Is Your HVAC Contractor Locally-owned?
In recent years, private equity firms have been steadily acquiring HVAC companies across the country — often without customers even realizing it. While these changes happen quietly behind the scenes, they can have a big impact on the service, pricing, and experience you receive. Here’s why it matters and how choosing a local HVAC company can make a real difference.
The Rise of Private Equity in HVAC
Private equity investors are buying up HVAC businesses to consolidate operations and boost profits. These companies continue using their original name and branding, so homeowners don’t notice the ownership change. The way these businesses are run often results in unrealistic revenue goals, and stressed out repair technicians that are trained to sell.
Higher Prices & Fewer Choices
Private equity firms purchase multiple HVAC companies in the same market, quietly reducing competition. With fewer true independents, pricing can rise across the board. When customers collect several estimates — all higher than they remember — they accept it as the new normal.
Why Homeowners Should Care
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Focus shifts from service to profits.
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Less personal, more standardized customer experience.
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Harder to resolve issues with distant ownership.
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Fewer truly independent choices in your area.
- Local contractor’s revenue doesn’t leave the city
How to Tell If Your HVAC Company Was Bought Out
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Look for vague ownership info on their website.
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Notice multiple brand names “powered by” the same parent company.
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Watch for major staff turnover or sudden policy changes.
- Companies “merging families” is code-word for “someone sold.”
The Carini Difference
At Carini, we’re proud to be big enough to be fully licensed, insured, and highly experienced — having served the San Diego community since 2006 — but we’re still locally owned and operated. That means you get the professionalism and protection you deserve, without the downsides of corporate ownership. In today’s market, homeowners often have to choose between unskilled, low-cost contractors and high-priced corporate giants. Carini offers a better option right in the middle: skilled, trustworthy, and truly local.
The next time you need heating or cooling help, make sure you know who’s really behind the company name. Carini Home Services is proudly local — and we’re here to keep it that way.
Big HVAC Resources
Forbes: Private Equity is Coming for Your AC Repairman