Questions
Frequently asked questions
The things homeowners ask before they commit. If yours is not here, call and ask it directly.
FAQ
Working with us
- Will a new air conditioner lower my bill?
- Usually, but how much depends on what is around it. A high-efficiency system in an uninsulated house with leaky ducts underperforms its rating badly. That is why we look at the envelope before we quote equipment, it changes what you should buy.
- Do you size systems by load calculation or by what is already there?
- By load calculation. Matching the tonnage of the old system assumes the old system was right, and in older homes it usually was not. Oversized equipment short-cycles, leaves humidity in the air and wears out sooner.
- What should I do first if I want to lower my energy bills?
- In most Southern California homes, attic air sealing and insulation give the largest measurable return for the money, and they lower the load so any later HVAC replacement can be smaller. Solar is usually the last step, not the first, it is cheaper to need less power than to generate more.
- Can you tell me what rebates I qualify for?
- No, and be careful with anyone who says they can. Federal, state and utility programs all exist, but eligibility depends on your utility territory, your equipment and rules that change during the year. We will point you at the authoritative source for your address so you can confirm it properly.
- Do you handle permits?
- Yes. HVAC replacement, electrical panel work and re-roofing all require permits in every jurisdiction we work in. We pull them as the licensed contractor of record.
- Which areas do you serve?
- Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties. Travel time affects scheduling at the outer edges of that range and we will tell you honestly if a job is too far to service well.
- Do you give a written scope before work starts?
- Always. The proposal lists equipment or materials, what is included, what is excluded and the payment schedule. Nothing starts on a verbal.
- What happens if you find something unexpected?
- Older homes hide things, undersized panels, failed ducting, non-permitted prior work, rodent damage in the attic. When we find something, we show you what is there and price the fix as a written change order before continuing.
- Do you talk about payback periods?
- We will talk about what drives payback, your usage, your rate schedule, the condition of the house. We will not hand you a number that depends on utility rates nobody can predict. Any contractor who gives you a confident payback figure is guessing with your money.