Commonly asked questions
Find answers to common questions about Aaero HVAC and Sheet Metal.
Absolutely. Aaero HVAC and Sheet Metal holds California Contractor License #278370 with C20 (HVAC) and C43 (Sheet Metal) classifications. All of our technicians are factory-trained, certified, fully insured, and BBB accredited.
We recommend a tune-up once a year for your heating system (ideally in the fall, before cold weather) and once a year for your AC (in the spring, before summer heat). Regular maintenance extends equipment life, keeps energy bills lower, and helps us catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.
A good rule of thumb: if your system is over 10 years old and the repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacement usually makes more financial sense, newer systems are far more efficient. We'll give you an honest recommendation either way, and we won't push a new system if a repair will serve you just as well.
Yes. We offer flexible financing on new AC and heating system installations so the upfront cost doesn't stand between you and a comfortable home. We'll walk you through the options when we provide your free estimate, there's no obligation to finance.
Most residential AC repairs in Marin County run $185 to $850 depending on the failed component. Capacitor or contactor replacement is in the lower half of that range; refrigerant top-ups and blower motor replacements in the upper half. Compressor or coil failures on units past 10 years often shift the conversation to replacement. We provide a written estimate before any repair is authorized.
AC systems we install in 2026 use R-454B, the lower-GWP refrigerant required under the EPA AIM Act phase-down. R-410A is still legally supported for existing systems and we continue to service R-410A equipment, but new installations now ship with R-454B by manufacturer default. R-454B is mildly flammable (A2L) and requires technicians trained on the updated safety practices, all of our installers are certified.
Yes. Marin County homeowners installing a qualifying heat pump can typically combine the federal Inflation Reduction Act 25C tax credit (30 percent of project cost, capped at $2,000 for heat pumps), the BayREN Home+ rebate ($1,000 to $3,000), TECH Clean California (up to $3,100 for heat pump HVAC), and any active PG&E or MCE Clean Energy incentives. We handle the BayREN, TECH, and PG&E paperwork in-house at no extra cost, you receive a project quote that already shows the net cost after incentives.
For a like-for-like furnace or AC replacement, Marin County and most incorporated cities (Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley) issue a mechanical permit over the counter or within 1 to 3 business days. Heat pump installs that involve panel work or new circuits typically add 1 to 2 weeks for electrical permit review. Custom ductwork or commercial work is project-specific. We pull all permits on your behalf as part of every installation project.
For Marin homes during wildfire smoke season we install MERV-13 filtration upgrades (the threshold for capturing PM2.5), seal duct leakage that pulls smoke into the return side, and add UV-C germicidal lamps inside the air handler to neutralize biological contaminants on the cold, damp evaporator coil. For homes with severe sensitivities we add HEPA bypass filtration or whole-home media cabinets. Aaero stocks the most-requested filters during fire season so we can swap on the same visit.
Yes. Aaero backs every installation with a written workmanship warranty (typically 1 to 2 years on labor) on top of the manufacturer's parts warranty, which is usually 10 years on major components when you register within 60 days. We register your equipment for you. Our written workmanship guarantee covers labor to correct any installation defect during the warranty period at no additional cost.
Most residential installations are completed in a single day. For commercial jobs we schedule around your operating hours to keep disruption to a minimum, and we always clean up before we leave.
Yes. Our factory-trained technicians repair and maintain all major brands, Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Bryant, Rheem, Amana, Daikin, Goodman and more, whether or not we installed the system.
Always. Every installation meets California building code and manufacturer specifications, and we pull the proper permits. As a licensed C20 and C43 contractor, code-compliant work is the only way we operate.
We are a family-owned HVAC and sheet metal company founded in Novato in 1960, now run by second-generation owners David Milano Jr. and Cindy Milano. We serve homes and businesses across Marin County and the North Bay.
Call (415) 897-4187 or fill out our contact form. Tell us your city, your system, and what is going on, and we will schedule a visit. Estimates on installations are always free.
Still have questions?
If your question isn't listed here, feel free to contact us or start a live chat with our team. We're happy to help!