Compare Local Pros
Dollens Electric vs Modern Air
Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
This comparison requires choosing between two different trades: Dollens Electric specializes in electrical work while Modern Air handles HVAC systems.
| Dollens Electric | Modern Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 17 years |
| License # | 867376 | 935704 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Jose, CA | Morgan Hill, CA |
| Website | dollenselectric.com | modernairco.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Dollens Electric
Customers consistently praise Dollens Electric for quick response times, knowledgeable technicians who provide detailed explanations, and professional service across both emergency repairs and complex installations.
Modern Air
Modern Air receives recognition for prompt scheduling, clear technical explanations without upselling pressure, and honest diagnostic approaches that help customers understand their options.
Key Takeaway: Both companies demonstrate nearly identical customer service strengths within their respective trades, with response speed, communication quality, and technical expertise receiving consistent praise in both electrical and HVAC contexts.
Customer Reviews
Dollens Electric
Great Company, very happy every time they do work for us.
I needed to upgrade my electrical panel. Dollens Electric did a load calculation and recommended a new panel that would accommodate the electrification of my furnace and water heater down the road. Th...
Fixed my problem and replaced my electronic door lock promptly.
Modern Air
We replaced all of our asbestos-wrapped ductwork and installed a new heat pump system in late October. The entire Modern Air team did a great job with this relatively large project. Andrew, the owner...
Outstanding! Professional! Efficient! Great communications! Same day service. Texts and emails confirming all communications. Installation several days later. A special thanks to Billy, Alfredo and hi...
Alfredo was professional and courteous, and so was the previous person who came out for quote. Modern Air does a great job with their client communications, and their cost is reasonable.
Consider Dollens Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical work such as panel upgrades, EV charging station installation, generator systems, whole house rewiring, or troubleshooting electrical issues
- ✓ Your project involves solar installation coordination or circuit additions for new appliances or equipment
- ✓ You're located in San Jose or northern Santa Clara County and want a contractor with deep local market knowledge spanning two decades
- ✓ You value a company with demonstrated experience handling both emergency electrical repairs and complex planned installations
Consider Modern Air if...
- ✓ You need heating or cooling system work including furnace repairs, AC service, heat pump installation, or full HVAC system replacement
- ✓ Your project involves ductwork issues, including specialized work like asbestos-wrapped duct removal
- ✓ You're located in Morgan Hill or southern Santa Clara County, including areas like Scotts Valley or the Santa Cruz Mountains
- ✓ You want access to maintenance membership programs with scheduled annual inspections to extend system lifespan
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If you need both electrical and HVAC work, ask each contractor whether they can recommend a trusted professional in the other trade to coordinate timing
- → Ask about current scheduling availability, as both companies handle emergency calls that could affect planned project timelines
- → Confirm whether your specific location falls within their primary service area to ensure prompt warranty or callback service
The Bottom Line
This comparison comes down to a simple question: do you need electrical work or HVAC work? Both Dollens Electric and Modern Air are well-established, properly insured veteran contractors with strong customer feedback patterns. Dollens Electric's 20 years of electrical expertise makes them the obvious choice for panel upgrades, EV chargers, generators, rewiring, or any electrical project. Modern Air's 17 years of HVAC specialization makes them the clear choice for furnace repairs, AC service, heat pump installations, or system replacements. Neither company shows red flags in licensing, insurance, or customer satisfaction. Choose based on your project type, not contractor comparison, as both are solid options within their respective trades.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, and this is common in renovation projects. Dollens Electric would handle all electrical components like panel upgrades, wiring, and lighting, while Modern Air would address heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Both companies have high owner involvement, which typically helps with coordination between trades when timeline sequencing matters.
If the issue involves outlets, lights, circuits, or electrical panels, contact Dollens Electric. If it involves heating, cooling, air flow, or temperature control, contact Modern Air. For example, a tripped breaker is electrical, while a furnace that won't ignite is HVAC. Both companies are known for honest diagnostics and won't push unnecessary services.
The three-year gap is minimal when both contractors are in the veteran tier with 17+ years of experience. Both have handled diverse projects and encountered the complications that come with older homes and legacy systems. The trade specialization matters far more than this experience difference for your decision.
Both receive consistent customer feedback about fair and competitive pricing within their industries. However, electrical and HVAC work have different cost structures, so you cannot directly compare pricing between the two. Modern Air customers specifically mention affordable pricing compared to other HVAC providers, while Dollens Electric customers note transparent estimates without surprise charges.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top electrical contractors in Santa Clara.
Other Santa Clara Electrical Contractors Comparisons
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 13, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.