Compare Local Pros
Breathable vs Flanders Heat And Air Systems
Alameda HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Flanders brings three decades of HVAC system expertise versus Breathable's 13-year focus on duct cleaning and maintenance work.
| Breathable | Flanders Heat And Air Systems | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 32 years |
| License # | 979977 | 677502 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Oakland, CA | Pleasanton, CA |
| Website | www.breathable.com | www.flandersair.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Breathable
Breathable's customers emphasize thorough cleaning work with protective measures, detailed photo documentation, and transparent communication that brings them back annually.
Flanders Heat And Air Systems
Flanders' customers highlight technical problem-solving for complex installations, personal owner involvement in estimates and oversight, and reliable emergency responsiveness.
Key Takeaway: Breathable's feedback centers on meticulous cleaning service delivery while Flanders' reviews focus on solving technical HVAC system challenges and equipment expertise.
Customer Reviews
Breathable
Alex and his crew were very professional. They did an extremely thorough job cleaning my vents and ducts, which hadn't been cleaned since I purchased the house. I wish I had done this sooner! I not...
I recently hired Breathable for a vent cleaning and sealing service, and I am beyond impressed with the work done by Filipe and his team. From start to finish, the level of professionalism was top-not...
Alex and his crew did an awesome job cleaning the air ducts and dryer vent/duct in my San Francisco home. The 3-men crew came early, covered the surrounding area of each vent with plastic, removed th...
Flanders Heat And Air Systems
I recommend Flanders Heat & Air Systems because they actually focus on what's best for the customer and are very skilled. We had a heat pump installed to replace a gas furnace and air conditioning un...
100% recommend Bret and Flanders Heat & Air! Literally the worst thing that could happen during a heat wave: our A/C unit stopped working last night. We feared that we would have to wait weeks for som...
Life Saver! I thought I was going to have to replace the entire heater, but Mr. Flanders saved the day and repaired it just in time for the Christmas holidays! I highly recommend his services.
Consider Breathable if...
- ✓ You need air duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, or dryer vent maintenance rather than system repair or replacement
- ✓ You're dealing with post-renovation dust, pet dander accumulation, or allergy concerns that duct cleaning addresses
- ✓ You value detailed documentation with before-and-after photos showing what was found and cleaned
- ✓ You're establishing an annual maintenance routine and want a company with repeat customers who return year after year
Consider Flanders Heat And Air Systems if...
- ✓ You need a complete HVAC system replacement, furnace repair, or heat pump installation rather than cleaning services
- ✓ Your project involves technical complexity like ductless mini-splits, specialty cooling equipment, or systems other contractors have struggled with
- ✓ You're facing an emergency heating or cooling failure and need rapid problem-solving
- ✓ You want the owner personally involved in your estimate and overseeing your installation from start to finish
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Breathable whether they handle the specific repair or installation work you need, or if their focus is primarily cleaning and maintenance
- → Ask Flanders about their duct cleaning capabilities if that's part of your project scope, or whether they recommend a specialist
- → Confirm response times for emergency service if your system has failed and you need immediate repair
- → Request references for projects matching your specific needs, whether that's duct cleaning or system replacement
The Bottom Line
These contractors serve different HVAC needs, and choosing correctly depends on defining your project. If you need air duct cleaning, dryer vent service, or maintenance on an existing system, Breathable's 13-year specialization with documented thoroughness and repeat customers makes them the focused choice. If you're replacing a failed system, installing new equipment, handling complex technical work, or need emergency repairs, Flanders' 32 years of system-level expertise and high owner involvement is what matches your situation. Don't hire a system replacement specialist for duct cleaning, and don't expect a duct cleaning specialist to handle complex installations.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
Breathable's core expertise is air duct and HVAC system cleaning, though they do offer some installation services like heat pumps and air handlers. For complex system diagnostics, emergency furnace repairs, or complete HVAC replacements, Flanders' 32 years of system-level work is more directly aligned. If you need both duct cleaning and system work, ask each company about their specific capabilities for your project.
The experience gap matters most for complex system work where Flanders has seen decades of equipment failures, tricky installations, and evolving HVAC technology. For duct cleaning and maintenance work, Breathable's 13-year track record with repeat annual customers demonstrates mature competence in their specialty. Match the experience type to your project rather than just counting years.
Breathable's specialization in duct cleaning, including their practice of documenting issues with photos and identifying leaks or disconnected components, makes them the focused choice for this specific need. Their customer feedback consistently mentions thorough cleaning work and protective measures during service. Flanders handles system-level work rather than specializing in comprehensive duct cleaning.
Flanders is set up for emergency HVAC repairs with customer feedback specifically mentioning responsiveness during heat waves and cold snaps. Their 32 years of system diagnostics and high owner involvement suit urgent repair situations. Breathable's focus is maintenance and cleaning rather than emergency system failures, making Flanders the appropriate call for a broken furnace.
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 11, 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.