Compare Local Pros
Got Watts? vs Arctic Refrigeration
Contra Costa HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Got Watts is a full-service electrical and solar installer, while Arctic Refrigeration specializes exclusively in HVAC and refrigeration repair.
| Got Watts? | Arctic Refrigeration | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 50 years |
| License # | 985920 | 322738 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Concord, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Got Watts customers consistently praise detailed project proposals, transparent pricing, regular communication during installations, and professional installation quality with attention to wiring detail.
Arctic Refrigeration
Arctic Refrigeration customers highlight efficient diagnostic skills, straightforward technical explanations, fair pricing assessments, and long-term service relationships spanning many years.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts feedback centers on installation project management and completion, while Arctic Refrigeration reviews emphasize diagnostic troubleshooting and repair expertise for existing equipment.
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...
Arctic Refrigeration
Great service and pricing! Last week I had Eli out to look at our home A/C unit that wasn't cooling. With in an hour Eli had it diagnosed and fixed, plus he shared his findings with me. We are so HAPP...
David, from Artic Refrigeration, came out yesterday to fix our ice machine (on top of our Pepsi soda fountain) and check our three door frig and 2 door freezer, in our kitchen. He did a great job, I ...
I have worked with Arctic Refrigeration a number of times over many years as a homeowner. Always an honest assessment at a fair price and they do great work.
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ You need new electrical installations such as solar panels, battery backup systems, EV chargers, or electrical panel upgrades
- ✓ You're planning a project requiring permit coordination and inspection processes, which Got Watts handles as part of their installation service
- ✓ You want a contractor who provides detailed proposals with multiple system design options and maintains regular communication throughout project phases
- ✓ You're looking for installation expertise with clean workmanship and documented attention to detail in wiring and conduit organization
Consider Arctic Refrigeration if...
- ✓ You need diagnostic work or repairs on existing air conditioning, refrigeration, or cooling equipment rather than new installations
- ✓ You have commercial refrigeration equipment, ice machines, or multi-door cooling units requiring specialized technical troubleshooting
- ✓ You value a long-established service relationship model, as Arctic has maintained customer relationships spanning many years
- ✓ You need efficient problem identification and straightforward technical explanations from experienced repair technicians
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Confirm with Got Watts what specific HVAC installation services they provide and whether your project falls within their installation focus or requires repair expertise
- → Ask Arctic Refrigeration whether they handle new HVAC installations or if their practice is exclusively repair and maintenance focused
- → If your project involves both installation and ongoing service, ask each company how they handle warranty work and future service needs for equipment they install or repair
The Bottom Line
Your choice between these contractors depends entirely on what type of work you need, not which company is better overall. If you're installing solar panels, EV chargers, battery systems, or upgrading electrical panels, Got Watts provides exactly those installation services with documented project management and permitting expertise. If you need existing air conditioning, refrigeration, or cooling equipment diagnosed and repaired, Arctic Refrigeration specializes in that technical troubleshooting with 50 years of repair experience. Both maintain proper licensing, insurance, and bonding. Simply match your project type to each company's service focus—installation work goes to Got Watts, repair work goes to Arctic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got Watts installs HVAC systems including heat pumps and handles electrical work associated with those installations, but their focus is on new installations rather than ongoing repair services. Arctic Refrigeration specializes in diagnostics and repairs but may not focus on new installations. If you need a new HVAC system installed, clarify with Arctic whether they perform installations or primarily service existing equipment.
Arctic's five decades of experience reflects deep diagnostic and repair expertise for cooling systems, which is valuable if you need existing equipment fixed. Got Watts' 12 years focuses on installation projects with permit coordination and electrical integration. The relevant experience depends on whether you're installing something new or repairing existing equipment.
Arctic Refrigeration specializes in diagnosing and repairing air conditioning problems with efficient troubleshooting and technical explanations. Got Watts installs HVAC systems but their customer feedback centers on installation projects rather than repair diagnostics. For a broken AC unit, Arctic's repair specialization aligns directly with that need.
Got Watts specifically handles solar panel installations, battery systems, and electrical panel upgrades as integrated projects. Their reviews consistently mention permit coordination and complete installation services for these exact combinations. Arctic Refrigeration focuses on refrigeration and cooling systems, not electrical or solar work.
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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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