This is a second update to my initial review regarding the Gross Negligence and Code Violations by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning (CA License #1007813)
This update is to further document and clarify the dangerously deficient and unlawfully executed HVAC installation performed by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning, during the summer of 2021 at my residence.
A comprehensive inspection by a licensed and reputable HVAC firm has confirmed the following serious safety violations and breaches of California Mechanical, Electrical, and Building Codes resulting from Southwest’s substandard and negligent work:
Documented Violations:
1. Bypassed Safety Controls, creating a substantial risk of fire, explosion, and system failure.
2. Improper Electrical Wiring within the burner box, posing a direct fire hazard.
3. Improper Condensate Drainage, which resulted in significant water intrusion and structural water damage to the property.
4. Undersized Return Ducting, creating airflow restriction, energy inefficiency, and potential for equipment overheating.
5. Improper Duct Layout and Disconnected Supply Vents, severely impacting system performance and overall safety.
Applicable Code Violations:
The above findings constitute violations of the following codes and standards:
• California Mechanical Code (CMC): §§ 301.0, 303.1, 310.1, 310.4, 601.2, 603.1
• California Electrical Code (CEC): §§ 110.3(B), 110.12(A), 300.4
• California Building Code (CBC): § 1202.2
• Health & Safety Code (HSC): § 17920.3
• Title 24 (Energy Code) – various provisions governing duct sizing, energy efficiency, and safety compliance.
Financial Impact:
• Water damage remediation paid by AAA Home Insurance: approximately $30,000
• Out-of-pocket costs to remove and replace the hazardous HVAC installation: approximately $17,000
Regulatory Action and Bond Claim:
• A formal investigation is currently underway by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which has been provided with extensive documentation, including inspection reports, photographic evidence, and video footage.
• Upon contacting Southwest’s bond provider, no rebuttal or denial of the identified violations was issued, further confirming the legitimacy of the claims.
Given the egregious nature of these violations and the demonstrated pattern of disregard for safety, code compliance, and consumer protection, I strongly caution any individual or organization against contracting with Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning. The risk posed to property, life, and legal liability is substantial and well-documented.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is an update to my initial review.
I am writing an update to provide newly discovered information regarding damage caused by the HVAC installation done by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning.
Their negligence led to significant water damage sustained at my home, which was traced to the incorrect installation of the HVAC system performed by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning (CA License #1007813) during the summer of 2021.
Following a thorough evaluation by a reputable local HVAC company, there is clear evidence that the water damage to my home was the result of serious installation errors involving the HVAC condensate drainage system.
Specifically:
1) Improper Drainage Slope and Elbow Installation.
2) Missing Condensate Trap and Faulty Drain Line Connection.
Both of these issues -- independently and together -- caused significant water accumulation in the attic, which migrated downward through the insulation, drywall, and framing, resulting in substantial damage to my ceilings, walls, and related structures.
In addition to being reported to the California State Licensing Board, the BBB, and their bond company for serious safety and building code violations, they have also been reported to the California Attorney General's Office for fraud.
For the financial and physical safety of your family and your home, beware of Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nancy Sandison
-
September 21, 2025
Look no further for reliable expert HVAC help.
Stephan and his team are truly professional and have helped me a couple of times with ‘emergency’ situations. They are reliable, professional and knowledgeable. They take their time to diagnose any issues thoroughly and make me feel reassured and confident that things have been fixed reliably. I would recommend to anyone looking for a team you can depend on.
Thank you Southwest
Bryan Truong
-
April 01, 2025
I had a great experience with my recent HVAC service for our commercial space. Gustavo and Patrick were the technicians who came out—they were professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly. You could tell they really cared about doing a thorough job. I also want to commend their boss, Stephane, for running such a solid team. The whole process was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Mike T
-
September 14, 2025
Efficient. Knowledgeable. Honest. Thorough. Transparent — words that describe my interactions with Southwest Heating & AC. Did I forget Personable and Innovative? Bonuses!
Being the 3rd (and final!) opinion on a project, they skillfully handled what was potentially among the more unusual and substantial jobs in the industry and in a way that almost seemed routine — going from proposal, approval, installation, and completion within a week, end-to-end. Stephane’s friendly and communicative demeanor helped make a challenging ordeal actually pleasant!
