lake forest shores

What the Yelp!

June 11, 2019

Wow! It feels like the middle of the summer season. It is way too hot to be outside! Unfortunately, I had to lay to rest my 30+ year old A/C system. In trying to put a positive spin on it, I was able to install a new HVAC system right before this heat wave, so I felt very lucky. Nonetheless, it was an experience trying to find a dependable HVAC business at the right price where you wouldn't feel cheated.

Actually, it broke down at the end of the summer in 2018. I had a few sleepless nights due to the ending summer heat, but I started looking for an HVAC company during the off season around Christmas time. One of the challenges is that everyone needed to be present to give a quote. Some would look around, and others gave me their sales pitch without much looking. I still couldn't tell you which brand of A/C is the better one to choose. Ultimately, it depended on which brand was being sold by whatever company.

Now, it was a matter of finding a reputable company without feeling like I just got out of college w/ a huge student loan to pay back. I started searching on Yelp. I contacted at least 7 companies listed on the first couple pages with high ratings / reviews. Each of them sent their sales representative to give me an estimate. Everyone was friendly and pretty much gave the same spiel on why they are the best. As for the pricing, I considered it high for being the off peak season. Yet, they were all eager to beat out the competition. Except that each one knew the competitors price and in the end, it wasn't that much of a savings. It came down to warranties and the salesperson's personality.

Long story short, I chose to go with Rojas Air Conditioning in Santa Ana.


Based on my experience, Virgil was knowledgeable, professional and transparent. In comparison to the others, pricing was reasonable and the quality of work exceeded my expectations.

BTW - I did not receive any special deals or discounts from Rojas Air Conditioning. This post is solely to assist others that may be in need of air conditionning services. Moreover, pricing will be different for everyone. It depends on the A/C brand, work required and of course, the season; summer being more expensive due to higher demands. Therefore, please don't ask me about my cost. I don't want to know that others could be getting a better deal...LOL! I don't have buyer's remorse, and I'd like to keep it that way.

Nonetheless, it's highly recommended that you do your due diligence. All of these air conditioning companies will come out and give you a "free estimate" on replacing your air conditioning system - please know "free estimates" are not offered on repairs.

To be fair, all of the businesses that I had contacted offered professional sales people. Unfortunately, pricing was a factor. Yep, I'm not rich. Some of these businesses were listed on the 1st couple pages of Yelp, excellent ratings or as "sponsors", but it resulted in a bigger price tag. Moreover, some of the businesses that I contacted a few months later from the time of my initial estimate had increased their cost due to allegations of new taxes and/or environmental regulations. Others didn't seem as if they cared enough to earn my business. That was good enough for me to say, "adios" without losing any sleep.

Anyways, you'll end up making your own decision. Below is a list of some of the companies I contacted:

1. Air Care
2. 1st Choice
3. Green Apple
4. Air Caresaver
5. Sunset Heating
6. Trifecta - MV
7. Nextgen

There was a 2nd runner-up on the list, but I'm happy with my choice. Rojas Air Conditioning did exactly what I expected and beyond, so I'm truly satisfied with the end result. It should be the same experience with you and your HVAC business selection.

Lastly, I've written about this idea before, but as a reminder the poll section is going to be replaced with something that could be more useful to our community; business advertisements. I'm still thinking about the best approach. It could simply be a link to the business website which will be on a rotating basis every month or two, or a full page advertisement.

I know of a few residents that have their own businesses, i.e. cleaning, notary and even martial arts. This would be a great way to market your business to neighbors and friends.