Compare Local Pros
Cinnamon Energy Systems vs RML Heating And Air
Santa Clara HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Cinnamon Energy Systems offers nearly double the licensed experience and specializes in solar integration, while RML provides faster response times for traditional HVAC work.
| Cinnamon Energy Systems | RML Heating And Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 13 years | 7 years |
| License # | 976065 | 1046486 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Los Gatos, CA | Gilroy, CA |
| Website | www.cinnamon.energy | www.rmlheatingandair.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Cinnamon Energy Systems
Customers consistently praise Cinnamon's thorough system design process, smooth coordination of complex permitting and utility processes, and professional crew work throughout multi-week solar and electrification projects.
RML Heating And Air
Customers emphasize RML's rapid response times, direct owner communication, honest equipment assessments without pressure, and ability to provide same-day or next-day service for HVAC needs.
Key Takeaway: Cinnamon's reviews reflect satisfaction with managing complexity and long-term project coordination, while RML's reviews celebrate speed, accessibility, and straightforward service delivery.
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...
RML Heating And Air
Replaced my heating air system in short notice ,good service and better pricing cost .thanks again!
I had a clogged HVAC pipeline, and Miguel came down the next day to address the issue promptly. It was a great service!
Miguel and his team at RML were amazing. Everything was done quickly and efficiently. They were even able to match the bid of a competitor. I would recommend them to my friends and family. I will d...
Consider Cinnamon Energy Systems if...
- ✓ You're installing solar panels, battery backup systems, or pursuing comprehensive home electrification with interconnected systems requiring utility coordination and complex permitting.
- ✓ Your heat pump installation involves significant electrical upgrades, panel replacements, or integration with existing or planned solar arrays.
- ✓ You value the 13-year track record navigating Santa Clara County permitting processes and can accommodate multi-week project timelines inherent in solar and integrated system installations.
- ✓ You need a contractor experienced with Tesla Powerwall integration, ground-mounted solar, or panel removal for roof replacements.
Consider RML Heating And Air if...
- ✓ You need traditional HVAC repair, replacement, or installation without solar integration, and want same-day or next-day service availability.
- ✓ Your project is a straightforward mini-split installation, system replacement, or leak repair without electrical panel upgrades or renewable energy components.
- ✓ You prefer working directly with the owner throughout the project for quick decisions and personalized service.
- ✓ You're in the Gilroy area and value a locally-based contractor who can respond quickly to service calls and emergency repairs.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Cinnamon about typical project timelines from contract signing to final inspection, including current permitting wait times with your local jurisdiction and utility interconnection delays.
- → Ask RML whether they handle the electrical panel upgrades and permitting required for heat pump installations, or if they subcontract electrical work.
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar to yours in scope and complexity, particularly if you're considering heat pump installation.
- → Confirm with either company what warranty coverage they provide on equipment versus installation labor, and how service calls are handled after project completion.
The Bottom Line
Your choice depends entirely on your project scope. If you're installing solar panels, integrating battery storage, or pursuing comprehensive home electrification with heat pumps, Cinnamon Energy Systems' 13-year specialization in complex permitting, utility coordination, and integrated system design makes them the clear choice despite longer timelines. If you need traditional HVAC repair, straightforward system replacement, or standalone mini-split installation with fast turnaround and direct owner involvement, RML Heating And Air's responsiveness and competitive pricing better serve those needs. Don't hire Cinnamon for a simple furnace replacement, and don't expect RML to navigate solar permitting and utility interconnection—match the specialist to your actual project requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
RML handles heat pump and mini-split installations as HVAC equipment replacements, which works well for straightforward installations. Cinnamon approaches heat pumps as part of broader electrification projects with solar integration, battery backup, and significant electrical upgrades. If your heat pump installation requires electrical panel upgrades, utility coordination, or integration with solar systems, Cinnamon's 13-year experience with complex permitting is more relevant. For standalone heat pump replacements, RML's faster turnaround may better serve your needs.
The timeline difference reflects fundamentally different project types. Cinnamon handles solar and integrated electrification projects requiring engineering design, structural calculations, building permits, utility interconnection agreements, and multiple inspections—processes that inherently take weeks regardless of contractor efficiency. RML handles equipment replacements and repairs that don't require permits or utility coordination, enabling rapid completion. Both companies work efficiently within their respective project scopes.
It depends on your installation complexity. Cinnamon's 13 years brings deeper experience with permitting complications, electrical panel capacity assessments, and utility coordination if your heat pump requires substantial electrical work. RML's 7 years provides solid experience with straightforward HVAC installations and their high owner involvement ensures careful attention. If your project involves electrical upgrades, complex permits, or solar integration, Cinnamon's additional experience matters. For standard replacements, both have sufficient experience.
Both companies install mini-splits but serve different priorities. RML emphasizes quick turnaround, competitive pricing, and direct owner communication—ideal if you need prompt installation of standalone mini-split systems. Cinnamon handles mini-splits as part of comprehensive electrification projects, bringing value if you're coordinating with solar installation, electrical panel upgrades, or future system expansion. Ask RML about their mini-split brand options and typical installation timeline, and ask Cinnamon whether a standalone mini-split project fits their current project queue.
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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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