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Larsen Energy Systems vs Old Redwood Heating And Cooling
Sonoma HVAC Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Larsen Energy Systems brings 35 years of licensed experience compared to Old Redwood's newer operation with less than 3 years in business.
| Larsen Energy Systems | Old Redwood Heating And Cooling | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 35 years | 0 years |
| License # | 621440 | 1147019 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Santa Rosa, CA | Windsor, CA |
| Website | larsenenergysys.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Larsen Energy Systems
Customers consistently highlight Larsen's ability to diagnose problems other contractors missed and solve complex issues across diverse project types from residential repairs to commercial installations.
Old Redwood Heating And Cooling
Customers emphasize Old Redwood's thoroughness in cleaning and servicing systems beyond the core repair, along with detailed explanations that help homeowners understand the work being performed.
Key Takeaway: Larsen's feedback reflects experience with complicated diagnostic challenges and diverse project complexity, while Old Redwood's reviews focus on service thoroughness and communication quality during more standard work.
Customer Reviews
Larsen Energy Systems
Our furnace went out during a cold spell. Our 1st contact said a major component was defective and the furnace should be replaced. The price they quoted was shocking. Our 2nd contact was incompeten...
casey himself helped me with my aging ductwork in bennett valley. i had an obvious leak and failure points in a few areas in my system that he identified immediately. aggressively competitive pricing...
I had an excellent experience with this HVAC company. They quickly diagnosed a heat pump issue that several others couldn't figure out and fixed it efficiently. I hired them again to install a new AC ...
Old Redwood Heating And Cooling
Justin at Old Redwood H&C is professional, honest, very knowledgeable, helpful and priced fairly. Was really so easy to have his Company replace my furnace. He goes beyond expectations to explain ever...
I had an outstanding experience with Justin at Old Redwood H&C. He helped troubleshoot my broken HVAC system and went the extra mile to ensure everything was thoroughly cleaned and fully serviced afte...
Consider Larsen Energy Systems if...
- ✓ Your HVAC system is older than 15 years and may have hidden issues like deteriorated ductwork, outdated wiring, or discontinued parts requiring creative solutions
- ✓ You have a complex project like commercial HVAC work, fire rebuild coordination, or whole-home ductwork replacement where extensive contractor experience reduces risk
- ✓ Previous contractors couldn't diagnose your heating or cooling problem, suggesting the issue requires deep troubleshooting expertise
- ✓ You want the reassurance of hiring a contractor with 35 years of documented work and established business continuity
Consider Old Redwood Heating And Cooling if...
- ✓ You have a straightforward project like basic furnace replacement or standard AC installation where extensive experience provides less differentiation
- ✓ You particularly value detailed explanations and educational communication during service, which newer contractors sometimes prioritize to build their reputation
- ✓ You want to support a newer business establishing itself in the community and are comfortable with their limited track record
- ✓ Your timeline and their availability align well, and your project doesn't involve significant complexity or risk of complications
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Old Redwood for references from projects similar to yours and inquire how they handle unexpected complications when initial diagnostics reveal additional problems
- → Ask both contractors what happens if they encounter discontinued parts or unusual system configurations during your project
- → Confirm each contractor's warranty terms and how long they've been honoring warranties given Old Redwood's shorter operating history
- → Ask Old Redwood about their team composition and whether they have senior HVAC technicians with longer industry experience on staff
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Larsen Energy Systems is the safer choice. Their 35 years of licensed operation provides demonstrated capability handling complex diagnostics, unexpected complications, and the full range of HVAC scenarios from fire rebuilds to commercial systems. This experience depth matters most when your project involves older equipment, complex troubleshooting, or significant investment where complications could be costly. Old Redwood may suit homeowners with straightforward replacements who prioritize detailed communication and are comfortable with a newer contractor's limited track record. Request written estimates from both, but unless your project is simple and their price is meaningfully lower, Larsen's established expertise provides better protection for your investment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a truly straightforward replacement with no complications, the experience gap matters less. However, HVAC projects frequently reveal unexpected issues once work begins—corroded gas lines, inadequate ductwork, electrical problems, or code violations. A contractor with 35 years of experience has encountered these scenarios repeatedly and can adapt quickly without project delays or cost surprises. If your home or system is older, that experience becomes increasingly valuable.
Old Redwood maintains proper licensing, workers comp, and bonding, meeting baseline requirements. Their positive feedback shows they deliver quality work and thorough service. The concern is limited track record—you can't evaluate how they handle warranty issues years later, manage major complications, or maintain business stability over time. For simpler projects with lower risk, a newer contractor can be appropriate. For complex or expensive projects, established history provides more protection.
Both companies receive feedback describing their pricing as competitive or fair. Larsen Energy Systems has specific mentions of customers comparing multiple quotes and selecting them for price advantage. Without specific quotes for your project, pricing shouldn't be assumed different. Request detailed written estimates from both to compare directly for your specific work.
This is exactly what you should ask them directly. Many newer contractors have technician experience working for other companies before starting their own business. If Old Redwood's owner has 15 years as an HVAC technician but 2 years as a licensed contractor, that changes the experience calculation significantly. Ask about total industry experience and what types of projects they've personally completed, not just as a licensed business.
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See our ranked list of top hvac contractors in Sonoma.
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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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