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Cinnamon Energy Systems vs Aquinas Hvac
Santa Clara HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
These companies serve different needs: Cinnamon specializes in solar and electrification projects, while Aquinas focuses on traditional HVAC repair and replacement.
| Cinnamon Energy Systems | Aquinas Hvac | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 8 years |
| License # | 976065 | 1042033 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Los Gatos, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
| Website | www.cinnamon.energy | www.aquinashvac.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Customers emphasize Cinnamon's comprehensive project management, thorough system design explanations, and smooth handling of the complex permitting and utility coordination process.
Aquinas Hvac
Customers consistently highlight Aquinas's rapid emergency response, same-day availability, and competitive pricing for straightforward HVAC repairs and replacements.
Key Takeaway: Cinnamon earns praise for managing complexity and long-timeline projects requiring patience, while Aquinas is valued specifically for speed and availability when systems fail unexpectedly.
Customer Reviews
Cinnamon Energy Systems
I started thinking about solar last year, but it was not until this year when I became serious. I talked to as many as 6 companies who serve San Jose area, and in the end, I decided to go with Cinnamo...
Cinnamon is a highly rated company and I was overall happy with the work. Sometimes communication was tricky but Consultant Michael Croft helped me navigate the process when clarification and service ...
We are quite happy with our solar power system installed by Cinnamon Energy Systems. We are fortunate enough to have south and west facing roofs and were able to work with them to install a system of...
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 Cinnamon Energy Systems if...
- ✓ You're planning a solar panel installation, battery backup system, or full home electrification project requiring permitting and utility coordination
- ✓ Your project involves Tesla Powerwall integration, ground-mounted solar, or electrical panel upgrades to support renewable energy systems
- ✓ You value working with a company that has 13 years of local permitting history and established relationships with Santa Clara County building departments
- ✓ You need comprehensive project management from initial system design through final inspection and utility interconnection
Consider Aquinas Hvac if...
- ✓ You need emergency HVAC service or have a heating or cooling system that's failed and requires immediate attention
- ✓ You're replacing a traditional furnace or air conditioner and want quick scheduling with competitive pricing
- ✓ You prioritize same-day or next-day service availability for urgent comfort issues during extreme weather
- ✓ Your project is straightforward HVAC repair or replacement rather than a renewable energy installation
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For heat pump installations specifically, ask each company how their approach differs: Does Cinnamon integrate it with solar production monitoring? Does Aquinas offer ongoing maintenance plans for the system?
- → Ask Cinnamon about their typical timeline from contract signing to final utility permission to operate, including current permitting wait times in your area
- → Ask Aquinas about their availability for emergency service calls and whether they charge premium rates for after-hours or weekend appointments
The Bottom Line
This comparison is straightforward: choose based on your project type, not company quality differences. For solar panels, battery backup, or home electrification projects, Cinnamon Energy Systems has the specialized experience, permitting knowledge, and project management capability you need. For heating and cooling repairs, emergency service, or traditional HVAC system replacements, Aquinas HVAC offers the rapid response and competitive pricing that customers consistently praise. The only decision point is heat pump installation—go with Cinnamon if it's part of a broader electrification plan with solar, or Aquinas if you're simply upgrading your heating and cooling system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your broader home energy goals. If you're installing a heat pump as part of electrifying your home, potentially alongside solar panels or battery backup, Cinnamon's experience coordinating these systems makes sense. If you're simply replacing an aging furnace and AC with a more efficient heat pump system, Aquinas's HVAC expertise and faster scheduling may better suit your needs.
Yes, particularly for permitting and utility coordination. Thirteen years means Cinnamon has navigated hundreds of local permits and likely has established relationships with Santa Clara County building departments and PG&E interconnection staff. This experience can mean smoother approvals and fewer delays in a process where permitting often creates the longest wait times.
While Aquinas has heat pump installation experience, they don't appear to coordinate with solar systems or handle the electrical panel upgrades often required for home electrification. For projects involving solar, battery, and HVAC integration, you'd likely need to coordinate between separate contractors yourself rather than having one company manage the entire scope.
Aquinas clearly offers faster scheduling for traditional HVAC work, with customers consistently reporting same-day or next-day service. Solar installations through Cinnamon involve design, engineering, permitting, and utility approvals that typically take weeks or months regardless of the contractor. Ask Cinnamon specifically about their current project queue and permitting timelines in your jurisdiction.
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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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