Econo Air

Family-Owned Home Comfort in Placentia Since 1982

Econo Air has operated out of Placentia since 1982 — more than four decades of local service, with the Richards family (Mike, Rhonda, Dylan, and Danielle) still involved in daily operations. What began as founder Mike Richards' fascination with air conditioning has grown into a whole-home contractor licensed across five trades: HVAC, solar, electrical, plumbing, and insulation, all under CL#445220.

Services

• Air conditioning repair, replacement, and maintenance

• Heating and heat pump systems

• Solar and battery backup

• Electrical, including panel upgrades and EV charger installation

• Plumbing, including water heaters and drain cleaning

• Insulation and ducting

• Air purification and filtration

• Comfort Elite™ maintenance plans

The M Performance™ system

Econo Air's signature offering is M Performance™, a whole-home system engineered by CEO Mike Richards that starts with high-efficiency solar modules and builds outward from there. It pairs a custom furnace — variable speed motor driving up to 6 tons of CFM, 80 to 96% AFUE, ultra-low NOx — with a custom air conditioner designed to run quietly on little to no energy while pulling humidity out of the house.

Around that core sit three patented pieces. M8 Zoning™ lets one HVAC unit control temperature in up to eight separate rooms; Econo Air says it is the only company in Southern California offering an eight-room zoning system. The Air Mizer™ whole-house fan recycles indoor air 5 to 15 times per hour. The Air Scrubber™ uses ultraviolet technology to eliminate up to 99% of airborne contaminants on 18 watts of electricity — relevant in a region that deals with wildfire smoke, smog, allergens, and dust.

Why Econo Air

• 44 years of local service, established in 1982

• Family owned and operated, with the whole Richards family in the business

• Five licenses under one roof — HVAC C-20, solar C-46, electrical C-10, plumbing C-36, insulation C-2 — so solar, panel, and HVAC work do not need three separate contractors

• Technicians are California state-licensed, bonded, and insured

• Free estimates on system replacements and major installations

• Financing available, including 0% interest plans and extended terms on ENERGY STAR equipment

• The company handles permits, inspections, and utility interconnections for solar, electrical, and HVAC work

• Comprehensive warranties on installations and repairs, plus extended manufacturer coverage

• 24/7 emergency service for heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical

Common Questions

How often should my system be serviced?

Twice a year — spring for air conditioning, fall for heating. Econo Air notes that regular maintenance prevents breakdowns, maintains efficiency, and extends equipment life.

What does the Comfort Elite™ plan include?

Two annual visits (one AC, one furnace) covering a 26-point air conditioning checklist and a 20-point furnace checklist, plus priority appointments with automatic service reminders, a 24-hour response time, and 10% off repairs and replacements.

When is it time to replace instead of repair?

Econo Air points to systems over 10 to 15 years old, ones needing frequent repairs, units still running R-22 refrigerant, or any case where repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost.

Are estimates free?

Yes for system replacements and major installations. Service calls include a diagnostic fee.

How fast can a new AC be installed?

Emergency replacements are typically completed within 1 to 2 days; non-emergency replacements run about a week.

Do you clean ducts?

Econo Air does not recommend duct cleaning for residential homes, and instead advises maintaining 5-inch hospital-grade HEPA filters.

Call Econo Air

Econo Air is at 1921 Petra Ln. in Placentia, serving Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Newport Coast, and Laguna Beach. Call (714) 695-6661 for service, or reach the 24/7 emergency line at (714) 710-1070 when heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical cannot wait until morning.