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10 Best HVAC
in East Palo Alto, CA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

On average, 55% of the energy used in American homes is for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy costs in East Palo Alto can be steeper than in some other places, which means you're probably trying to save money on your bill.

Our guide to East Palo Alto's top HVAC companies can help you save money by getting your HVAC system repaired, installed or replaced by the right person for the right price.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in East Palo Alto

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Precision Air Solutions

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1090 Adams St Suite A-1, Benicia, CA 94510 (707) 741-1993 precisionhvacco.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Baker's Heating and Air Conditioning

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751 Hoffman Ln, Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 420-0400 bakerhvac.com

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Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Comfort Energy, Inc.

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1465 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 560-4050 comfortenergy.com

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Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Maintenance
Indoor air quality
Filtration
Ductless
Boiler installation
Duct cleaning
Ac repair
Boiler repair
Furnace installation
Ac installation
Furnace repair

Contra Costa Heating & Air Conditioning

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14670 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 343-9841 contracostaheating.com

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Clear pricing policy

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Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Modern Air

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16570 Church St Suite 130, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 (408) 497-0444 modernairco.com

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Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

Ariston Heating and Cooling

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111 Center Ave Suite M, Pacheco, CA 94553 (925) 421-0888 aristonheatingandcooling.com

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Services Offered

Smart home integration
Furnace repair
Maintenance
Indoor air quality
Filtration
Ductless
Furnace installation
Ac repair
Ac installation

Clean Air HVAC

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428 N Buchanan Cir #1, Pacheco, CA 94553 (925) 689-7017 cahvac.com

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Clear pricing policy

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

AC Heating and Cooling Service Inc.

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945 Taraval St Suite 177, San Francisco, CA 94116 (415) 333-9903 acheatingandair.net

Prompt service delivery

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Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

AC Heating & Cooling Services Inc

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3500 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94519 (925) 521-1807 acheatingandair.net

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Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Hussey Bros., Inc.

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1620 Oakland Rd D205, San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 343-3185 husseybros.com

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Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

A faulty or aging HVAC system probably needs professional attention from a technician who can make fixes or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:

  • Higher than normal energy bills
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Temperature control issues or thermostat malfunctions
  • Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
  • Corrosion, cracking, or rust
  • Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
  • Strange noises when the system turns on
  • An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

If you notice any of these HVAC issues, we recommend having a technician inspect your system. A local professional can identify problems and decide whether repairing or getting a new HVAC unit is the correct solution.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in East Palo Alto

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

  • Split or mini-split: If your home lacks the right ductwork for central heating or air, you probably have a split HVAC system. Split or mini-split systems consist of internal units that regulate the temperature in individual rooms. These interior units are all connected to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system operates similar to a normal split system, but has the benefit of being able to draw power from either gas or electric sources.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange hot and cold air between your house and outside. They don't generate their own heating and cooling, so they work more effectively in more temperate climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are more popular in smaller houses. They consist of a single heating and cooling unit, usually located in an attic or basement. This unit tends to be compact, efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complex and may require different maintenance services. Fees for some common services are as follows:

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$2,049-$5,224
Hybrid Split$4,152-$7,650
Heat Pump$3,215-$32,762
Packaged Heating and Air$269-$448

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

Repairing or replacing your HVAC system when needed is crucial, but can be costly. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.

  • Change filters regularly. Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 1–3 months helps air flow smoothly through your HVAC system. We also recommend regularly clearing dirt and debris away from the outdoor sections of your system.
  • Keep your system clean. Keeping your ductwork, condenser fan blades, indoor evaporator coil, and grills clean helps your system function optimally and reduces the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system whenever it begins to look dirty.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by reviewing your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you find and solve issues before they get out of hand.
  • 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 reduces the amount of work your HVAC system is required to do.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$67-$179
Condensor Cleaning$1,345-$4,036
Thermostat Repair$90-$224
Ductwork Cleaning$430-$1,076

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

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

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC contractors for quotes. Explain your issues and schedule an in-person inspection if possible. Compare companies' diagnoses, suggested repairs, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid providers that pressure you or demand upfront payment.

Check Credentials

Look for an HVAC company that employs qualified technicians with the necessary licensure and training. HVAC contractors in all states need to 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 on a state-by-state basis.

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. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with positive feedback and good customer testimonials.

Understand Work Details

Make sure you understand the details of your project before starting. For HVAC repairs, have your provider specify which parts require replacement and why. Get confirmation that your technician will clean and test your system after the repair to verify that everything works. When replacing your HVAC system, ask the contractor to describe the new brand, features, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and model. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

Good HVAC companies offer warranties on repairs and equipment installations. The more complete the coverage, the better. Compare warranty details between companies and pick the one that offers the best protection for the fairest price.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get HVAC estimates in writing before work begins. A comprehensive quote will cover costs for both materials and labor. Ensure that you understand all terms before signing the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in East Palo Alto, CA

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

The best times of the year to have your HVAC system inspected are the spring and fall. Technicians are often 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, when it typically gets the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of power your HVAC system uses to maintain the temperature of your home. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at once. You might also consider a smart thermostat.

Generally, whole-system HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace takes anywhere from about half a day up to two days. The exact amount of time will vary depending on things like how large your home is, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, look for a furnace that's between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In East Palo Alto, you may be able to make do with a furnace on the lower end of this range.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also want an air conditioning unit with around 2.5 to 5 tons of capacity. In general, if your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window air conditioning units.

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

There are several ways you can make your HVAC system more energy-efficient:

  • Keep ductwork clean, and change or clean your air filters on a regular basis.
  • Schedule regular inspections to take care of issues as they come up.
  • Make sure your doors and windows are well-sealed and keep your attic well-ventilated.
  • Install a smart thermostat. If you aren't able to purchase one, try keeping the temperature indoors as close to the outside temperature as you can.
  • When it comes time to replace any part of your system, see if there are Energy Star-certified or similar environmentally friendly options.

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