We know HVAC questions can feel overwhelming — especially when something’s wrong and you need answers fast. Here are the questions we hear most often, answered honestly. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call. We’re your neighbors and we’re happy to help.
ABOUT NIMMER
Q: Is Nimmer Heating & Air locally owned?
A: Yes — and we’re proud of it. Nimmer was founded in Milwaukee in 1986 by Mark and Patty Nimmer. In 2022 Marie Silva and Tyler Voyles purchased the company and have continued building it as a locally owned, community-invested business. We’re not backed by outside investors. Your money stays right here in Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
Q: How long has Nimmer been in business?
A: Nimmer has been keeping Milwaukee and Waukesha County homes comfortable since 1986 — nearly 40 years. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the HVAC industry in that time. One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to honest work and this community.
Q: Why should I choose Nimmer over a bigger national company?
A: Because when you call Nimmer, you’re talking to your neighbors. Many HVAC companies in the Milwaukee and Waukesha area still carry familiar names but have been quietly bought by outside investment groups. The name stayed — the local ownership didn’t. At Nimmer, your money stays in this community. Our technicians live here. We invest in local schools and organizations. And we answer to you — not a board of directors.
Q: What areas does Nimmer serve?
A: We serve Milwaukee County and Waukesha County including Milwaukee, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Greenfield, Oak Creek, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Waukesha, and surrounding communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call — we’ll let you know.
Q: Is Nimmer a Bryant dealer?
A: Yes — Nimmer is a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and Bryant Circle of Champions award recipient. Bryant is one of the most trusted names in home comfort and we’re proud to offer their full line of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality products. Bryant systems are backed by some of the best warranties in the industry.
SERVICE & SCHEDULING
Q: How do I schedule a service appointment?
A: Easy — you can book online at NimmerHeating.com anytime, or call us at (414) 500-4445 during business hours Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm. We’ll find a time that works for you and send a confirmation with your technician’s name and photo so you know exactly who to expect.
Q: Do you offer same-day service?
A: We do our best to accommodate same-day appointments whenever possible, especially for heating and cooling emergencies. Call us at (414) 500-4445 and we’ll tell you what’s available. Our customers’ comfort is our priority — we won’t leave you without heat or air conditioning if we can help it.
Q: Do you offer emergency HVAC service?
A: Yes. Emergency and after-hours service is available at an additional cost. When you call, let us know you need emergency service and we’ll notify the available technician. We’ll get back to you with an available date and time — you decide if it works for you. The after-hours rate reflects additional pay for your technician’s time and willingness to serve you outside of normal hours. It goes directly to them, not into a corporate pocket.
Q: What are your business hours?
A: Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 4pm. Emergency after-hours service is available outside those hours for an additional fee. You can also request a service appointment online anytime at NimmerHeating.com.
Q: Do you service all brands of HVAC equipment?
A: Yes. While we specialize in Bryant systems and are a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, our NATE-certified technicians are trained to service and repair all major brands of heating and cooling equipment. Whatever you have in your home, we can help.
Q: What should I expect when a Nimmer technician arrives?
A: You’ll receive a text with your technician’s name and photo before they arrive so you know exactly who to expect. Our technicians arrive in a clean, marked vehicle, wear shoe covers to protect your home, and are in full Nimmer uniform. They’ll introduce themselves, explain what they’re going to do, and walk you through their findings before recommending any next steps. No surprises.
INSTALLATIONS & ESTIMATES
Q: Do you offer free estimates on new equipment?
A: Yes — estimates on all equipment installations are always free. We’ll send one of our Home Solutions Advisors to assess your home and walk you through every option available. No pressure, no obligation.
Q: What is the Home First Consultation?
A: The Home First Consultation is how we do every install. Our advisor sits down with you and presents three or more options — always starting with our best — so you can choose what’s right for your home and your budget. We never show up with one solution and pressure you to take it. We believe the right answer starts with understanding your home, not hitting a sales number.
Q: How long does a furnace or AC installation take?
A: Most standard furnace or air conditioner installations are completed in one day. More complex jobs — like full system replacements, ductwork modifications, or multi-zone systems — may take longer. Your installation team will walk you through the timeline before they begin so you know exactly what to expect.
Q: How do I move forward after getting an estimate?
A: Once you’ve reviewed your options and chosen the system that’s right for you, simply sign your estimate and submit your down payment — or apply for financing through Wells Fargo at NimmerHeating.com. That locks in your install date. You’ll hear from us within one to two business days to confirm your date and time and answer any remaining questions.
Q: Do your technicians earn commission?
A: No — and we think that matters. At many HVAC companies, technicians earn 100% commission, which means their income depends on what they sell you. Our technicians earn an hourly wage plus performance pay. They’re here to take care of your home and give you honest recommendations — not hit a quota. That’s the difference you’ll feel at your kitchen table
FINANCING & REBATES
Q: Do you offer financing?
A: Yes. Nimmer offers financing through Wells Fargo. You can apply directly at NimmerHeating.com. Financing options are available on qualifying equipment installations. Ask your Home Solutions Advisor about current financing promotions — including 0% interest options when available.
Q: What is the HEAR program?
A: The HEAR program — Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates — is a federal program that provides tax credits and rebates on qualifying high-efficiency heat pump systems and other HVAC upgrades. Nimmer is a certified HEAR program partner. We know exactly what you’re eligible for and we handle the process so you can keep more of your money. Most homeowners are surprised by how much they qualify for.
