Air conditioning contractor · Carmel, IN · reviewed since 2011
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%84+45.8Reliability 24%79+19.2Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%96+6.8Craft & service penalty88−1.2Momentum penalty74−2.6Experts Score= 82Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.82SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#94 of 103 HVAC contractorsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 9%
4.9★★★★★730 Google reviews · 18 photos
94%five-star reviews
4.71★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.5%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
97%reviews answered by the owner
$171typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Google reviewers rate the company 4.9 out of 5 based on 730 reviews, with the owner responding to 97% of them. Customers frequently praise technicians for punctuality, professional communication, and fair pricing on heating and cooling services. However, some low-star reviews cite issues with aggressive driving, unmet service expectations, and high costs for specific equipment installations.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 730 reviews (94% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 729 Google reviews (473 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 97% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: HVAC Contractor serving Carmel, Indiana.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Score profile vs other HVAC contractors
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and replies to reviews; weakest: momentum.
This companyHVAC Contractors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Appel Heating & Air Conditioning: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
84
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Appel Heating & Air Conditioning: 79/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.B
79
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Appel Heating & Air Conditioning: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
88
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Appel Heating & Air Conditioning: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Appel Heating & Air Conditioning: 74/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
74
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Appel Heating & Air Conditioning: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
96
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
729 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars68594%
4 stars203%
3 stars30%
2 stars41%
1 star172%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 473 written reviews
96%praise
Praise87096%
Complaints344%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
97%fair
Great price3532%
Reasonable6560%
Overpriced33%
Not sure55%
$171-47% vs typical HVAC contractors
Middle half of what 70 customers paid ($78–$1.4k) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude24327%
Speed & response19321%
Quality & results16418%
Communication809%
Price & value809%
Would recommend799%
Honesty & trust657%
What customers talk about
We read 473 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The technician was on time, personable, and efficient.”
“When I called to discuss my concerns, he rudely remarked, “So you’re going to teach us how to run our business?”
“They responded promptly to my appointment request and sent out the best tech I’ve had.”
“He immediately went to call his manager, we waited 10 minutes and the manager did not call back, so then the tech said he would try again.”
“He arrived when he said he would and fixed the problem within an hour.”
“Like so many other companies now, they utilize a flat fee per service pricing scheme, which is great for them and terrible for you.”
“Mike responded within 10 minutes of my call and kept me informed about when he would arrive.”
“The charges for such basic service were exorbitant, with no clear explanation upfront.”
“They came out when they said they would, good price, neat, didn’t try to oversell me and I feel like I was important to them.”
“That's not a good defense for price gouging, but good for you.”
“Had to find a new HVAC and Appel was highly recommended.”
“Stay away!”
“I really appreciated how respectful, honest, and detail-oriented he was throughout the visit.”
“They are very fraud.”
People customers mention
Otis19 reviews
Jeff10 reviews
Mike6 reviews
Tyler6 reviews
Dan6 reviews
Nate5 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Appel Heating & Air Conditioning for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Fred2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
This was just a 6 month check up. The technician was on time, personable, and efficient.
Paid $1–200Reasonable priceHVAC system maintenance
Pam8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Have used them for years, at our Carmel house. Now using in our new home!
Fair, honest and professional!
Paid $1–200Reasonable priceHVAC system maintenanceA/C system maintenance
Daniel8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★
Your tech Mike came in took care of everything that had to be done and very knowledgeable at everything I asked him
Paid $1–200Great priceHVAC system maintenance
MikeLocal Guide · 34 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
Had a great experience. They came out when they said they would, good price, neat, didn’t try to oversell me and I feel like I was important to them. More importantly the guys working there really like the owner of the company and said so. Something you rarely hear these days. You always work harder and take care…
Paid $2,000+Reasonable priceHeating system installationHeating equipment repair & installationThermostat installation
Maxx2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
The Appel team was great! Highly knowledgeable, on time, and affordable. I would recommend Appel to anyone.
Paid $2,000+Great priceHeating system installationInstall ACThermostat installation
Jay8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 months ago★★★★★
The company and their service have been exceptional. Always responsive, timely, clean, and helpful. Ive used Appel for over 30 years now.
Paid $1–200Reasonable priceA/C system maintenanceCleaningHVAC system maintenance
I had my furnace replaced by Appal a few years ago and had always trusted them. Unfortunately, my recent experience was extremely disappointing.
When my furnace stopped working, I contacted them for service and also requested a quote for replacing my air conditioner. It took four follow-up calls before a technician finally arrived.
