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ABC Service vs Aquinas Hvac
Santa Clara HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Aquinas HVAC brings twice the licensing experience (8 years vs 4) with focused HVAC expertise, while ABC Service offers broader appliance repair capabilities.
| ABC Service | Aquinas Hvac | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 4 years | 8 years |
| License # | 1091355 | 1042033 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Los Gatos, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
| Website | www.heatcoolabc.com | www.aquinashvac.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
ABC Service
Customers emphasize ABC Service's rapid emergency response including late-night availability, modern communication tools, and efficient handling of diverse appliance and HVAC repairs.
Aquinas Hvac
Customers highlight Aquinas HVAC's professional handling of both emergency repairs and major installations with competitive pricing and technical expertise in system replacements.
Key Takeaway: ABC Service is praised for convenience and multi-system repair capability, while Aquinas earns recognition specifically for installation quality and handling complex HVAC projects beyond basic repairs.
Customer Reviews
ABC Service
Convenient, quick and thorough cleaning of my HVAC, Dryer and water heater. Highly recommend
I had a great experience with ABC Service HVAC & Appliances when they fixed my dishwasher. They were fast, responsive, and flexible with their availability, making scheduling a breeze. They arrived ri...
Recurring issue with pilot light on furnace being extinguished. ABC Service HVAC was kind to squeeze us onto the schedule towards the end of the day on the very same day that we called. Barely into ...
Aquinas Hvac
Mark, Tim and Celeste have been a wonder to work with. They provide us with quick and easy services.
Excellent customer service! John was super friendly and easy to connect with, and he got the job done quickly and efficiently!
John Carlo performed my dryer vent cleaning today and did a wonderful job. He was polite and professional, and did a great job educating me on the importance of keeping the dryer vent clean, as well a...
Consider ABC Service if...
- ✓ You need both HVAC and appliance repair services and prefer coordinating through one contractor for multiple household systems
- ✓ Your project is a straightforward repair or maintenance call rather than a complex system replacement
- ✓ You're in Los Gatos specifically and value proximity for faster emergency response times
- ✓ You appreciate modern conveniences like online scheduling systems and text message updates throughout the service process
Consider Aquinas Hvac if...
- ✓ You're facing a major system installation like a new furnace, AC unit, or heat pump where specialized experience matters
- ✓ Your home is older and may have ductwork issues, sizing complications, or hidden structural factors affecting installation
- ✓ You want a contractor who has navigated twice as many California heating and cooling seasons with the associated equipment failures
- ✓ Your priority is HVAC-specific expertise rather than a generalist approach covering multiple appliance types
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask ABC Service how many major HVAC installations they complete annually versus appliance repairs to understand their current focus areas
- → Ask Aquinas for references specifically from projects similar to yours, particularly if you need installation rather than repair work
- → Confirm with both contractors how long their current technician team has worked together and what manufacturer certifications they hold
- → Request detailed written estimates that break down equipment, labor, and any modifications to existing ductwork or electrical systems
The Bottom Line
For straightforward HVAC repairs or if you value having one contractor handle both heating systems and appliances, ABC Service HVAC offers solid capability with 4 years licensed and strong emergency responsiveness. However, for major HVAC installations, system replacements, or projects involving older homes with potential complications, Aquinas HVAC's 8 years of licensing and exclusive HVAC focus provide meaningfully deeper experience. The experience gap matters most when projects move beyond routine maintenance into complex installations where proper sizing, ductwork assessment, and installation quality directly affect your system's efficiency and longevity for the next 15-20 years. If you're replacing a furnace or installing a heat pump, choose Aquinas. If you need quick appliance and HVAC repair service, ABC Service works well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your project complexity. For routine repairs, filter changes, or straightforward part replacements, both contractors have sufficient experience. For major installations involving system sizing calculations, ductwork modifications, or heat pump installations, Aquinas's 8 years means they've handled roughly twice as many heating emergencies, cooling failures during heatwaves, and installation complications. If your home has unusual characteristics or you're upgrading to newer technology like heat pumps, that additional experience becomes more valuable.
Only if you actually need multi-system service. If you're calling about your furnace and anticipate needing appliance work soon, having one trusted contractor is convenient. However, don't let appliance repair capability be the deciding factor for a major HVAC installation. For complex heating and cooling projects, specialized HVAC depth matters more than service breadth. Consider whether you're hiring for convenience across multiple systems or for expertise on one critical system.
Customer feedback suggests both deliver on rapid response for emergencies, with people reporting same-day and next-day service from both contractors. ABC Service specifically mentions late-night emergency availability and has invested in online scheduling technology. Aquinas is noted for handling heatwave and cold weather emergencies when systems fail at critical times. The availability appears comparable; ask each contractor directly about their current scheduling capacity for your specific service window.
Yes, and this is where experience differences become more important. Repairs typically involve diagnosing and replacing failed components within existing systems. Installations require load calculations, proper system sizing, potential ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, permit coordination, and ensuring the new system matches your home's specific characteristics. Aquinas's project list specifically emphasizes installations alongside repairs, while ABC Service's customer feedback focuses more heavily on repair work. Ask both contractors how many installations they complete monthly and request installation-specific references.
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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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