A Detailed Guide on How to Find the Best HVAC Contractors

According to Yelp, 85% of our city’s residents choose technicians in this field with a rating of 4.5+ stars. However, only 90% of them have a C-20 license. Notice: not 100%, as you might expect.

What does this mean? Why are proper credentials so important? How do you actually search for and find specialists in San Jose? Freon Service will explain in this article.

The Best HVAC Service Company Starts… with Ratings

We live in a society with a high digital culture. This isn’t surprising since San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. Our residents:

• trust online reviews,
• read ratings,
• and compare services before calling a company.

Yelp is like Google for them, but specifically for local businesses.

What do they do after a technician’s visit is complete?

Exactly:

• they leave a detailed review on this platform,
• give ratings from 1 to 5,
• upload photos,
• share their service experience.

All this activity changes the game’s perception of competition among the best HVAC installation companies. Now, flashy prime-time ads aren’t enough. You really need to know your job and do it well.

Did we say well? We meant excellently. Five stars.

The choice depends on reputation.

If a company (like Freon Service) has 4.5+ stars on Yelp, it means:

• it’s punctual,
• has experience,
• offers transparent prices,
• and most importantly: knows how to solve problems, not create new ones.

This approach to searching is like relying on friends’ recommendations. San Jose remains a community city where “neighbors recommend to neighbors,” and word-of-mouth is still stronger than advertising. And that’s great!

The Best HVAC Repair Service Without a C-20 License. Is That Even Possible?!

Let’s break it down.

When it comes to installing or repairing cooling systems, the key is not just picking someone who “knows how” but someone who has the legal right to do so. In California, only a licensed contractor with a C-20 category has that right.

What is a C-20 license?

It’s a document issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It officially confirms that a company or individual contractor is authorized to work with systems:

• Heating
• Ventilation
• Air conditioning

In other words—HVAC.

Can just anyone get this permit?

To qualify, the best HVAC company must meet several requirements:

• Have at least 4 years of verified experience.
• Pass exams on building codes, safety, California laws, and technical regulations.
• Hold active insurance.
• Be authorized to sign official contracts with clients.

And know and comply with:

• Energy standards like Title 24.
• Updated SEER2 regulations.

What if a contractor claims they can provide the best HVAC repair and says they have a license, but they don’t?

Indeed, the risk is small but possible. After all, who checks a technician’s credentials when they’re already at your door?

Fortunately, you can verify it in advance:

• Visit the official CSLB website (www.cslb.ca.gov).
• Enter the company name or license number they’ve made publicly available, for example, on their website.
• You’ll see the status, scope, and expiration date of this important document.

Mitsubishi, Trane, Carrier, and other air conditioner manufacturers also publish lists of certified contractors on their websites.

The Best HVAC Company and Its Approach to Standards and Regulations

Almost every year, California tightens some requirements for building energy efficiency. This isn’t random or a whim of the authorities.

• In 2025, the Title 24 standard became even stricter. It’s now aimed at reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
• In turn, SEER2, which replaced the old SEER, raises expectations for the performance quality of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER2, the more energy-efficient the equipment.

As we noted earlier, the best HVAC company must know and comply with these standards. This means:

• Its employees undergo regular retraining and know exactly which equipment is permitted and how to install it correctly.
• They can select equipment with the optimal SEER2 level for your needs and calculate how it fits within Title 24 requirements.
• The thrill is not over yet: Federal and regional subsidies and discounts are only available to those who use certified equipment installed according to all regulations. This means you can’t take advantage of these benefits without the best HVAC service.
• And you can’t miss this update: Licensed specialists bear legal and financial responsibility for their work. This protects you if the equipment fails or an inspection doesn’t approve the system.

What if you ignore the law and do things “your way” without following regulations?

You could face:

• Failing an inspector’s check.
• Losing warranty rights.
• Overpaying for electricity due to improper installation.

We strongly advise against going down this path.

Let us break it down for you: Our state’s regulations aren’t just formalities. They’re real mechanisms for saving energy, protecting the environment, and reducing your expenses. Let’s follow them together for everyone’s benefit.

Obviously: The Best HVAC Repair Near Me Is Freon Service

If you’ve come to this conclusion after working with our company, allow us to express our deepest gratitude for your high appreciation of our efforts and the trust you’ve placed in us. It means the world to us.

Let’s stay friends and partners moving forward?

Here’s how we can make that happen to avoid losing each other in the hustle of life:

1. If you liked a specialist from Freon Service, don’t miss the chance to make them “your” specialist.

Ask them directly: “Can we call you again next time?” Our professionals appreciate this. Many already have “their” clients they’ve worked with for years—you could become one of them.

2. Write down their details:

•  
• Date of visit.
• What they installed or repaired.
• How satisfied you were with the result.

This will come in handy when you call Freon Service’s office and request that specific technician.

3. Let us know.

When you call next time or submit a request on our website, you can say or write something like: “Please send technician (name). They’ve been to our place before, and we were very happy.” This is a completely normal practice. We value when clients stay loyal and satisfied, and we strive to maintain such “client-technician” pairs.

4. Leave a review mentioning their name on Yelp or Google.

For example: “Big thanks to technician (name) from Freon Service. They were punctual, neat, explained everything, and it all works! We’d love to keep working with them!”

This is not only nice for the specialist but also increases the chances of getting the best HVAC maintenance in the future. After all, the professional is already familiar with the nuances of cooling in your home or office.

We’ll be nearby! We’ll stay in touch! Your Freon Service.