Compare Local Pros
Albert Nahman Plumbing Heating And Cooling vs Bradford Air & Heating
Alameda HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Bradford Air & Heating brings 22 years of licensed experience versus Albert Nahman's 4 years, making Bradford the more seasoned choice for complex HVAC work.
| Albert Nahman Plumbing Heating And Cooling | Bradford Air & Heating | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 4 years | 22 years |
| License # | 1083634 | 839474 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Alameda, CA | Livermore, CA |
| Website | albertnahmanplumbing.com | www.bradfordairandheating.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Albert Nahman Plumbing Heating And Cooling
Customers consistently praise Albert Nahman for rapid response times, same-day availability, and professional technicians who explain options clearly without pressure.
Bradford Air & Heating
Bradford's customers emphasize the owner's personal involvement in diagnostics, honest recommendations that prioritize repairs over replacements, and efficient service with thorough follow-up.
Key Takeaway: Albert Nahman's reviews center on speed and scheduling flexibility for getting systems running quickly, while Bradford's feedback highlights cost-conscious diagnostic approaches and owner accountability for finding repair solutions before recommending expensive replacements.
Customer Reviews
Albert Nahman Plumbing Heating And Cooling
Tara from Albert Nahman plumbing came out and did a excellent job installing a new toilet. She let the work area spotless and I was very impressed with her work. I would highly recommend this company
With their rapid response time, professionalism, know how and ability to communicate technical jargon in layman's terms, Albert Nahman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling stands head and shoulders above their...
Albert Nahman installed a brand new furnace in 2017 and they have maintained my unit to keep it in excellent running condition. They even offer a membership which I signed up for immediately. They are...
Bradford Air & Heating
This place is amazing! They could have sold me an entirely new unit but instead they just went with the pump. Fast, attentive and they truly care. Outstanding service!!!
2nd review: Used them again when my A/C unit went out. Lizzie was wonderful in getting us an appointment in a timely manner. It is over 20 years old, and we were fearful that it was terminal. Jay w...
Awesome job! Showed up early, very friendly and professional! I was very impressed with the results!
Consider Albert Nahman Plumbing Heating And Cooling if...
- ✓ You need both plumbing and HVAC services handled by one contractor, avoiding the hassle of coordinating multiple companies for interconnected systems like water heaters or boiler installations.
- ✓ Same-day or next-day service is critical to your situation, as Albert Nahman's reviews consistently highlight rapid response times and scheduling flexibility for emergency repairs.
- ✓ Your project is straightforward—replacing a functioning water heater, installing a new toilet, or routine furnace maintenance—where 4 years of experience provides adequate expertise without requiring decades of problem-solving history.
Consider Bradford Air & Heating if...
- ✓ Your HVAC system is older than 15 years, involves custom ductwork, or requires diagnosing intermittent problems where Bradford's 22 years of pattern recognition becomes invaluable for accurate diagnosis.
- ✓ You're concerned about being upsold on unnecessary replacements, as customers specifically mention Bradford providing repair options and cost-effective solutions rather than pushing for full system changes.
- ✓ You value owner involvement in the actual service work, as Bradford's owner personally conducts diagnostics and explains technical issues, providing accountability beyond crew-level technicians.
- ✓ Your property is commercial or you need specialized ventilation work like duct cleaning or dryer vent services, where Bradford's veteran experience with diverse building types provides added confidence.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Albert Nahman: Ask how many similar HVAC projects their lead technician has completed independently, and request references from installations or repairs matching your system's age and complexity.
- → For Bradford: Confirm current availability and typical response times for non-emergency work, since their reviews don't emphasize the same rapid scheduling that Albert Nahman highlights.
- → For both: Ask what warranty they provide on labor and whether they stock parts for your specific equipment brand to minimize return visits.
The Bottom Line
Bradford Air & Heating is the stronger choice for most HVAC projects, particularly if your system is older, your situation is complex, or you want the assurance of 22 years of licensed experience and owner-involved diagnostics. Their track record of honest repair recommendations provides added confidence against unnecessary upselling. Choose Albert Nahman if you specifically need plumbing services alongside HVAC work, require same-day emergency response, or have straightforward replacement needs where their 4 years of experience is fully adequate. For HVAC-only projects involving diagnosis, older equipment, or custom installations, Bradford's veteran status and specialized focus make them the safer bet.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For a basic swap of a standard residential furnace in good conditions, Albert Nahman's 4 years provides adequate experience. However, if your home has older ductwork, unusual venting requirements, or if complications arise during removal, Bradford's 22 years of encountering similar problems means they're more likely to diagnose hidden issues before they become callbacks. The experience gap matters most when things don't go as planned.
Yes, this is actually Albert Nahman's advantage—they're licensed for both plumbing and HVAC work, so they can address interconnected issues like water heater connections to heating systems or condensate drain problems without bringing in a second contractor. Bradford specializes only in HVAC and ventilation work. If your project clearly spans both disciplines, Albert Nahman provides more convenient single-vendor service.
The review patterns suggest different service philosophies. Bradford's owner-involved approach emphasizes thorough diagnostics and presenting repair alternatives to extend equipment life, which customers notice and appreciate. Albert Nahman's reviews highlight rapid response and getting systems running quickly, which matters more in emergency situations. Neither approach is wrong—it depends whether you prioritize cost-conscious repairs or fast restoration of service.
Albert Nahman operates from Alameda and Bradford from Livermore, about 30 miles apart. For routine scheduled work, this distance is negligible for either company. For true emergency same-day service, confirm response times to your specific address, as Albert Nahman's reviews emphasize rapid availability while Bradford's focus more on thorough service than speed. Both serve the broader Alameda County area including the Tri-Valley region.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top hvac contractors in Alameda.
Other Alameda HVAC 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.