Compare Local Pros
Got Watts? vs HQR Air
Contra Costa HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Got Watts brings 12 years of experience for straightforward HVAC projects, while HQR Air's one year in business makes them higher risk despite handling complex installations.
| Got Watts? | HQR Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 12 years | 1 years |
| License # | 985920 | 1125372 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Pleasant Hill, CA | Concord, CA |
| Website | www.gotwatts.com | hqrair.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Got Watts?
Got Watts customers consistently highlight transparent pricing, detailed proposals without sales pressure, and regular communication throughout project planning and installation phases.
HQR Air
HQR Air customers emphasize fast emergency response times, capability on technically complex commercial installations, and flexible scheduling around business operating hours.
Key Takeaway: Got Watts builds customer relationships through detailed planning and communication, while HQR Air demonstrates responsiveness and technical capability on specialized projects requiring fast turnaround or complex requirements.
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...
HQR Air
HQR Air services our restaurant's HVAC and chiller. They work around our hours, are always reliable, and keep our kitchen and dining area comfortable. Essential partner.
Great experience from estimate to completion for a full furnace replacement. The team was respectful of our home and the new furnace runs beautifully.
Professional and punctual. Installed a new inverter system in our home. The difference in noise level and efficiency is incredible. These guys know their tech.
Consider Got Watts? if...
- ✓ Your HVAC project is part of a larger electrical upgrade, solar installation, or EV charger addition where coordinating multiple trades through one contractor simplifies permitting and timeline management
- ✓ You prioritize a contractor with established operational history who will likely be in business years from now when warranty issues might arise
- ✓ You value detailed upfront proposals with multiple design options and transparent pricing without sales pressure
- ✓ Your system requires coordination with utility approvals or complex permitting where experience navigating local processes reduces delays
Consider HQR Air if...
- ✓ You need emergency HVAC repair with weekend availability and fast response times for business-critical cooling systems
- ✓ Your project involves specialized commercial requirements like walk-in coolers, multi-unit buildings, or medical-grade air quality systems where HQR Air has demonstrated specific capability
- ✓ You require flexible scheduling around business operating hours to minimize disruption to commercial operations
- ✓ You're comfortable accepting higher risk of a newer contractor in exchange for their focus on complex technical installations
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask HQR Air for references from projects completed in their first few months of operation to assess consistency over their entire business history, and confirm their warranty terms if the company structure changes
- → Ask Got Watts about the specific experience level of the crew handling HVAC installations, since their broader service offerings suggest HVAC may not be their primary focus
- → Request detailed timeline estimates from both contractors and ask how they've handled permit delays or supply chain issues on recent projects
- → Confirm which manufacturer warranties each contractor is authorized to provide and whether they offer their own workmanship warranty beyond the first year
The Bottom Line
For most residential HVAC installations, Got Watts' 12 years of licensed experience provides significantly lower risk than HQR Air's single year in business. The experience gap affects warranty reliability, problem diagnosis, and the likelihood they'll be operating years from now when you need service. Got Watts also offers the advantage of handling related electrical work if your project involves panel upgrades or future solar additions. Choose HQR Air only if you need their demonstrated specialty in complex commercial installations like walk-in coolers or multi-unit systems, and you're comfortable with the elevated risk of a newer contractor. For straightforward residential heating and cooling, Got Watts' established track record makes them the safer choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got Watts lists HVAC installation, heat pumps, and water heaters among their completed project types with positive customer feedback about professional installation quality. Their 12-year operating history provides confidence they're not experimenting with HVAC as a side business. However, you should specifically ask about their HVAC crew's experience and how many HVAC installations they complete annually compared to their electrical work.
Many contractors in their first year can competently install residential HVAC systems, and HQR Air shows capability on complex projects. The concern isn't technical ability for a standard installation—it's whether they'll still be operating in five years when your compressor needs warranty service or you have questions about system performance. Ask for their business continuity plan and confirm manufacturer warranty coverage continues even if HQR Air closes.
Both companies have completed heat pump installations successfully. Got Watts' customer feedback emphasizes transparent pricing and detailed proposals, suggesting you'll understand exactly what you're paying for. HQR Air's reviews don't specifically mention pricing patterns. Request itemized quotes from both and compare not just the bottom line but warranty terms, included maintenance, and permit handling—these factors matter more than initial price for long-term value.
Yes, if you're planning solar panels, EV charger installation, or electrical panel upgrades within the next few years, Got Watts can coordinate all work under one contractor relationship. This simplifies permitting, ensures compatible equipment selection, and provides a single point of contact for warranty issues. HQR Air would require you to hire a separate electrical contractor and coordinate between trades yourself.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top hvac contractors in Contra Costa.
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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 13, 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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