Compare Local Pros
AAA Steiners Solar Service vs RPM HVAC Service
Sacramento Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
These companies serve completely different needs: AAA Steiners specializes in solar energy systems while RPM focuses exclusively on heating and cooling.
| AAA Steiners Solar Service | RPM HVAC Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.6 | ★ 4.9 |
| Years Licensed | 19 years | 11 years |
| License # | 887507 | 995282 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Citrus Heights, CA |
| Website | steinersolar.com | www.rpmhvacservice.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Customers emphasize AAA Steiners' thorough solar consultations, responsive follow-up service, and competitive pricing compared to larger solar installation companies.
RPM HVAC Service
Customers consistently highlight RPM's rapid scheduling availability even during peak demand, transparent pricing without upselling, and thorough explanations of HVAC options.
Key Takeaway: Both companies receive praise for responsiveness and owner involvement, but AAA Steiners customers focus on solar consultation depth and long-term service relationships while RPM customers emphasize same-day emergency availability and straightforward pricing discussions for HVAC decisions.
Customer Reviews
AAA Steiners Solar Service
Steiner Solar has been keeping the solar panels for my pool up and running/repaired since 2005. Since I like my pool water Caribbean temp, I really appreciate their dedication. A special shoutout to M...
We hired Steiner’s to installed both solar for our house as well for our pool. We could not be more pleased with how the whole process went. Steve was the most thorough when coming out to house. He ...
Just finished installing a PV solar system with Steiner Solar. Overall I am very happy with the communication from Steve, craftsmanship from Mike and Drew, and now being able to generate our own elect...
RPM HVAC Service
Great communication. On time. Provided various scenarios. Started with the most obvious/lowest price item which fixed it for now. My system is old, so fingers crossed it keeps going.
Representative showed up on time got to work right away. Found an unexpected issue that saved us a major repair work. Got the system working very happy.
Great service. They were out to see me the same day I called.
Consider AAA Steiners Solar Service if...
- ✓ You're installing a new solar photovoltaic system or solar pool heating and need a contractor with nearly two decades of solar-specific experience navigating panel technology changes and manufacturer relationships
- ✓ You want competitive pricing compared to larger solar installation companies while maintaining direct access to the business owner throughout the consultation and installation process
- ✓ You have an existing solar system needing maintenance or repair and prefer working with an established local specialist rather than the original installer's service department
- ✓ Your project involves complex solar installations where 19 years of troubleshooting experience with electrical integration and roof mounting matters significantly
Consider RPM HVAC Service if...
- ✓ You need heating or air conditioning installation, repair, or maintenance and want a contractor with 11 years of HVAC-specific experience and consistent availability during peak demand periods
- ✓ Fast response matters for your situation, whether emergency AC failure during summer or next-day service scheduling, based on RPM's track record of same-day and next-day appointments
- ✓ You appreciate transparent pricing discussions and want to avoid high-pressure upselling tactics when exploring repair versus replacement options for aging HVAC equipment
- ✓ You're managing rental properties, coordinating real estate transaction inspections, or need ductwork services where HVAC specialization and professional communication are priorities
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If considering both solar and HVAC upgrades simultaneously, ask each contractor how their system affects the other (solar panels may require roof work affecting HVAC penetrations; new HVAC efficiency reduces solar panel quantity needed)
- → Ask AAA Steiners about their experience with your specific panel brands and inverter types, particularly if you have an existing system needing service
- → Ask RPM about their experience sizing HVAC systems for homes with solar, as solar-equipped homes may have different load calculations
- → Request project timelines from both, as solar permitting and utility interconnection often takes longer than HVAC installations
The Bottom Line
Choose AAA Steiners Solar Service if you need solar panel installation, solar pool heating, or service on existing solar equipment; their 19 years of solar-specific experience and competitive pricing make them the clear choice for any solar-related work. Choose RPM HVAC Service if you need heating, air conditioning, or ductwork services; their responsive scheduling and transparent pricing approach serve HVAC needs well. These companies don't compete because they serve entirely different home systems. If you're deciding between solar investment and HVAC replacement, that's a broader energy efficiency question beyond contractor selection—consider getting quotes from both to understand costs, then evaluate which investment addresses your most pressing need or delivers better returns for your specific situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, RPM handles HVAC systems regardless of your home's power source. However, they do not install, service, or repair the solar panels or inverters themselves. If you're planning both solar installation and HVAC work, coordinate timing with both contractors since solar panel placement may affect roof penetrations for HVAC equipment, and new energy-efficient HVAC systems may reduce the solar array size you need.
No, AAA Steiners specializes exclusively in solar photovoltaic systems and solar pool heating. They do not perform heating or air conditioning work. If your home needs both solar installation and HVAC upgrades, you'll need separate contractors for each system, though coordinating the projects may yield energy efficiency benefits.
This depends entirely on your current equipment age, energy costs, and usage patterns. Solar installations typically have 7-12 year payback periods through utility bill reduction, while replacing a failing HVAC system is often an immediate necessity rather than an investment decision. If both systems need attention, replacing an inefficient HVAC system first may reduce the solar array size required, potentially saving on your solar investment.
In this comparison, more experience isn't the deciding factor since these contractors work in completely different specialties. AAA Steiners' 19 years matters for solar-specific expertise with evolving panel technology and solar regulations, while RPM's 11 years represents solid establishment in HVAC services. Both demonstrate sufficient experience in their respective fields with proper licensing and insurance.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 12, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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