About Econo Air

Econo Air was established in 1982 as the leading heating and air conditioning company in Southern California. CEO, Mike Richards', desire for innovation and complete home comfort solutions has set Econo Air apart from its peers since the beginning.

"Family owned and operated" isn't just a tagline for us—it's our reality! For over four decades, the entire Richards family—Mike, Rhonda, Dylan, and Danielle—has been personally committed to delivering unmatched comfort and reliability to Southern California homes. With deep roots in the community and a genuine commitment to treating every customer like family, we combine decades of trusted expertise with the personal touch that only comes from a business where every family member is invested in your satisfaction and comfort.

A Family Legacy of Comfort and Innovation

Our Story Began with Wonder

Mike Richards’ (CEO) journey into the HVAC industry started with a simple moment of amazement. As a young boy, he watched in fascination as technicians installed his family's first air conditioning system. For the first time in his life, Mike experienced the cool comfort of air conditioning, and he was immediately captivated by how this remarkable system could transform a home's environment. That childhood curiosity sparked a lifelong passion that would eventually grow into the thriving family business you know today as Econo Air.

From Student to Expert

Driven by his genuine interest in how HVAC systems work, Mike pursued formal training at trade school, where he honed his technical skills and deepened his understanding of heating and cooling technologies. What set Mike apart from his peers wasn't just his technical aptitude; it was his innovative mindset and determination to master every aspect of the trade.

As Mike gained experience in the field, he didn't just follow established practices; he pushed boundaries and developed new solutions. His expertise in zoning systems became particularly renowned, and he even designed his own custom zone control boards! (M8 Zoning) Innovations that allowed for more precise temperature control and energy efficiency in homes throughout Southern California.

A Partnership in Life and Business

In 1987, Mike married Rhonda, and their partnership extended far beyond their personal relationship. Recognizing the potential of Mike's growing business, Rhonda made the bold decision to leave her job and join forces with her husband. Together, they transformed what started as Mike's individual passion into a true family enterprise, with Rhonda bringing her organizational skills and business acumen to complement Mike's technical expertise.

Becoming the Complete Solution

Mike's vision for Econo Air was ambitious: to be the one-stop solution for all home comfort and energy needs. Rather than referring customers to multiple contractors for different services, Mike pursued additional certifications and licenses, demonstrating his commitment to comprehensive service excellence. Today, Econo Air proudly holds five specialized licenses:
• HVAC
• Electrical
• Solar
• Plumbing
• Insulation

This comprehensive licensing allows us to handle complete home comfort installations and upgrades under one roof, providing our customers with seamless service and accountability.

Growing Family, Growing Business

As Econo Air flourished, so did Mike and Rhonda's family. Their children grew up surrounded by the family business, learning the values of hard work, customer service, and technical excellence from an early age. There's even a fun piece of family history tied to the Southern California climate we serve: their daughter was born on the hottest June 26th ever recorded in Placentia’s history! Perhaps it was destiny that she would one day join a family business dedicated to keeping people cool and comfortable.

The Next Generation

Today, Mike and Rhonda's children have joined the family business, bringing fresh perspectives and energy while maintaining the core values that built Econo Air's reputation. This multi-generational approach ensures that every customer benefits from both decades of experience and the latest industry innovations.

Our Family Values, Your Comfort

What truly sets Econo Air apart is our commitment to treating every customer like family. We don't just install equipment; we build long-term relationships. Finding creative solutions to complex comfort and energy challenges isn't just what we do; it's who we are. Whether you need a simple repair, a complete system replacement, or a comprehensive home energy upgrade, our family is dedicated to delivering solutions that exceed your expectations.

Serving Placentia and Beyond

From our home base in Placentia, California, we're proud to serve families and businesses throughout Orange County and the surrounding areas of Southern California. We understand the unique climate challenges of Southern California, from scorching inland summers to mild coastal winters, and we have the expertise and equipment to keep you comfortable year-round.

When you choose Econo Air, you're not just hiring a contractor. You're partnering with a family that has dedicated over four decades to perfecting the art and science of home comfort.

We look forward to serving your family with the same passion and innovation that started it all those years ago when a young boy first marveled at the magic of air conditioning.