Bay Area Service Hub Review
Berkeley's longest-operating family-owned HVAC contractor has been in business for nearly a century. The company has been transformed since November 2025 when Jason Hanson assumed ownership. Hanson spent over a decade turning El Cerrito based Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning into a Bay Area powerhouse. Like most of the market, Hassler was acquired by a private equity firm a few years ago and Hanson saw an opportunity to build something special at Aarvaks, a local institution that was in need of a transformation. Hanson brought in the top technicians from Hassler and has quickly built a reputation for quality custom work and customer service. Best for East Bay homeowners who prioritize reliability and expertise over rock-bottom pricing.
Evaluation Scores
Workmanship
8.9
Quality of work performed
Customer Service
9.0
Responsiveness & communication
Pricing
9.5
Clear & honest pricing
Reliability
8.9
Consistency & dependability
Expertise
8.9
Technical skills & certifications
Warranty Support
8.5
Post-service coverage
Essential Q&A
What makes this contractor stand out?
Berkeley's longest-operating family-owned HVAC contractor has been in business for nearly a century and is one of the few local companies that has turned away a private equity ownership.
Who should hire this contractor?
East Bay homeowners in older homes who value established reputation, personalized service, and heat pump expertise over the lowest bid.
Insider tip
Ask for the owner Jason directly for complex diagnostic issues—multiple reviewers praise his patience in troubleshooting by phone before dispatching a technician, potentially saving a service call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this contractor licensed and insured in California?
Yes. License #1146520 is active through 7/31/2027 with a $15,000 contractor bond with American Contractors Indemnity Company. They state they are a fully licensed and insured HVAC contractor.
Does this company offer 24/7 emergency services?
Data not available for verification.
What kind of warranty is provided on their workmanship?
Yes, they provide a 10-year parts and labor warranty on installations.
Do they provide free estimates or flat-rate pricing?
Yes, they offer free consultations and estimates for new installations, replacements, and upgrades.
How long has this business been serving the Bay Area?
Serving the Bay Area for over 96 years since 1929, making them one of the longest-established HVAC companies in the East Bay.
Are their technicians background-checked and certified?
Yes, they employ NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified technicians. As a CSLB-licensed contractor, fingerprint background checks are required.
Platform Scorecard
Cross-platform reputation comparison
Google
11 reviews
Yelp
38 reviews
BBB
A+
0 complaints (3 yr)
Diamond Certified
Certified
Checkbook.org
superior rating
21 ratings
Services Offered
Areas of Expertise
Certifications
Authorized Dealer
Service Areas
Rebate & Incentive Expertise
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Professional Memberships
License Details
Status
Active
Classifications
Expires
2027-07-31
Bond Amount
$15,000
Disciplinary Actions
None
Verify This Information
All data sourced from official platforms
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