I was initially told that a part under warranty had failed and needed replacement. However, after my wife paid the bill, I reviewed the invoice and discovered that no parts had been replaced. The technician had simply restarted the furnace and cleaned the flame sensor. The charges for such basic service were exorbitant, with no clear explanation upfront.
What was even more disappointing was the manager’s behavior. When I called to discuss my concerns, he rudely remarked, “So you’re going to teach us how to run our business?” and hung up on me.
It’s unfortunate to see a company I once trusted treat a longtime customer this way. Between the excessive charges, lack of transparency, and unprofessional management, Appal has lost my trust and my future business. I’ll be looking elsewhere for my air conditioner replacement.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Price: $200–400
Services: HVAC system maintenance
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback. While we regret that your recent experience did not meet your expectations, we feel it is important to clarify several details presented in your review.
Appel installed your furnace in 2023, and this was our first service visit to your home since that installation. We provided same-day service and successfully restored your heat.
When you initially contacted our office, we confirmed that your furnace was covered by a manufacturer's parts warranty should a covered component require replacement. This was not a diagnosis that a part had failed. Upon inspection, our technician determined that no components required replacement. The issue was resolved through cleaning and servicing, and the furnace was tested and confirmed to be operating properly before our technician departed. Since no parts were needed, the manufacturer's parts warranty did not apply to this repair.
The total charge was $224, including the service call fee and the necessary service performed. Although you were not present during the appointment, the pricing was explained to and authorized by your wife before the work was completed. Our flat-rate pricing reflects the professional expertise, diagnostic work, and service required to identify and resolve a problem, regardless of whether replacement parts are necessary. Routine maintenance also plays an important role in the reliability and performance of heating equipment.
Regarding the telephone communications leading up to your appointment, Appel follows established service procedures to ensure consistent and professional service for all customers. While we understand that customers may have individual expectations, our procedures are applied consistently.
We would also like to clarify that our service manager did not hang up on you. The telephone conversation ended when you disconnected the call.
Appel has proudly served our community for more than 78 years, and we take our reputation for honesty, professionalism, and customer service very seriously. While we respect every customer's right to share their experience, we also believe it is important that the circumstances are represented accurately.
We appreciate your previous business and regret that we were unable to meet your expectations.
Fred2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Fred has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This was just a 6 month check up. The technician was on time, personable, and efficient.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $1–200
Services: HVAC system maintenance
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you, Fred! We're glad to hear that your check-up went smoothly and that our technician made a positive impression. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Pam Dorner-saxhaug8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Pam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Have used them for years, at our Carmel house. Now using in our new home!
Fair, honest and professional!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $1–200
Services: HVAC system maintenance, A/C system maintenance
Response from the owner · 6 days ago
Thank you, Pam! We're grateful for your continued trust in us over the years and are excited to be a part of your new home journey. Your loyalty & support means a lot!
Daniel C8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Daniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had a great experience. They came out when they said they would, good price, neat, didn’t try to oversell me and I feel like I was important to them. More importantly the guys working there really like the owner of the company and said so. Something you rarely hear these days. You always work harder and take care of customers better when you are personally invested and these guys were.
Thank you, Mike! We're so glad to hear you had a great experience and felt valued by Appel. It's wonderful to know our team's commitment to customer care and the positive work environment resonate with you. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Alan Graybosch9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had to find a new HVAC and Appel was highly recommended.
I can see why. They responded promptly to my appointment request and sent out the best tech I’ve had. I thought for certain I needed a new Heat pump but Otis figured out the problem right away and had it fixed soon after. Throughout he was professional, efficient, and personable.
I’ll definitely use them again and highly recommend.
Response from the owner · a week ago
Thank you, Alan! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear that Otis provided you with excellent service. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to assisting you again in the future! Call us anytime.
Ariel Burke-WilliamsLocal Guide · 9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ariel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been with Appel since June 2021 and they are amazing; the whole team is responsive and informative. The maintenance packages are affordable, and the technicians are respectful, knowledgeable and kind! My husband and I highly recommend them!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Positive: Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Services: A/C system maintenance, Cleaning, A/C system repair, Heating system installation, Install AC, Heating system maintenance
Services: A/C system maintenance, Cleaning, Heating system maintenance, Installation, Thermostat installation
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ariel! We're grateful to have you as a valued customer and appreciate your recommendation.
Michael Williams4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you, Michael! The entire team at Appel appreciates your loyalty & positive feedback. We look forward to servicing your home for many years to come.
Maxx Hagan2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Maxx has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
