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Breathable vs Package Unit Pros
Alameda HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Choose between Breathable's specialized duct cleaning expertise and Package Unit Pros' broader HVAC technical depth with nine additional years of licensing.
| Breathable | Package Unit Pros | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 3.8 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 22 years |
| License # | 979977 | 840012 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Oakland, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | www.breathable.com | packageunitpros.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Breathable
Breathable customers consistently emphasize thorough cleaning work with protective measures, photo documentation, and transparent communication throughout scheduled appointments.
Package Unit Pros
Package Unit Pros customers highlight the company's technical expertise and willingness to reassess projects to recommend cost-effective alternatives.
Key Takeaway: Breathable's feedback centers on specialized cleaning service execution, while Package Unit Pros earns recognition for diagnostic assessment skills and honest project evaluation across broader HVAC work.
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...
Package Unit Pros
Trustworthy. I was already moving forward with a $9k project with them, but the person in charge of my project reviewed my plans and recommended a different route, which will probably SAVE ME $8k (wil...
Package Unit Pros did HVAC maintenance services for us. They were accountable, and their staff was very helpful and responsive. I would definitely use them again when we need this type of service.
Awesome place to work for the entire staff & very knowledgeable service technicians that are at their best very professional I recommend them to anybody package unit Pros total HVAC experience
Consider Breathable if...
- ✓ Your primary need is air duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, or dryer vent maintenance rather than system repair or replacement, matching Breathable's core specialization
- ✓ You value documented work processes with before-and-after photos showing what was actually accomplished during the service visit
- ✓ You're dealing with post-renovation dust, pet dander concerns, or have never had ducts professionally cleaned and want a company with established cleaning protocols
- ✓ You prefer working with a contractor who has refined one specific service type through repeat customers rather than a generalist approach
Consider Package Unit Pros if...
- ✓ You need diagnostic work to identify why your HVAC system is malfunctioning rather than routine cleaning services
- ✓ Your project involves commercial property or complex system repairs where 22 years of varied experience helps diagnose unusual problems
- ✓ You're concerned about unnecessary work and appreciate contractors known for reassessing projects and recommending cost-effective alternatives
- ✓ You need broader HVAC repair and installation capabilities beyond duct cleaning and maintenance
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Breathable what their process involves beyond duct cleaning if you discover system repairs are needed during the cleaning appointment
- → Ask Package Unit Pros about their specific experience with duct cleaning work if that's part of your project scope, since their reviews emphasize repair and maintenance rather than cleaning specialization
- → Ask both companies for references from projects matching your specific needs, whether that's cleaning-focused or diagnostic repair work
- → Clarify whether your initial assessment or quote is free and what happens if the scope changes once work begins
The Bottom Line
Your decision hinges on what your HVAC system actually needs this week. If you're scheduling air duct cleaning, furnace cleaning, or dryer vent maintenance, Breathable's specialized focus with documented processes and repeat satisfied customers makes them the direct choice. If you're troubleshooting system problems, need diagnostic work, or face commercial property requirements, Package Unit Pros' 22 years of broader HVAC experience and reputation for honest technical assessments positions them better for complex work. Don't hire a cleaning specialist for diagnostic repairs or a generalist for work where specialized cleaning protocols matter. Match the contractor's core strength to your actual project need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward duct cleaning, Breathable's 13 years provides plenty of experience to handle the work thoroughly, as evidenced by their repeat annual customers. The experience gap matters more if you discover underlying system problems during cleaning, where Package Unit Pros' 22 years of broader HVAC diagnostic experience becomes valuable. If you're unsure whether you need just cleaning or potential repairs, Package Unit Pros' veteran status offers more diagnostic depth.
Package Unit Pros is better positioned for diagnostic uncertainty since they handle both assessment and repair work across varied HVAC systems. Breathable specializes in cleaning and can identify issues like duct leaks, but their core expertise centers on cleaning rather than complex system repairs. If your HVAC performance has declined, start with Package Unit Pros' diagnostic capabilities rather than assuming cleaning will solve the problem.
Package Unit Pros can perform duct cleaning as part of broader HVAC maintenance, but their reviews emphasize technical diagnostics and cost-saving project assessments rather than the specialized cleaning documentation Breathable provides. If you specifically want thorough duct cleaning with photo documentation and established protective protocols, Breathable's specialization serves that need more directly. Ask Package Unit Pros about their duct cleaning process if you need both cleaning and other HVAC work.
Breathable offers duct repair, sealing, installation, and some equipment work like heat pumps and air handlers, but their reputation centers on cleaning services. For complex diagnostics, system failures, or commercial work, Package Unit Pros' 22-year track record across varied HVAC issues provides more technical breadth. Consider what your primary need is: if it's cleaning with possible minor repairs, Breathable works; if it's diagnosing why your system isn't working properly, Package Unit Pros is the stronger choice.
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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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