Compare Local Pros
Got Watts? vs American Home Upgrades
Contra Costa HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Got Watts brings four times the licensed experience and specializes in electrical and solar work, while American Home Upgrades focuses on mold remediation and indoor air quality with three years in business.
| Got Watts? | American Home Upgrades | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 3 years |
| License # | 985920 | 1094886 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Brentwood, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | americanhomeupgrades.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Customers consistently praise Got Watts for detailed proposals with multiple options, transparent pricing, regular project communication, and professional installation crews who complete work on or ahead of schedule.
American Home Upgrades
Customers highlight American Home Upgrades for fast response times, quick project completion, and professional approach to remediation and HVAC work.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts customers emphasize thorough planning and systematic communication throughout longer projects, while American Home Upgrades customers prioritize speed and responsiveness for remediation work requiring rapid completion.
Customer Reviews
Got Watts?
Got watts is incredible. Dont hesitate. Eric is so professional and experienced. They are meticulous about safety and quality and were on time had all the parts and even dealt with permits!!! They com...
Got Watts continues to do amazing work for us. They're prompt, attentive, and do high quality work. We originally had them install a large solar array and a couple of batteries for us. We recently had...
I reached out to GotWatts about adding solar panels to my home. They gave me several solid options and clearly explained efficiency, ROI, and cost. Their transparency was refreshing, and their pricing...
American Home Upgrades
We had a dishwasher leak that resulted in mold growth beneath our kitchen sink and the surrounding cabinetry. After meeting with several companies, and checking if they are fully licensed, we ultimate...
We've used American Home Upgrades twice now (for a number of things including mold remediation, fan installations, and duct replacements) and both times they have provided impeccable and fast service....
I needed my Ducts cleaned and I was recommended to AHU , they were super quick to respond and were professional. Thank you AHU !
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You need electrical work, solar panel installation, battery backup systems, EV charger installation, or electrical panel upgrades—Got Watts specializes in these services while American Home Upgrades does not
- ✓ Your project involves complex permitting and utility coordination, where Got Watts' 12 years of experience navigating regulatory processes provides substantial advantage
- ✓ You want detailed proposals with multiple design options and regular communication throughout planning and installation phases
- ✓ You're planning a multi-phase project like solar now with battery addition later, as customers report returning to Got Watts for system expansions over time
Consider American Home Upgrades if...
- ✓ You're dealing with mold remediation following water damage or need indoor air quality improvements—American Home Upgrades specializes in these services while Got Watts does not
- ✓ Speed is your priority and you need a contractor who can respond and complete work quickly, which customers specifically mention about American Home Upgrades
- ✓ Your project involves duct cleaning, duct replacement, or HVAC diagnostics rather than electrical installations
- ✓ You're comfortable working with a newer contractor for straightforward remediation work that doesn't require the deep experience base needed for complex electrical system design
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For American Home Upgrades: Ask for references from projects similar in scope to yours, and inquire how long their current crew has worked together to assess team stability despite the company's newer status
- → If considering American Home Upgrades for a complex mold situation: Ask about their process for identifying hidden moisture sources and preventing recurrence, where experience matters significantly
- → For either company: Confirm they'll handle all permit coordination and inspection scheduling, then ask for a timeline that includes these regulatory steps
The Bottom Line
Your project type makes this decision straightforward. If you need electrical work, solar installation, battery systems, EV chargers, or electrical panel upgrades, Got Watts is your choice—American Home Upgrades doesn't offer these services. If you need mold remediation, duct cleaning, or indoor air quality work, American Home Upgrades is your option. Within their respective specialties, Got Watts' 12-year track record provides significantly more depth for complex electrical projects involving permitting and utility coordination, while American Home Upgrades earns praise for responsive service on remediation work. Match the contractor to your project category first, then evaluate their experience level against your project's complexity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends entirely on your project type. For complex electrical work, solar installations, or projects requiring utility coordination and engineering calculations, Got Watts' 12 years provides substantial advantage in handling complications and design challenges. For mold remediation or duct cleaning where American Home Upgrades specializes, their 3 years may be sufficient if the scope is straightforward, though you should ask for references from similar projects.
You're correct—these contractors serve different needs. If you need electrical, solar, battery, or EV charging work, Got Watts is your relevant option. If you need mold remediation, duct work, or indoor air quality services, American Home Upgrades is the appropriate choice. The decision is driven by your project category, not by comparing their relative merits.
Not necessarily. The speed emphasis in American Home Upgrades reviews likely reflects the nature of mold and duct work, where customers want quick resolution. Got Watts customers actually mention meeting or beating timelines, but their projects involve permitting, utility coordination, and inspection phases that inherently take longer than remediation work. Fast permitting matters more than fast installation for solar projects.
For straightforward projects within their specialty, a 3-year contractor with proper insurance and bonding can perform well—American Home Upgrades has satisfied customers. However, for complex situations requiring extensive troubleshooting or projects with hidden complications, less experience means fewer reference points for problem-solving. Ask specifically about their experience with projects matching your situation's complexity.
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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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