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10 Best HVAC
in Altadena, CA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

On average, Americans devote 55% of their energy usage to heating and cooling their home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy costs in Altadena can be steeper than in some other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.

The right HVAC contractor can get your system into its best shape ever, letting you keep your home comfortable while still saving money. That's why we've put together this guide to the top HVAC companies in Altadena.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Altadena

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Ice Age HVAC Repair

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13654 Victory Blvd Unit 487, Van Nuys, CA 91401 (818) 465-8143 iceage.pro

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Maintenance
Furnace installation
Emergency services
Zoning systems
Duct cleaning
Ac repair
Indoor air quality
Filtration
Ventilation
Ac installation
Boiler installation
Smart home integration
Inspection

Comfort Time Plumbing Heating & Cooling

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8038 Freestone Ave, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 (562) 451-0486 fastacservice.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Furnace installation
Ac installation
Maintenance
Ventilation
Furnace repair
Filtration
Ac repair
Emergency services
Indoor air quality
Boiler repair
Inspection
Boiler installation
Ductless

TOP AC Inc | LA Air Conditioning Contractors

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21201 Victory Blvd suite 102, Canoga Park, CA 91303 (855) 999-8672 top-ac.com

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Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Ventilation
Emergency services
Furnace repair
Ductless
Filtration
Ac repair
Inspection
Ac installation
Maintenance
Boiler installation
Furnace installation
Duct cleaning
Indoor air quality

Aire Serv of Pasadena

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125 E Santa Clara St #17, Arcadia, CA 91006 (626) 389-8498 aireserv.com

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Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Emergency services
Indoor air quality
Ductless
Duct cleaning
Maintenance
Ac repair
Ventilation
Inspection
Ac installation
Furnace repair
Furnace installation

Temp Air System Inc

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15843 Amar Rd, La Puente, CA 91744 (833) 292-6888 tempairsystem.com

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Furnace repair
Emergency services
Inspection
Duct cleaning
Indoor air quality
Ventilation
Ac repair
Ductless
Maintenance
Ac installation
Furnace installation
Filtration

Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning

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8599 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 (310) 896-4911 brodypennell.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ac repair
Filtration
Indoor air quality
Maintenance
Emergency services
Inspection
Furnace repair
Ductless
Duct cleaning
Furnace installation
Ac installation

AZ Air Conditioning and Heating

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7640 Tobias Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91405 (800) 296-5088 azaircond.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Ventilation
Indoor air quality
Furnace installation
Ductless
Filtration
Zoning systems
Ac repair
Maintenance
Ac installation
Furnace repair
Emergency services
Inspection

Clemmer Services Heating & Air Conditioning

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26470 Ruether Ave Unit 108, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (661) 463-8670 clemmerservicesinc.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Furnace repair
Ac installation
Boiler installation
Emergency services
Furnace installation
Zoning systems
Indoor air quality
Ac repair
Ductless
Smart home integration
Filtration
Maintenance

The Right Choice HVAC

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9421 Winnetka Ave Unit M, Chatsworth, CA 91311 (844) 773-3320 trchvacla.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Emergency services
Ventilation
Indoor air quality
Ac repair
Ac installation
Furnace repair
Boiler installation
Inspection
Maintenance
Ductless
Filtration
Furnace installation

Around the Clock Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

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1123 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (310) 274-5525 aroundclock.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Ac installation
Furnace installation
Ductless
Furnace repair
Maintenance
Ac repair
Filtration
Emergency services
Indoor air quality
Duct cleaning
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on hvac companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

Signs You May Need HVAC Repair or Replacement

If your HVAC system is broken or getting old, it likely needs repairs or replacement from an HVAC company. Watch for these indicators your system needs service:

  • Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
  • Poor air circulation or uneven heating/cooling
  • Strange noises when turning on
  • Cracking, corrosion, or rust
  • Temperature control issues or thermostat malfunctions
  • Higher than normal energy bills
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you notice any of the above, have a local HVAC technician inspect your system. They can diagnose problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is the best course of action.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Altadena

The cost of HVAC installation or maintenance changes depending on the type of unit you have. Common types of HVAC units include the following:

  • Split or mini-split: If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for central heating and cooling, you probably have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have indoor units in each room to control temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions comparably to a regular split system. It gives flexibility by having the option to use either electricity or gas for energy.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange warm and cold air between your home and the outdoors. They don't make their own heat or AC, so they work best in temperate climates and may not be as effective during Altadena's hot summers.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a smart choice for smaller houses. They have a single cooling and heating unit, typically in a basement or attic. This unit is often small, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC costs differ based on the work needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$1,918-$4,889
Hybrid Split$3,886-$7,159
Heat Pump$3,009-$30,658
Packaged Heating and Air$252-$420

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It's important to fix or swap out your HVAC components when they become damaged, but it can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your HVAC.

  • Keep your system clean. Regularly cleaning condenser fan blades, grills, indoor evaporator coil, and ductwork helps your HVAC system run efficiently and reduces your risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when it starts to look dirty.
  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leave your blinds open so your home benefits from passive solar heat. In summer, keep blinds shut to block out heat. Doing both decreases the amount of work your HVAC system must perform.
  • Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you replace or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the outside areas of your HVAC.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Keeping an eye out for problems, for instance by routinely checking your thermostat and energy bills, lets you resolve them before they get too expensive.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$63-$168
Condensor Cleaning$1,259-$3,777
Thermostat Repair$84-$210
Ductwork Cleaning$403-$1,007

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what makes a trustworthy HVAC company is crucial for an easy installation or repair. Hiring an experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.

Compare Multiple Bids

Get quotes from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person. Compare each company's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, warranties, and timeline. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Look for an HVAC company that employs skilled technicians who have the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states must obtain a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification is mandatory for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." An individual must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the type of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. All other licensing requirements are handled by the state.

In California, HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB considers HVAC contractors to be specialty contractors. All contractors must have four years of experience and be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and similar sites can aid your decision as well. Choose a company with stellar reviews and stories of positive customer experiences.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand what a company’s process is like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system afterward to ensure proper operation. For replacement, ask the contractor to explain the new HVAC system estimated installation time, brand, model, energy efficiency, and features. Before starting the project, you should understand how your provider will size the system appropriately for your home and the price you'll pay.

Compare Warranties

Reliable HVAC companies provide warranties for their services. The broader the coverage, the better, so make sure to review warranties between providers. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get estimates for HVAC service in writing before work begins. A detailed quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you review all terms before signing a contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Altadena, CA

Normally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year. After an inspection, your HVAC technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also call a technician if you notice any new issues, like leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If you have ductwork in your home, it should be serviced every few years.

The best times to have an HVAC inspection are during the spring and fall. Technicians tend to be less busy during these times, which makes it easier to get an appointment. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, which is when it normally gets the most use.

You can save energy during the summer by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to keep your home cool. Set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any door or window leaks to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.

Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace may take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on factors like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician discovers any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll want a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Altadena, you may be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want to purchase an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In Altadena, you'll likely want something on the higher end of this range. Usually, if your home is over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.

Your HVAC company may offer financing options through a third-party lender, or you might be able to obtain a loan on your own. It's a good idea to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.

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