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10 Best HVAC
in Mill Valley, CA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

If you're like most Americans, more than half of your energy bill (55%, per the Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling your home. Energy costs in Mill Valley are often higher than in other places, which means you're probably trying to save money on your bill.

Our list of the top HVAC companies in Mill Valley can help you get your system into its best shape ever, allowing you to keep comfortable while saving money.

Top 10 Best HVAC Companies in Mill Valley

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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

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

Ongaro & Sons

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

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Services Offered

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

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Comfort Energy, Inc.

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

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

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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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

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

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

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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Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

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

Dale Heating Cooling & Sheetmetal, Inc.

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

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quote

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

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

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

AC Heating & Cooling Services Inc

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

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Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Indoor air quality
Ventilation
Duct cleaning
Ac repair
Furnace installation
Emergency services
Filtration
Ac installation
Maintenance
Furnace repair
Inspection
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 malfunctioning or aging HVAC system probably needs attention from a professional who can make repairs or install a new unit. Keep an eye out for these common signs that your HVAC needs service:

  • Uneven heating/cooling or poor air circulation
  • Cracking, corrosion, or rust
  • Strange noises when turning on
  • Thermostat malfunctions or temperature control issues
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Unusually high energy bills
  • Frequent breakdowns and need for repairs
  • An HVAC system that's over 15 years old

Schedule an inspection if you notice any of these problems. A local technician can inspect your system, identify problems, and determine whether you need repairs or a new HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Mill Valley

What you spend on HVAC installation or maintenance varies based on your system style. Common HVAC unit styles include the following:

  • Split or mini-split: If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for central air or heating, you likely have a split or mini-split system instead. Split HVAC systems have internal units in each room to regulate temperature. These connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC system works almost the same as a standard split system. It has the advantage of being able to utilize either gas or electricity for power.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps exchange hot and cold air between your home and outside. These systems don't generate their own heat or AC, so they work better in moderate climates.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are often a good option for smaller houses. They consist of a single heating and cooling unit that's usually located in an attic or basement. This unit tends to be efficient, compact, and easy to maintain.

HVAC maintenance costs differ depending on what services are needed. HVAC systems are complicated and might require different kinds of maintenance. Costs for common services 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

Essential HVAC maintenance is important, but can be expensive. Luckily, homeowners can take steps to reduce wear and tear on their system and lower future maintenance needs.

  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Leaving your blinds open during the colder months allows passive solar heating to warm your home. Closing the blinds in warmer seasons helps prevent the same heat from getting inside. Doing both helps minimize the strain on your HVAC system.
  • 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. Replacing or cleaning your air filters every 30–90 days helps air flow smoothly through your HVAC system. We also recommend regularly clearing dirt and debris away from the outside areas of your system.
  • Keep your system clean. Regularly cleaning condenser fan blades, grills, indoor evaporator coil, and ductwork helps your HVAC system run efficiently and lowers your risk of mold. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when 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

Finding the right HVAC company is crucial for a smooth installation or repair. An experienced, credentialed HVAC contractor gives you confidence your system can provide reliable heating and air conditioning year-round.

Compare Multiple Bids

Request estimates from three or more HVAC providers. Describe your issues and ask if technicians can inspect your system in person. Review each contractor's diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated cost, timeline, and warranties. Avoid companies 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 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To obtain the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, an individual 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 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 are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded, and contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and similar sites can aid your decision. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and stories of positive experiences from customers.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you know what a company’s process is like. When HVAC repairs are needed, ask your provider to specify which parts need replacement and explain why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test your system afterward to ensure proper operation. When replacing your HVAC, have the contractor explain the new model, features, estimated installation time, energy efficiency, and brand. Before signing paperwork, make sure you understand how your provider will determine the right system size for your home and what the price will be.

Compare Warranties

Trustworthy HVAC companies stand behind their services with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, remembering that broader coverage is better. Look for the company that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

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

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Mill Valley, CA

You should have your HVAC system inspected about twice yearly. Following an inspection, your technician will tell you what services are required. You should also have your system inspected if you start noticing issues such as leaks, unusual smells, or strange noises. If your system has ductwork, you should have it inspected every few years.

Normally, it's best to have your HVAC system inspected 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 likely sees the most use.

You can save energy throughout the year by reducing the amount of work it takes for your HVAC system to maintain your home's temperature. Always 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 could also consider installing a smart thermostat.

Generally, HVAC installation or replacement takes one to three days for the entire system. 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 be based on factors like the size of your home, how easily accessible different sections are, and whether your technician finds any problems.

For a 2,000-square-foot home, you need around 2.5 to 5 tons of air conditioning capacity. If your home is larger than 1,000 square feet, central air will usually 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).

Your HVAC company might have financing options via a third-party lender, or you might choose to obtain a loan on your own. It's smart to discuss payment options with a financial advisor and your HVAC company to make sure that you're choosing the best option for you.

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 arise.
  • 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 you can.
  • When you need to replace part of your HVAC system, explore Energy Star-certified or similar environmentally friendly options.

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