First-class operation 🏆 100 stars if I could+++
Adam Hollander
-
September 11, 2025
I’ve been using southwest to service my hvac system for years and can’t recommend them enough. Stefan always super helpful and is accommodating of my schedule. David and Gustavo are great. Awesome guys and really know their stuff. Highly recommend
This is a second update to my initial review regarding the Gross Negligence and Code Violations by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning (CA License #1007813) This update is to further document and clarify the dangerously deficient and unlawfully executed HVAC installation performed by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning, during the summer of 2021 at my residence. A comprehensive inspection by a licensed and reputable HVAC firm has confirmed the following serious safety violations and breaches of California Mechanical, Electrical, and Building Codes resulting from Southwest’s substandard and negligent work: Documented Violations: 1. Bypassed Safety Controls, creating a substantial risk of fire, explosion, and system failure. 2. Improper Electrical Wiring within the burner box, posing a direct fire hazard. 3. Improper Condensate Drainage, which resulted in significant water intrusion and structural water damage to the property. 4. Undersized Return Ducting, creating airflow restriction, energy inefficiency, and potential for equipment overheating. 5. Improper Duct Layout and Disconnected Supply Vents, severely impacting system performance and overall safety. Applicable Code Violations: The above findings constitute violations of the following codes and standards: • California Mechanical Code (CMC): §§ 301.0, 303.1, 310.1, 310.4, 601.2, 603.1 • California Electrical Code (CEC): §§ 110.3(B), 110.12(A), 300.4 • California Building Code (CBC): § 1202.2 • Health & Safety Code (HSC): § 17920.3 • Title 24 (Energy Code) – various provisions governing duct sizing, energy efficiency, and safety compliance. Financial Impact: • Water damage remediation paid by AAA Home Insurance: approximately $30,000 • Out-of-pocket costs to remove and replace the hazardous HVAC installation: approximately $17,000 Regulatory Action and Bond Claim: • A formal investigation is currently underway by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), which has been provided with extensive documentation, including inspection reports, photographic evidence, and video footage. • Upon contacting Southwest’s bond provider, no rebuttal or denial of the identified violations was issued, further confirming the legitimacy of the claims. Given the egregious nature of these violations and the demonstrated pattern of disregard for safety, code compliance, and consumer protection, I strongly caution any individual or organization against contracting with Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning. The risk posed to property, life, and legal liability is substantial and well-documented. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is an update to my initial review. I am writing an update to provide newly discovered information regarding damage caused by the HVAC installation done by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning. Their negligence led to significant water damage sustained at my home, which was traced to the incorrect installation of the HVAC system performed by Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning (CA License #1007813) during the summer of 2021. Following a thorough evaluation by a reputable local HVAC company, there is clear evidence that the water damage to my home was the result of serious installation errors involving the HVAC condensate drainage system. Specifically: 1) Improper Drainage Slope and Elbow Installation. 2) Missing Condensate Trap and Faulty Drain Line Connection. Both of these issues -- independently and together -- caused significant water accumulation in the attic, which migrated downward through the insulation, drywall, and framing, resulting in substantial damage to my ceilings, walls, and related structures. In addition to being reported to the California State Licensing Board, the BBB, and their bond company for serious safety and building code violations, they have also been reported to the California Attorney General's Office for fraud. For the financial and physical safety of your family and your home, beware of Southwest Heating and Air Conditioning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Look no further for reliable expert HVAC help. Stephan and his team are truly professional and have helped me a couple of times with ‘emergency’ situations. They are reliable, professional and knowledgeable. They take their time to diagnose any issues thoroughly and make me feel reassured and confident that things have been fixed reliably. I would recommend to anyone looking for a team you can depend on. Thank you Southwest
I had a great experience with my recent HVAC service for our commercial space. Gustavo and Patrick were the technicians who came out—they were professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly. You could tell they really cared about doing a thorough job. I also want to commend their boss, Stephane, for running such a solid team. The whole process was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommend!
Efficient. Knowledgeable. Honest. Thorough. Transparent — words that describe my interactions with Southwest Heating & AC. Did I forget Personable and Innovative? Bonuses! Being the 3rd (and final!) opinion on a project, they skillfully handled what was potentially among the more unusual and substantial jobs in the industry and in a way that almost seemed routine — going from proposal, approval, installation, and completion within a week, end-to-end. Stephane’s friendly and communicative demeanor helped make a challenging ordeal actually pleasant! First-class operation 🏆 100 stars if I could+++
I’ve been using southwest to service my hvac system for years and can’t recommend them enough. Stefan always super helpful and is accommodating of my schedule. David and Gustavo are great. Awesome guys and really know their stuff. Highly recommend