Q: Do Focus on Energy rebates apply to Nimmer installations?
A: Yes. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program offers rebates on qualifying high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. These rebates can be combined with federal tax credits in some cases, significantly reducing your total investment. Ask your Home Solutions Advisor about current Focus on Energy rebates when reviewing your options.
REPAIRS & DIAGNOSTICS
Q: How do I know if I need a repair or a full replacement?
A: Great question — and an honest answer matters here. A good rule of thumb is the 5,000 rule: multiply the age of your system by the estimated repair cost. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacement is often the smarter long-term investment. But every home is different. Our technicians will give you a straight assessment, show you the math, and let you decide. We never push replacement if a repair makes more sense for you.
Q: My furnace stopped working. What should I check before calling?
A: A few quick things to check first: make sure your thermostat is set to heat and the temperature is set above your current room temperature. Check that your furnace power switch is on — it looks like a light switch, usually near the unit. Check your circuit breaker. Make sure your air filter isn’t completely clogged — a blocked filter can shut a furnace down. If none of that solves it, give us a call and we’ll get someone out to you.
Q: My AC isn’t cooling. What should I check?
A: Start with your thermostat — make sure it’s set to cool and the temperature is set below your current room temp. Check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Make sure your outdoor unit isn’t blocked by debris. Check your circuit breaker. If your AC is running but not cooling, or making unusual sounds, that’s a sign to call a technician. Don’t run the system if it’s icing up — turn it off and call us.
Q: How much does a furnace repair cost in Milwaukee?
A: Furnace repair costs in Milwaukee vary depending on what’s wrong. A diagnostic visit and minor repair might run $100–$300. More significant repairs involving motors, heat exchangers, or control boards can range from $300–$1,000+. We’ll always give you the full picture before any work begins — and if a repair is going to be significant, we’ll show you how it compares to replacement so you can make the best decision for your home.
Q: How much does a new furnace cost in Milwaukee?
A: New furnace installation in Milwaukee typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000+ depending on the system type, efficiency rating, home size, and any ductwork or other work required. Nimmer always presents three or more options so you can choose what fits your home and budget. Financing is available and rebates may apply. We’ll give you a free estimate so you know exactly what you’re looking at before making any decisions.
Q: How much does a new AC unit cost in Milwaukee?
A: New air conditioner installation in Milwaukee typically ranges from $6,500 to $12,000 depending on system size, efficiency, and installation requirements. Heat pump systems may qualify for utility rebates that can reduce your total investment. Nimmer will always walk you through every option and the full cost picture before you commit to anything.
MAINTENANCE & PROTECTION PLANS
Q: How often should I have my furnace serviced?
A: We recommend annual furnace maintenance — ideally in the fall before heating season. Regular tune-ups keep your system running efficiently, extend its life, and can catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. Think of it like an oil change for your home.
Q: How often should I have my AC serviced?
A: Annual AC maintenance is recommended — ideally in the spring before cooling season. A tune-up keeps your system running at peak efficiency, protects your warranty, and helps you avoid mid-summer breakdowns when you need your AC most.
Q: What is the Nimmer Protection Club?
A: The Nimmer Protection Club is our maintenance membership program. Members receive annual tune-ups for their heating and cooling systems, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs. It’s the best way to protect your investment, stay comfortable year-round, and make sure a Nimmer technician is looking out for your home before anything goes wrong. Ask us about current membership options.
Q: How often should I change my air filter?
A: It depends on your filter type and home. Standard 1-inch filters should be changed every 1–3 months. Thicker media filters can last 6–12 months. If you have pets, allergies, or a dusty home, check more frequently. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of HVAC problems — and one of the easiest to prevent.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Q: Can Nimmer help with indoor air quality?
A: Absolutely. We offer a full range of indoor air quality solutions including whole-home humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, UV light systems, ERV and HRV ventilation systems. Poor indoor air quality can affect your family’s health, comfort, and even your HVAC system’s performance. Ask your technician about what’s right for your home.
Q: Do I need a humidifier in Milwaukee?
A: Milwaukee winters are dry — and that dry air can cause static electricity, cracked woodwork, dry skin, and increased susceptibility to colds and flu. A whole-home humidifier connected to your HVAC system maintains comfortable humidity levels automatically. Most homeowners notice the difference in comfort almost immediately. It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
BRYANT CONNECTED PORTAL
Q: What is the Bryant Connected Portal?
A: The Bryant Connected Portal allows Nimmer to remotely monitor your HVAC system for error codes and potential issues — often before you notice anything’s wrong. When your system includes a qualifying Bryant connected thermostat, we set you up on the portal at no charge. If we see an alert, we reach out proactively so you’re never caught off guard. We’re watching so you don’t have to.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
Q: Does Nimmer give back to the community?
A: It’s one of the reasons we exist. Nimmer partners with Milwaukee and Waukesha County high schools through youth apprenticeship and trades education programs, giving students paid on-the-job HVAC training. We serve on the MATC and WCTC Advisory Boards. We were recognized on the 2023 Wisconsin Association of School Boards Business Honor Roll. Our team chooses the community organizations we support each year. When you choose Nimmer, your money doesn’t just stay local — it goes to work for the next generation.