Degree HVAC, Inc. provides a wide range of HVAC and plumbing services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout San Mateo County. In addition to repairing and installing all types of heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems, the company offers various products and services that are designed to improve indoor air quality.
Owner Rick Lazzarini says much of Degree HVAC’s success can be attributed to its customer-oriented business practices. “Our clients spend the majority of their lives inside their homes, so we believe it’s important to make those spaces as comfortable as possible. Ultimately, we want each customer to end up with a great system that improves their life for a fair price.”
Degree HVAC emphasizes quality control in every aspect of its operations, which Mr. Lazzarini says is important for upholding the high standards set by the company’s owners. “From our office staff to our estimators and field managers, everyone who works here is dedicated to providing excellent services and products. We’ve been able to keep a loyal clientele base over the years, and quality control is a big reason for that.”
“We strive to maintain lasting relationships with our clients—their satisfaction is important to us, and we want them to know they can depend on us to be there whenever they have heating, cooling or air quality needs. Regardless of the size of the job, we provide every customer with the same level of attention.”
If you’re interested in improving your HVAC system’s performance, consider getting a smart thermostat.
On average, heating and cooling comprises half of a home’s annual energy consumption, so if you’re looking to cut costs, your HVAC system should be the first place you look. One worthwhile measure is purchasing a “smart” thermostat such as the Nest Learning Thermostat. By learning your temperature preferences and daily routine, the thermostat creates a schedule that optimizes both comfort and energy efficiency. According to independent studies, this saves homeowners an average of 10 to 12 percent on heating bills and 15 percent on cooling bills.
One of the best things about smart thermostats is their self-sufficiency. All you have to do is install it on your wall and it takes over from there. In the following days, the thermostat will take note of when you get up, leave for work, return home and go to bed, as well as your preferred temperature settings during these times. While adjusting to your schedule and preferences, the thermostat will also seek ways to minimize energy usage.
So, how does it work? In the Nest Learning Thermostat’s case, the device relies on a series of built-in algorithms that allow it to “learn” about your home and HVAC system, and it uses this data to maximize energy efficiency. Some of the Nest’s “smart” capabilities include “Cool to Dry,” which signals the air conditioning to kick on when the air gets too humid, “Sunblock,” which prevents temperature miscalculations caused by the thermostat heating up in direct sunlight, and “Airwave,” which saves energy by periodically letting the fan take over for the air conditioner.
Additional features include remote operation (which allows you to alter the temperature from your smartphone), daily and monthly energy reports, and alerts and reminders about things like maintenance and potential performance issues. Furthermore, the Nest can work together with other “smart” systems in your home like automated lights, locks and CO detectors.
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for HVAC contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Degree HVAC, Inc., the key to keeping a satisfied customer base is providing the kind of workmanship and service that generates natural growth. “We aren’t big on advertising; we prefer to let our customers speak for us,” says Controller Christina Lazzarini. “Our growth over the past 10 years has been primarily driven by word of mouth, which shows the impact customer satisfaction can have.”
Degree HVAC has been providing HVAC and plumbing services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout San Mateo County since 2005. The company has the training and equipment to repair and install all types of heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems, and it offers numerous products and services that are designed to improve indoor air quality through contaminant removal and humidity control.
Unlike HVAC contractors that hire inexperienced technicians in an effort to minimize their operating costs, Degree HVAC goes to the extra mile to ensure its technicians are thoroughly trained. “As both union and SMACNA members, we’re accountable for keeping our technicians at the top of their game,” affirms Ms. Lazzarini. “By making training a top priority, we can ensure our team members have above-average skills and industry knowledge.”
Another distinguishing attribute of Degree HVAC is its versatile range of capabilities. “Each of our owners has a specific sphere of expertise—Rick specializes in the construction and design side while Trini’s specialty is service,” explains Ms. Lazzarini. “Because of this, we’re able to offer the best of both worlds. Regardless of a client’s HVAC needs, they’re going to get knowledgeable, high-quality service.”
