Best Air Conditioning and Heating Company

1. Alps Heating & AC

1895 S. Santa Cruz St., Anaheim; 714-633-8892; alpscomfortair.com

In Springfield, South Dakota, Al Puig was in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning program, while his wife Kathy studied business management. Then, about 40 years ago, they moved to Southern California, where, after Al spent several years working in the HVAC industry, the couple decided to open their own business.

Since 1993, Alps Heating & AC has been installing and servicing heating and cooling units in homes across Orange County and in parts of Los Angeles County.

“It was just a mom-andpop shop,” Kathy Puig says of Alps’ beginnings. In the early days, the staff consisted of Al, Kathy and one other salesperson. Today, though, they have 25 employees.

“We’re still small, but we’re larger than we were,” she adds. “We enjoy taking care of people’s homes.”

And that keeps Alps busy, particularly during Southern California’s heatwaves, when the company’s trucks roll from city to city tending to service calls as the temperatures rise.

For those who want to prepare their homes for summer heat and winter cold, Alps does have a seasonal maintenance program. In worst-case-scenarios, you can call the company’s emergency line to request service. “We do our best to fulfill the customer’s needs and get out there as soon as we possibly can,” says Kathy.

Beyond heating and AC, Alps offers duct cleaning, air scrubber, insulation and water heater services.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted Alps Heating & Air Conditioning in Anaheim as the top A/C and heating company in Orange County.

— Liz Ohanesian

2. Veteran Air

2925 E. Ricker Way, Anaheim; 714-206-3493 veteranairusa.net

Mike Anderson grew up in the HVAC industry before serving in the U.S. Army and then, ultimately, opening Veteran Air in 2009. More than a decade later, the Anaheim-based shop is an Orange County mainstay, participating in community events like the Anaheim Easter Egg Hunt and Tustin Chili Cook Off.

When it comes to keeping locals cool, Veteran Air consistently earns rave reviews online. Beyond your AC, the company handles heaters, fan motor replacements and duct installation/ repairs, as well as air scrubbing and UV light air purifiers.

In addition to basic services, Veteran Air offers a monthly maintenance membership program, which includes biannual checkups, extended warranties on repairs and discounts for various services, plus, the membership fee can be applied toward the cost of system or duct installations.

For more than 20 years, Service Champions has been handling air conditioning, heating, air purifying and plumbing needs for homes in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Founded by Yorba Linda resident Leland Smith, the company boasts a top notch crew of more than 100 technicians who are required to spend 150 hours a year training with masters in their trades. Education is a part Service Champion’s business strategy. Its website includes resource sections that breaks down subjects like how your AC works and common heating system problems. Service Champions also partners with Brea Olinda Unified School District on career programs for both elementary and high school students.

Appointments with Service Champions can be booked online and the company offers both a CHAMPSRewards program for regular maintenance customers and financing options for new home systems.

3. Service Champions Plumbing, Heating, AC

3150 E Birch St, Brea; 800-800-2417; servicechampions.com