Full Time Heating & Cooling · Watertown, MN
Free Furnace & AC Second Opinions, No Pressure
Already been told you need a new furnace or air conditioner? Get a free review of your replacement recommendation and a written installation estimate from Full Time.
24/7 Emergency Service5.0 Rating · 200+ Google ReviewsMN Bonded #MB792165NATE-Certified Technicians
WANT A SECOND OPINION?Leave your number and we'll call to go over your replacement recommendation.
We'll call within one business day. No obligation. Your information stays private.
Inspecting a furnace heat exchanger with a camera during a second-opinion visit
How Many Replacement Quotes Should You Get?
The FTC recommends getting multiple written estimates before a major home repair or replacement, each spelling out the work, materials, timeline, and price, so you can compare them directly rather than deciding on price alone (FTC: How to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam). A second opinion from Full Time can be one of those estimates. It isn't a substitute for getting your own quotes from companies you trust.
Testing furnace controls during a home visit
How a Second Opinion Visit Works
We typically visit your home to see the existing equipment and how it's installed. We'll ask how the system has performed, including whether it's kept your home comfortable through winter or summer, and we'll look at whether the proposed equipment and capacity actually suit your home. We don't assume the existing unit's size, or another company's recommended size, is correct just because that's what's already there.
If you have the other company's written quote, bringing it along is helpful since it lets us compare the proposed equipment and scope of work directly. It isn't a requirement, though. If you'd rather start by comparing pricing for equipment similar to what another company proposed, we can also work with you by phone or email. Keep in mind that a phone or email comparison can't verify your equipment's actual condition, confirm a reported failure, or assess your home's real sizing needs the way an in-person visit can.
Full Time Heating & Cooling is a family-owned, repair-first company. Our technicians are not paid on commission. We explain when a practical repair is worth considering and when replacement makes sense. Equipment age alone is not a reason to recommend replacement.
What You'll Receive: A Good, Better, Best Estimate
You'll get a written installation estimate with good, better, and best options and a plain explanation of what separates them. The most expensive option isn't automatically the best fit. Some homeowners value a lower purchase price over premium sound reduction or advanced controls, and an option without a rebate can still end up with a lower final price. Here's what we walk through:
Capacity and Comfort
Efficiency and Sound
Warranty and Rebates
On Choosing the Right Equipment
5.0 · 200+ Google reviews
Read all reviews
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AirQuest AC installation · Chanhassen
He helped us decide what would be best for our home. His price was better than others' and we now have cool air in the home. You can trust that he will give you honest info and not try to upsell you.
Inspecting a furnace heat exchanger with a camera during a second-opinion visit
How We Compare: AirQuest Furnaces and Air Conditioners
AirQuest is our primary installation brand. We compare the equipment we recommend with the models in your other quote, including capacity, operating stages, efficiency, sound, warranty coverage, and the work included in the installation.
We explain what those differences mean for your comfort and budget. Features vary by model, and a higher price or an available rebate does not automatically make an option the best fit for your home.
Learn more about our furnace installation and AC installation services.
ENERGY STAR recommends comparing contractor proposals on cost, energy efficiency, and warranty coverage, and expecting a written proposal naming the actual equipment, project cost, timeline, and warranty terms, backed by an in-person evaluation of your home and system (ENERGY STAR: 10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor). That's the same standard we hold our own estimate to.
What's Free, and When the $95 Diagnostic Fee Applies
A free second opinion means we review another company's replacement recommendation at no charge. That includes discussing suitable equipment alternatives, assessing your current setup, and preparing our own installation estimate, with no service call fee and no obligation.
Diagnostic work to independently identify or confirm a specific equipment failure is a separate service, and it carries a $95 fee. For example, if another company reports a cracked heat exchanger, we can discuss replacement options and give you an installation estimate for free. If you want us to confirm that crack ourselves, such as inspecting inside the heat exchanger with a camera, that's diagnostic work, and we'll explain the $95 fee and get your approval before doing it.
If diagnostic testing identifies a repair your equipment needs, we explain our findings and provide the repair price before you decide whether to proceed.
Example: A 1985 Air Handler Kept Running Instead of Replaced
A homeowner had recently bought a house with a 1985 Comfort-Aire air handler. Another HVAC company had already recommended replacing it because the blower motor was shaking. We inspected the air handler and found a missing washer on one of the blower motor mounts, nothing more. We removed the mounting screw, installed the missing washer, reinstalled the screw, and cleaned the unit. After that, the air handler ran normally.
This is a real example of how we approach these visits: look first, then tell you honestly what we found. It doesn't mean every replacement recommendation is wrong, and we can't promise every visit turns up a simple fix like this one.
Free Second Opinion
Get Your Free Second Opinion
Call to get on the schedule. We'll review your replacement quote, discuss equipment that fits your home, and put together our own installation estimate at no charge. Diagnostic testing to confirm a specific failure is $95, and we'll explain that before we do any of it.
FAQ Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers below
What's included in a free second opinion? +
We'll review the replacement recommendation you received, discuss suitable equipment alternatives for your home, and prepare our own written installation estimate. There's no service call fee and no obligation for that part of the visit.
When does the $95 diagnostic fee apply? +
The $95 fee applies when you want us to independently diagnose a problem or confirm a reported equipment failure, such as a cracked heat exchanger. We explain the fee and get your approval before diagnostic testing. Reviewing a replacement recommendation and preparing our installation estimate are free.
Do I need to show you the other company's quote? +
No, but it helps. Seeing the proposed equipment and scope lets us compare directly. If you'd rather not share it, we can still assess your system and put together options.
Do you need to see my home and equipment in person? +
An in-home visit is usually best for reviewing your existing setup, comfort concerns, and equipment-sizing needs. We can also start by phone or email to compare pricing for equipment similar to another company's quote. Independently diagnosing a problem or confirming an equipment failure is separate from preparing your free installation estimate.
What if you agree that I do need a new system? +
Then we'll say so and explain why, and give you a written estimate with good, better, and best options so you can decide what fits your home and budget. There's no pressure either way.
Where do you offer second opinions? +
Watertown and the surrounding communities, including Delano, Waconia, and St. Bonifacius. Call or text (952) 847-3387 to set up a visit.
Our promise
If we can repair it, we will.
No unnecessary replacements.We fix what's actually wrong and explain your options.
Keep Reading
Updated October 2026
More Services
- AC InstallationNew central AC installation from an AirQuest Elite Dealer. Your installation includes an owner inspection at completion. Call (952) 847-3387 for a straight answer.
- AC ReplacementWhat a new AC unit costs depends on size and system type. No-commission techs, AirQuest Elite Dealer warranty. Call (952) 847-3387.
- Air Conditioner MaintenanceAC maintenance that keeps your system running at full efficiency all summer. Honest diagnostics, no-commission techs. Call Full Time: (952) 847-3387.
- Air Conditioner RepairAC not cooling? We diagnose it first — no pressure to replace. Fully insured, 24/7 emergency service. Call Full Time Heating & Cooling for an honest repair estimate.
- Air ExchangerAir exchanger repair, cleaning, and installation from fully insured HVAC techs. No commission pressure. Call Full Time Heating & Cooling anytime.
- Air FiltrationDirty filter or stale indoor air? Full Time diagnoses your filtration setup and recommends only what your home actually needs. Fully insured. Call anytime.