Get a Free Second Opinion on Your HVAC Quote

Why second opinions matter on HVAC

HVAC is the kind of purchase most homeowners make 1–3 times in their life. The tonnage your installer chooses, the brand, the right-sizing decision, the duct work — they all stack into a number you live with for 12–20 years. A second opinion takes 20 minutes of your time and routinely uncovers thousands of dollars in over-quoted scope or missed rebates.

Earth Air offers a no-obligation second-opinion review on any HVAC quote you've received from another San Diego County contractor. We don't pressure-sell. If the quote you have is good, we'll tell you that — and you can sign with the original company knowing you're not getting played.

What we look at

• Sizing. Was a real Manual J load calculation done? An oversized system is the most common quality issue we see — short-cycling, humidity problems, premature compressor wear. An undersized one can't keep up on hot days. Tonnage needs to match the load, not a sales rep's rule of thumb.
• Equipment selection. Is the brand and model on the current SDG&E and TECH Clean California eligible-equipment lists (where rebates apply)? Is the SEER2 / HSPF2 tier appropriate for your home? Is a variable-speed compressor actually warranted, or is the up-charge buying you nothing real?
• Permits and code compliance. Did the quote include pulling a permit with your AHJ (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Diego County DPDS, etc.) and the Title 24 compliance paperwork? Quotes that skip the permit line are saving themselves money, not you — and they're a real escrow risk when you eventually sell the home.
• Duct sealing. Title 24 requires duct leakage testing on most replacements. If the quote doesn't mention duct sealing, you're either getting an incomplete install or one that won't pass inspection.
• Rebates. Are the rebates on the quote real and currently active? Many quotes still list HEEHRA or expired 25C amounts that haven't been available since early 2026. We'll tell you exactly which incentives apply on your project today.
• Refrigerant transition. Is the equipment using new R-454B or R-32 refrigerant per the 2025 transition, or is the contractor selling you remaining R-410A inventory? Both can be appropriate; the question is whether you're being told which.

How it works

1. Send us the quote. Email a copy or upload it through the contact form. We'll review the equipment, scope, sizing methodology, and pricing.
2. Brief on-site or video walkthrough (optional). If the quote skipped a Manual J or you have unusual conditions (older home, multi-zone, ADU), we'll spend 15–20 minutes looking at the actual home so the second opinion is grounded.
3. We send you a written review. Plain-language: what looks good, what looks off, what to ask before signing. If our numbers would be materially different, you get our quote alongside for comparison. No pressure to switch.

What it costs you

Free. The trade is honest: we get a chance to earn your trust the same way our reviews say we earned everyone else's — by being straight with you. If you sign with us, we earn the work. If you sign with them, you got a free sanity check.

What this is not

This is not a high-pressure switch tactic. It is not a competitive teardown of the other contractor. It is not a free service call to replace the diagnosis a different company already did. We're reviewing the quote, not the technician.

Get the second opinion

Email [email protected] or use the contact form. Note that you have a quote from another company and attach it (PDF or photo). We'll reply within one business day.

Want to understand more before you reach out? Read Heat pump vs furnace in San Diego for the high-level decision and Replace your AC: rebate concierge for what incentives actually still apply.