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10 Best HVAC
in Monterey, CA

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Written By Bradford Cuthrell

Last Updated June 2024

If you're like the average American, more than half of your energy bill (55%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy) goes toward heating and cooling. Energy costs in Monterey can be steeper than in some other places, which means you'd probably like to save money on your bill.

Our guide to Monterey'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 Monterey

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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

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

Modern Air

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

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Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

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

Hussey Bros., Inc.

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

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

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

Cold Craft, Inc.

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181 Lost Lake Ln, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 374-7292 coldcraft.com

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Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ductless
Ac installation
Inspection
Radiant heating
Furnace installation
Ventilation
Maintenance
Filtration
Furnace repair
Emergency services
Boiler installation

Residential Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

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65 Cristich Ln, Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 377-4073 residentialheating-ac.com

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Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Indoor air quality
Radiant heating
Inspection
Filtration
Furnace installation
Duct cleaning
Ac installation
Maintenance

Sandium Heating and Air Conditioning

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1045 N 10th St, San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 894-9072 sandium.com

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Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Trio Heating and Air

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1310 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112 (415) 870-1360 trioheatingandair.com

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Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

IRBIS HVAC Inc

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2210 Lundy Ave, San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 419-1365 irbishvac.com

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Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

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

San Jose Heating & Cooling

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2494 Lone Oak Dr, San Jose, CA 95121 (669) 207-9691 sanjoseheatandcooling.com

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Sears Heating and Air Conditioning

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1100 Northridge Shopping Ctr, Salinas, CA 93906 (408) 689-7213 searshomeservices.com

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Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Ventilation
Boiler installation
Inspection
Filtration
Indoor air quality
Maintenance
Ac repair
Ductless
Ac installation
Furnace installation
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 indicators that your HVAC needs service:

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

These HVAC red flags indicate that you should have your system evaluated. A local provider can complete an inspection, identify problems, and recommend repairing or replacing your HVAC unit.

Cost of HVAC Installation and Maintenance in Monterey

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's ductwork can't accommodate a central HVAC system, you probably have a split or mini-split system. Split systems have interior units in each room to regulate temperature. These indoor units all connect to an outdoor unit.
  • Hybrid split: A hybrid split HVAC unit operates similarly to a regular split system. It provides flexibility by providing the option to draw on either electricity or gas for energy.
  • Heat pump: Heat pumps work by moving warm and cool air between your home and the outdoors. These systems don't create heat or air conditioning themselves, and are more suited to more moderate climates. They may not be as effective during Monterey's hot summers.
  • Packaged heating and air: Packaged HVAC systems are a good choice for smaller homes. They have a single cooling and heating unit, normally in a basement or attic. This unit is often small, energy-efficient, and easy to maintain.

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

HVAC Unit TypeCost
Split$1,945-$4,959
Hybrid Split$3,941-$7,261
Heat Pump$3,052-$31,097
Packaged Heating and Air$255-$426

Ways to Save Money on HVAC Costs

It's important to take care of HVAC repairs and replacements in a timely manner, but it can also be expensive. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce wear and tear on your system.

  • Monitor for potential problems. Monitoring your system for issues — for example, by checking your thermostat and energy bills regularly — helps you get ahead of problems before they get too expensive.
  • Change the position of your blinds seasonally. Keeping your blinds open in the winter helps you take advantage of passive solar heating. Keeping them closed in the summer helps keep some of this heat out. Both of these measures help reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
  • Change filters regularly. Air flows through your HVAC system most effectively when you change out or clean the filters every 1–3 months. Also avoid letting debris pile up on the external sections of your HVAC.
  • Keep your system clean. Cleaning your ductwork, indoor evaporator coil, grills, and condenser fan blades regularly helps keep your HVAC system working efficiently and lowers the risk of mold growth. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning your HVAC system when it begins to look dirty.
ServiceCost
Filter Replacement$64-$170
Condensor Cleaning$1,277-$3,831
Thermostat Repair$85-$213
Ductwork Cleaning$409-$1,022

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 maintain your HVAC system properly, providing you with effective air conditioning and heating for your home.

Compare Multiple Bids

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

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 required for any individual who helps "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 what kind of equipment they intend to work with) to be certified by the EPA. 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). The CSLB considers HVAC contractors to be specialty contractors. All contractors are required to have four years of experience and to be bonded. Contractors with employees must also meet insurance requirements. Reviewing feedback on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and similar sites can help your decision as well. Choose a provider with stellar reviews and reports of positive experiences from customers.

Understand Work Details

Always make sure you know the details of any project. For HVAC repairs, your provider should list which parts require replacement and why. Confirm that your technician will clean and test the system after repairs are finished to verify that it’s working properly. When replacing your HVAC system, request that the installation company describe the new features, brand, model, energy efficiency, and estimated installation time. Before work starts, ask about the process your provider will use to properly size the new system for your home and how much it will cost.

Compare Warranties

Reputable HVAC companies back their work with warranties. Look at warranties from different companies, while remembering that more comprehensive coverage is better. Look for the provider that offers the most coverage for a reasonable price.

Get Quote in Writing

Always get quotes for HVAC service in writing before work begins. An itemized quote should cover both materials and labor. Make sure you agree to all terms before signing a contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC in Monterey, CA

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

Normally, it's a good idea to schedule inspections in the spring and fall, as these times tend to be less busy. 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 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 is comfortable, and try to avoid making drastic changes in temperature all at once. Keep your roof in good shape and seal any leaks around your doors and windows to avoid letting cool air escape. Similarly, make sure your attic is well ventilated to avoid trapping excess heat in your home.

It takes between one and 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 can be determined by the size of your home, the accessibility of your system, and any new issues your technician runs into.

Your HVAC company may provide financing options via a third-party lender, or you may choose to obtain your own loan. It's smart to discuss payment options with your HVAC company and a financial advisor 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:

  • Make sure your air ducts remain clean, and clean or change your air filters regularly.
  • Schedule regular inspections to take care of problems 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 don't want to or can't buy one, try keeping your inside temperature as close to the outside temperature as you can.
  • When replacing part of your system, explore Energy Star-certified or other environmentally friendly options.

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