Kevel Home Performance vs Vayu

Not necessarily, especially for straightforward heat pump installations in homes without complicating factors. The owner brings engineering training and customers report quality installations. However, one year means limited experience handling unexpected issues like inadequate electrical capacity, hidden ductwork damage, or permit complications that frequently arise in San Francisco's older housing stock. You're taking more risk that complications could extend timelines or require outside expertise.

It depends on whether you value specialization or breadth. Vayu's exclusive heat pump focus means their entire business model centers on this technology, potentially offering deeper expertise in system sizing and configuration options. Kevel treats heat pumps as one solution within comprehensive energy efficiency work, which may mean less cutting-edge knowledge but more experience integrating systems with ductwork modifications, air sealing, and whole-home energy performance.

Kevel has explicit experience with Victorian-era properties and the structural complications they present, including careful air sealing work that doesn't compromise historic features. This matters when installations require working around plaster walls, outdated electrical systems, or preservation requirements. Vayu's technical approach to heat pump design is strong, but their one year of licensing means less exposure to the specific challenges historic properties present during retrofits.

For a straightforward replacement in a newer home with adequate electrical service and existing ductwork in good condition, the gap matters less. Both contractors carry proper insurance and demonstrate quality installation work. The experience difference becomes critical when your project involves older homes, system conversions from gas to electric, ductwork modifications, or electrical panel upgrades—situations where problems emerge mid-project and require veteran judgment to resolve efficiently.