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10 Best HVAC Companies in Lafayette, CA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated February 2024

If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. With the higher cost of living in Lafayette, you're likely eager to save money on your energy bills.

We've put together this guide to Lafayette's top HVAC companies to help you hire the right person for your job and get your system into its best shape ever.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Lafayette

Ariston Heating and Cooling

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

Prompt service delivery

Free quote

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Element Home Solutions

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6114 La Salle Ave #310, Oakland, CA 94611 (888) 980-4822 element-hvac.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Clean Air HVAC

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

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Freschi Air Service Experts

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2440 Sprig Ct, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 778-1415 freschiserviceexperts.com

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

GB Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

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411 N Buchanan Cir unit 11, Pacheco, CA 94553 (925) 766-9992 gbheatingandair.com

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Reliable customer support

Free quote

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Ventilation
Emergency services
Furnace repair
Indoor air quality
Maintenance
Ductless

Air Conditioning & Heating Solutions

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2001 Addison St suite 300 b, Berkeley, CA 94704 (341) 210-1813 airconditioningheatingsolutions.com

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning

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4075 Nelson Ave Suite D, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 933-9333 hometownheatingandair.com

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Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, Solar, Electrical

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3313 Vincent Rd #105, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 233-7378 galaxyhvacrepair.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Ventilation
Ac repair
Maintenance
Ac installation
Ductless
Indoor air quality

Contra Costa Climate Control

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5053 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94521 (925) 526-7997 contracostaclimatecontrol.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Informative resources

Services Offered

Indoor air quality
Ac installation
Ventilation
Furnace repair
Maintenance
Ac repair
Ductless

Compare Heating & Air Conditioning

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1717 Solano Way STE 42, Concord, CA 94520 (925) 686-1366 comparehvac.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ventilation
Ductless
Ac installation
Indoor air quality
Maintenance
Furnace repair
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 home's HVAC system is malfunctioning or getting old, you might need an HVAC contractor for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these common indicators that your system requires expert attention:

  • Odd noises when the system turns on
  • Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
  • Higher than normal energy bills
  • Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
  • Cracking, corrosion, or rust
  • 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 pinpoint problems and determine whether repair or full HVAC replacement is needed.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Lafayette

Your HVAC installation or maintenance cost changes depending on the type of unit. Common HVAC unit varieties 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 interior units that regulate the temperature in individual rooms, and that are all connected to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions comparably to a regular split system. It provides flexibility by having the option to draw on either electricity or gas for energy.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps transfer warm and cold air between your home and the outdoors. They don't produce their own heat or AC, so they work best in moderate climates and may not be as effective during Lafayette's hot summers.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are more popular in smaller homes. These systems consist of a single heating and cooling unit, normally located in an attic or basement. This unit tends to be efficient, compact, and easy to maintain.

The amount you spend on HVAC maintenance also varies depending on the kind of work being done. HVAC systems are complex and may require different kinds of maintenance. The cost of some common repairs is as follows:

HVAC Unit Type Cost
Split $2,024-$5,159
Hybrid Split $4,100-$7,554
Heat Pump $3,175-$32,351
Packaged Heating and Air $266-$443

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. Luckily, there are steps you can take to slow the wear and tear on your system.

  • Keep your system clean. Keeping your condenser fan blades, ductwork, grills, and indoor evaporator coil clean helps your system run and reduces the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends that you clean your HVAC system whenever it begins to look dirty.
  • Change filters regularly. Changing your air filters or washing them every 30–90 days allows efficient air circulation through your HVAC system. You should also try to keep debris from accumulating on the outside components of your HVAC.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Keeping a close eye on the efficiency of your HVAC system — for instance by checking your thermostat settings and energy bills — helps you identify and fix problems 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 decreases the amount of work your HVAC system is required to do.

Service Cost
Filter Replacement $66-$177
Condensor Cleaning $1,328-$3,985
Thermostat Repair $89-$221
Ductwork Cleaning $425-$1,063

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing what to look for in an HVAC company is crucial for a successful project. Look for an experienced, licensed contractor that can offer you peace of mind and make sure your system provides reliable air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Request estimates from at least three HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each provider's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timelines, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment before work.

Check Credentials

Choose an HVAC company with well-trained technicians who have proper licensing and experience. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, individuals must pass an exam (the type of exam depends on the kind of equipment they plan to work with). Section 608 certification is required for all technicians who "maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere." All other licensing requirements are handled on a state-by-state basis.

HVAC contractors in California must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board (CSLB). HVAC contractors are considered specialty contractors by the CSLB. All contractors are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints on sites such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Pick a company with glowing feedback and stories of satisfied customers.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand the details of a planned project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should detail which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are done to ensure that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, have the provider describe the new energy efficiency, features, model, estimated installation time, and brand. Before work starts, ask how your provider plans to accurately size the unit for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

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

Get Quote in Writing

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

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Lafayette, CA

You should have your HVAC system inspected approximately twice annually. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also schedule an inspection if you notice new issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.

Generally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. This also helps get your system ready for the summer and winter, when it likely sees 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. Keep your thermostat temperature as close to the outside temperature as you can, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof well-maintained and seal any door or window leaks to help keep cool air in. Similarly, ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.

Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes between one and three days for the entire system. Installing or replacing an air conditioning unit or a furnace can take as little as half a day or as much as two days. The exact amount of time will depend on things like the size of your house, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician runs into any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. In Lafayette, you'll probably want to choose a unit that's on the higher end of this range. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air is likely to be more effective than window units for cooling.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you'll also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units). In Lafayette, you might be able to make do with a lower-capacity furnace.

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

  • Keep your air ducts clean and change or clean your air filters regularly.
  • 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 your inside temperature as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable.
  • When you need to replace part of your HVAC system, explore Energy Star-certified or similar environmentally friendly options.

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