Not all HVAC companies are the same
Before you pick the lowest bid, see what you actually get. Here's an honest look at how a family-owned, union-trained shop compares to the alternatives in South St. Louis — no pressure, and a free second opinion on any quote.
Degenhardt Heating and Cooling
Family-owned · Local 36 union · since 1984.
Licensed & Insured: Yes
Fully licensed & insured — a union Local 36 shop.
Permits & Inspections: Yes
We pull the permits and handle the inspections.
Code Compliance: Yes
Built to meet & exceed Missouri / St. Louis code.
Workers' Comp Coverage: Yes
Full coverage on every tech — zero liability for you.
Ongoing Service & Warranty: Yes
Maintenance Plan + Daikin manufacturer warranties.
Background-Checked Technicians: Yes
Vetted, professional union technicians.
Quality Guarantee: Yes
100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
System Design & Sheet Metal: Yes
Local 36 union sheet-metal — custom ductwork & fabrication since 1984.
Financing Options: Yes
Flexible financing available on qualifying work.
Family-Owned & Local: Yes
Family-owned in South St. Louis since 1984 (now second generation).
The App Bid
The cheapest quote on an app.
Licensed & Insured: Limited
Often unverified — you're trusting a profile.
Permits & Inspections: No
Rarely. You're left on the hook for code violations.
Code Compliance: No
No guarantee. Failed inspections become your problem.
Workers' Comp Coverage: No
Almost never — an on-site injury can fall on you.
Ongoing Service & Warranty: No
None. Good luck getting a callback.
Background-Checked Technicians: Limited
Platform-level only, if at all.
Quality Guarantee: No
A cash job means no recourse.
System Design & Sheet Metal: No
Installs what's cheapest and moves on.
Financing Options: No
Cash or app payment only.
Family-Owned & Local: No
A side gig, not a local business.
The Private-Equity Brand
Looks local. Owned by investors.
Licensed & Insured: Yes
Usually, yes.
Permits & Inspections: Limited
Sometimes — and may upsell to justify the trip.
Code Compliance: Yes
Yes.
Workers' Comp Coverage: Yes
Yes.
Ongoing Service & Warranty: Limited
Often tied to expensive service agreements.
Background-Checked Technicians: Yes
Yes.
Quality Guarantee: Limited
Yes — but read the fine print.
System Design & Sheet Metal: Limited
Commission-driven recommendations.
Financing Options: Limited
Often steered to the highest-margin option.
Family-Owned & Local: No
Looks local — the profits leave town.
The National Franchise
A name you recognize, a stranger at your door.
Licensed & Insured: Yes
Usually, yes.
Permits & Inspections: Yes
Usually pulled.
Code Compliance: Yes
Yes.
Workers' Comp Coverage: Yes
Yes.
Ongoing Service & Warranty: Limited
Franchise-standard terms.
Background-Checked Technicians: Yes
Yes.
Quality Guarantee: Limited
The local owner may or may not honor it.
System Design & Sheet Metal: Limited
A one-size-fits-all playbook.
Financing Options: Limited
Franchise-approved lenders only.
Family-Owned & Local: Limited
A local franchisee under a national brand.
What the difference means for your home
Since 1984, Degenhardt Heating and Cooling has served South St. Louis as a family-owned, union-trained shop. Our Local 36 sheet-metal craftsmanship means we can design and fabricate custom ductwork — not just swap a box and leave. You get honest recommendations, transparent pricing, and workmanship built to last.
Family-owned since 1984
Second generation, same name on the truck.
Local 36 union craftsmanship
NATE-certified, custom sheet-metal fabrication.
Free second opinion
Already have a quote? We'll review it free.
Get an honest answer — free
Have a quote from someone else? We'll give you a free, no-pressure second opinion. Or start fresh with a free estimate from a team that's been doing this right since 1984.
Prefer to browse first? See our services or meet the family.