim to respond the same day. We are available seven days a week for both residential and commercial customers.
What do strange noises from my HVAC unit usually mean?
Banging or clanking often means a loose or broken component inside the blower or air handler. Squealing can point to a worn belt or bearing. Clicking that does not stop is sometimes a failing relay or control board. Rattling at the outdoor unit may be debris or a loose panel. None of these should be ignored; they tend to get worse and more expensive the longer the system runs with the problem.
How does a dirty filter or coil affect system performance?
A clogged filter restricts airflow, which forces the blower to work harder and reduces how much conditioned air reaches the living space. A dirty evaporator coil loses its ability to transfer heat efficiently, which can cause the system to run longer cycles or fail to cool the space at all. In serious cases, a frozen coil shuts the system down entirely. Changing filters regularly and scheduling annual cleanings prevents most of these problems.
When should I call a technician instead of trying to fix the problem myself?
If the system is not running, not reaching temperature, making unusual sounds, or showing error codes, a technician is the right call. Refrigerant handling, heat exchanger inspection, and electrical component testing inside the equipment require proper training and tools. Replacing a filter or clearing debris from around the outdoor unit is reasonable to do yourself; anything beyond that is better handled by someone who works on these systems every day.
Experienced With Older and Newer Systems
From steam boilers in century-old Newburyport homes to modern heat pump installations, we work on the full range of equipment found across Essex County. Whatever the system age or type, we diagnose it correctly and explain what we find.
What causes a system to short-cycle?
Short-cycling, where the system turns on and off in rapid bursts without completing a full heating or cooling cycle, is often caused by an oversized system, a refrigerant problem, a dirty filter restricting airflow, or a failing thermostat. It puts extra wear on the equipment and leaves the space uncomfortable. We diagnose the root cause rather than treating the symptom.
Is older equipment worth repairing, or should I plan for replacement?
It depends on what the repair costs relative to the remaining useful life of the system. A $200 repair on a 10-year-old furnace is usually worth doing. The same repair on a 20-year-old system that has already had two or three service calls in recent years is harder to justify. We give you honest numbers for both paths and let you decide.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We give you a clear price before any work begins, and we stand behind every job with a workmanship guarantee. What we quote is what you pay, with no charges added after the fact.
How do I know if I have a refrigerant or airflow problem?
A refrigerant problem usually shows up as warm air from the supply vents, ice on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, or a system that runs constantly without cooling the space. An airflow problem tends to produce weak output at the registers, uneven temperatures, or a system that short-cycles. Both require a technician to diagnose properly; refrigerant work in particular requires specialized equipment.
What does a ductless mini-split installation involve?
We mount an indoor air handler on the wall of the space being conditioned, run a small conduit through an exterior wall, and connect it to a compact outdoor compressor unit. There is no need to open up walls or ceilings for ductwork. For multi-zone systems, multiple indoor units connect to a single outdoor unit. The process is typically completed in one day for a single-zone installation.
How does an estimate work, and will the price change once work starts?
We inspect the system, identify what is needed, and give you a clear price before any work begins. We explain what is included so there are no surprises when the invoice arrives. If we open something up and find an additional problem, we tell you what we found and what it costs before we proceed. You are always in control of what gets approved.
Every heating and cooling situation is a little different, so the best next step is to call us directly and tell us what you are dealing with; we will ask the right questions and get you a straight answer on what it will take to fix it.
(978) 992-9593