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10 Best HVAC
in Larkspur, CA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

According to the Department of Energy, approximately 55% of the energy used in American homes is used for heating and cooling. You want your Larkspur home to be comfortable, but you also don't want to be wasting your money on inefficient cooling and heating.

Our guide to Larkspur's top HVAC companies can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to save money while staying comfortable.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Larkspur

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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

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Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Ongaro & Sons

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2995 Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 579-3511 ongaroandsons.com

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Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

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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Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Comfort Energy, Inc.

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

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Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

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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Services Offered

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

Clean Air HVAC

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

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Services Offered

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

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

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

Dale Heating Cooling & Sheetmetal, Inc.

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3015B Coffey Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707) 526-5709 dalehcs.com

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Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Free quote

Services Offered

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

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Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

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

AC Heating & Cooling Services Inc

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

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Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

An HVAC system that's malfunctioning or outdated likely needs professional attention for maintenance or replacement. Watch for these indicators that your system needs service:

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

These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local company can complete an inspection, diagnose problems, and advise you whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Larkspur

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

  • Split or mini-split: Homes without ductwork for centralized climate control frequently have split or mini-split HVAC systems. These systems consist of interior units in each room to control temperature, which all connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system functions very similarly to a standard split system. It has the benefit of being able to utilize either electricity or gas for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps work by transferring hot and cold air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't generate heat or air conditioning themselves, and are more effective in more moderate climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a practical choice for smaller houses. These systems have a single heating and cooling unit, normally located in a basement or attic. They're small, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance prices vary based on the services needed. HVAC systems are complex and may need multiple types of maintenance. Costs for common jobs are as follows:

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$2,091-$5,330
Hybrid Split$4,236-$7,805
Heat Pump$3,280-$33,425
Packaged Heating and Air$274-$457

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. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.

  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. During winter, leaving your blinds open allows your home to benefit from passive solar heating. In the summer, keeping your blinds shut helps to block out heat. Doing both decreases the amount of work your HVAC system needs to do.
  • Monitor for potential problems. Keeping an eye out for problems, for instance by consistently checking your thermostat and energy bills, allows you to resolve them before they get out of hand.
  • Change filters regularly. Switching out your air filters or washing them every 30–90 days allows efficient air circulation through your system. You should also try to keep debris from accumulating on the outdoor sections of your HVAC.
  • Keep your system clean. Cleaning your grills, indoor evaporator coil, condenser fan blades, and ductwork regularly helps your HVAC system work efficiently and lowers the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system once it starts to look dirty.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$69-$183
Condensor Cleaning$1,372-$4,117
Thermostat Repair$91-$229
Ductwork Cleaning$439-$1,098

How To Choose a Local HVAC Company

Knowing the indicators of a good HVAC company is important. A properly licensed contractor with the right experience will give you confidence that they can keep your system running efficiently, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

Contact at least three HVAC companies for quotes. Describe the issues and have technicians visit to inspect your HVAC system if possible. Compare the contractors' explanations, solutions, estimated costs, timeframes, and warranties. Avoid contractors that pressure you or demand payment upfront.

Check Credentials

It's important to choose an HVAC company that employs technicians with the appropriate qualifications and expertise. In all states, HVAC contractors have federal requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, contractors must pass an exam (the specific exam depends on what kind of equipment they intend 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 at the state level.

In California, HVAC contractors 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. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. You should also check a company's reviews and complaints with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and Yelp. You want to hire a company with glowing reviews and stories of positive service experiences.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you understand what a company’s process looks like. When getting HVAC repairs, ask your provider to list which parts need replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after finishing the work to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, ask your contractor to provide details on the new estimated installation time, features, brand, model, and energy efficiency. Before work begins, make sure you understand how your provider will properly size the new unit for your home and what the cost will be.

Compare Warranties

Trustworthy HVAC companies provide warranties for their work. Broader coverage is better, so make sure to review warranties between companies. Choose the one that gives you the most coverage at a fair cost.

Get Quote in Writing

Get a written estimate before HVAC work begins. A full quote includes both labor and material costs. Make sure you understand and accept all terms before signing the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Larkspur, CA

You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice a year. After completing their inspection, your technician will tell you what services are needed. You should also schedule an inspection if you start noticing issues such as strange noises, leaks, or unusual smells. If your home has ductwork, it should be inspected every few years.

Usually, it's best to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as technicians tend to be less busy at these times. This also helps make sure your system is prepared for the summer and winter, when it probably sees the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by making it easier for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. During all seasons, keep your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible, and avoid making drastic changes — adjust it only a few degrees at a time. You may also consider installing a smart thermostat.

It takes around one to three days to have your HVAC system installed or replaced. If you only need a furnace or a single air conditioning unit, this might take anywhere from a few hours up to two days. This timeline will be affected by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should look for around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. For homes over 1,000 square feet, central air will be more effective than window units for cooling.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should also look for a furnace that is between 50,000 and 80,000 BTUs (British thermal units).

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

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

  • Make sure your air ducts remain clean, and change or clean your air filters regularly.
  • Schedule regular inspections to take care of issues as they come up.
  • Keep your attic well-ventilated and make sure all doors and windows are well-sealed.
  • Install a smart thermostat. If you don't want to or can't buy one, try to keep the temperature indoors as close to the outside temperature as you can.
  • When it comes time to replace any part of your system, explore Energy Star-certified or similar environmentally friendly options.

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