Compare Local Pros
Next Level Home Performance vs Carnahan Electric
El Dorado Solar Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
This is a scope-of-work decision: Next Level Home Performance handles multi-system home performance projects while Carnahan Electric specializes in electrical work and generators.
| Next Level Home Performance | Carnahan Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 26 years | 44 years |
| License # | 775687 | 423462 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Diamond Springs, CA | Diamond Springs, CA |
| Website | www.nextlevelhomeperformance.com | www.carnahanelectric.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Next Level Home Performance
Customers emphasize thorough project communication, detailed explanations of multi-system work, and professional crew performance throughout longer installation projects.
Carnahan Electric
Customers highlight rapid response for urgent needs, technical problem-solving for difficult electrical diagnostics, and owner accessibility for immediate service coordination.
Key Takeaway: Next Level's feedback centers on managing complex multi-trade installations with strong communication, while Carnahan's reviews focus on diagnostic expertise and speed of response for electrical service calls.
Customer Reviews
Next Level Home Performance
I've seen some of their work on a project we were both working on and I'm impressed with the professional and workmanlike installations they did.
NLHP is second to none. My experience with working with Michael and the team was refreshing and highly productive. This team is efficient and cares. The next project i do, will be with Next Level Home...
Michael and his team went above and beyond to make sure all aspects of my kitchen remodel were done with finesse and professionalism. Everyone treated me with respect and truly worked along with me on...
Carnahan Electric
We had a potentially devastating electrical problem at our house that two other electrical companies couldn't solve. With estimated repairs being anywhere from 3k to 13k depending on what they found. ...
We appreciate Carnahan's knowledge and expertise. Techs are experienced and can get the job done. On-time and professional. Thank you Carnahan for taking care of our electrical needs
Fantastic company with tins of knowledge! I appreciate supporting local businesses that the owner himself picks up the phone. Carnahan is widely respected in the community for superior service and ...
Consider Next Level Home Performance if...
- ✓ You're planning a comprehensive home performance project involving multiple systems like HVAC replacement, insulation upgrades, ductwork redesign, or window installation where coordination matters
- ✓ Your project requires energy efficiency improvements with air sealing and thermal envelope work alongside mechanical system upgrades
- ✓ You value detailed project explanations and communication throughout a longer-term installation rather than quick service calls
- ✓ You need kitchen remodeling or other work beyond purely electrical scope
Consider Carnahan Electric if...
- ✓ You need electrical troubleshooting for a problem that's difficult to diagnose or that other electricians haven't been able to solve
- ✓ You own a Generac or other generator requiring maintenance, repair, or service expertise
- ✓ You have an urgent electrical issue requiring same-day or next-day response capability
- ✓ Your project is specifically electrical in scope—panel work, circuits, solar diagnostics—without needing HVAC, insulation, or other trades
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Next Level: Ask what electrical work they self-perform versus subcontract, and whether the same crew handles all aspects of multi-system projects
- → For Carnahan: Ask if they handle electrical panel upgrades as standalone projects and what their typical timeline is for non-emergency panel work
- → For either: Confirm whether they carry the specific permits required for your project type and whether permit costs are included in estimates
The Bottom Line
This decision comes down to your project scope. If you're doing a home performance upgrade involving HVAC, insulation, ductwork, windows, or multiple systems where an electrical panel upgrade is one component, Next Level Home Performance's integrated approach and 26 years managing complex multi-trade projects makes them the clear choice. If you need electrical troubleshooting, generator service, or have a specifically electrical problem—especially one that's urgent or difficult to diagnose—Carnahan Electric's 44 years of electrical specialization and rapid response capability is the better fit. Both are credentialed veteran contractors with strong reputations, but they're solving different problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Carnahan specializes in electrical service, troubleshooting, and generator work rather than coordinating with other trades on multi-system projects. If you're hiring separate contractors for HVAC, insulation, and electrical work, they could handle the electrical scope. However, Next Level Home Performance coordinates all trades for integrated projects, which typically results in better scheduling and fewer gaps between different systems.
Next Level handles electrical panel upgrades and related electrical work as part of home performance projects, but their focus is on system integration rather than complex electrical troubleshooting. If you have a mysterious electrical problem that needs diagnostic expertise, Carnahan's 44 years of electrical specialization and track record solving difficult problems makes them the stronger choice. For electrical panels being upgraded alongside HVAC or insulation work, Next Level's integrated approach works well.
Carnahan Electric's customer feedback specifically highlights same-day and next-day response for urgent electrical issues, which aligns with their service-focused electrical business model. Next Level Home Performance focuses on scheduled installation projects that typically involve longer timelines for permitting, equipment ordering, and multi-day installations. If you need emergency electrical service, Carnahan is structured for that response speed.
Those extra years matter specifically for electrical diagnostic complexity. Customers mention Carnahan solving problems other electricians missed, which reflects the pattern recognition that comes from 44 years of troubleshooting. For straightforward electrical panel upgrades as part of energy work, Next Level's 26 years provides sufficient experience. For difficult-to-diagnose electrical issues or specialized generator work, Carnahan's deeper time in the electrical specialty shows in their problem-solving capability.
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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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