Our HVAC Team in Berkeley & the East Bay
Every Aarvaks technician is a full-time employee. EPA 608 certified, factory-trained, licensed under CSLB #1146520.
Jason Hanson, Owner
Jason Hanson, owner of Aarvaks Heating and Air Conditioning, brings over 20 years of experience in installations, system customization, and a deep understanding of the Bay Area, where he calls home. He believes in putting community and family first, keeping it local in a world where corporations are taking over family businesses. Jason combines efficiency with aesthetics, ensuring every project not only works perfectly but looks great—all while doing what’s right for the client and the environment. With a deep commitment to exceptional customer service, he personally oversees every project to guarantee expertise, care, and attention to detail. Jason built his career at Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning — one of the East Bay’s most respected HVAC companies. In recent years, Jason experienced first-hand the changes sweeping the home services market with private equity acquisitions. When the opportunity to acquire a nearly century-old Bay Area institution presented itself, Jason acquired Aarvaks in November 2025 and brought his top technicians with him.
Our Technicians
Aarvaks technicians handle residential and commercial service throughout Berkeley and the East Bay — installation, repair, and maintenance across all brands.
Orlando Casillas
20 Years Experience
Phil Cruz
13 Years Experience
Sergio Sanchez
7 Years Experience
Jose Loera
4 Years Experience
What Our Technicians Are Trained to Do
The certifications our technicians hold define what they are legally authorized and manufacturer-trained to work on.
EPA 608 Universal
Federal certification required by law to purchase, handle, and recover refrigerants in HVAC systems. Universal is the highest level — it covers all refrigerant types. Technicians without it cannot legally handle refrigerants regardless of experience. Orlando Casillas, Sergio Sanchez, Jose Loera, and owner Jason Hanson hold EPA 608 Universal certification.
Carrier Authorized Dealer
Aarvaks is a Carrier Authorized Dealer. This requires passing Carrier’s factory training program and maintaining ongoing certification standards. Systems installed by Carrier Authorized Dealers qualify for Carrier’s full factory warranty — which is not guaranteed when installed by non-authorized contractors.
Heat Pump & Mini-Split Certified
Heat pumps reverse the refrigerant cycle to provide heating — reversing valves, defrost control, and refrigerant management in heating mode require training that standard HVAC work does not cover. Orlando Casillas, Jose Loera, and owner Jason Hanson hold heat pump and mini-split certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are HVAC contractors required to be licensed in California?
Yes. HVAC contractors in California must hold a CSLB C-20 license to legally perform installation, repair, or maintenance on heating and cooling systems. Separately, any technician who handles refrigerants must hold EPA 608 certification — a federal requirement under the Clean Air Act. You can verify any California contractor license at cslb.ca.gov. Aarvaks holds CSLB License #1146520, C-20 classification.
What is EPA 608 Universal certification?
EPA 608 certification is required by federal law for any technician who purchases, handles, or recovers refrigerants used in HVAC systems. Universal is the highest certification level and covers all refrigerant types. Technicians without it cannot legally handle refrigerants regardless of experience. Orlando Casillas, Sergio Sanchez, Jose Loera, and owner Jason Hanson at Aarvaks hold EPA 608 Universal certification.
Do HVAC companies use their own employees or subcontractors?
It varies by company. Many HVAC companies use subcontractors for overflow work — those technicians are not employees and may not be trained to the company’s standards. Aarvaks technicians are full-time employees, trained and accountable under Aarvaks’ CSLB license.
What training do heat pump technicians need beyond standard HVAC?
Heat pumps reverse the refrigerant cycle to heat in winter — the reversing valve, defrost control board, and refrigerant charge management in heating mode require training that standard air conditioning or furnace work does not cover. Manufacturer certification (Carrier, Mitsubishi, Bosch) adds further training on each brand’s controls and diagnostics. At Aarvaks, Orlando Casillas, Jose Loera, and Jason Hanson hold heat pump and mini-split certification.
How do I verify that an HVAC contractor is licensed before they come to my home?
California contractor licenses can be verified at cslb.ca.gov using the business name or license number. The lookup shows current license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions on record. Aarvaks’ license number is 1146520, C-20 classification.
Do any HVAC technicians in Berkeley speak Spanish?
Yes. Aarvaks has Spanish-speaking technicians on staff. Service appointments can be handled in English or Spanish. Call 510-848-5010 to schedule.
Ready to Schedule HVAC Service?
CSLB licensed, EPA certified, and family-owned since 1929. Serving Berkeley and the East Bay.