Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air Podcast: From the Field to Ownership—Doing HVAC & Plumbing the Right Way

Welcome to the debut episode of the Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air podcast! In this insightful conversation, Ryan Stewart and Eric Salawa share firsthand experiences about what sets their company—and their industry approach—apart. Comfort Advisor Vs. Salesperson: What's the Difference? One topic Ryan Stewart dives into is the role of a Comfort Advisor. As Erick Silahua explains, a Comfort Advisor does much more than selling a system. They're dedicated to educating homeowners, assessing individual needs, and building lasting relationships. It's not just about making the sale; it's about offering energy-efficient, budget-conscious solutions and becoming a trustworthy partner in home comfort. "It's not just about making a sell, but it's about establishing a long term relationship with our customers." - Eric Salawa The Importance of Expertise and Sizing in HVAC A recurring theme is expertise. Eric Salawa stresses that knowledge isn’t merely about installation—it’s about understanding the details that make a system work efficiently and safely. He walks through the importance of correctly sizing systems using techniques like Manual J load calculations, inspecting insulation, and evaluating ductwork. This meticulous approach ensures homeowners get the right system for their unique situation, rather than a one-size-fits-all offer. "Anybody can just buy a system, but you have to have that knowledge to know how to do it correctly and efficiently and most importantly, safely." - Eric Salawa Not All Companies Are Equal Another highlight: Experience and certifications matter. Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air boasts NATE certification—a credential held by only 13% of companies nationwide. This sets them apart, demonstrating a commitment to best practices and continuous education. "We want to make sure to do every single thing that's in our power to get our customer the best system that they can use for their home." - Erick Silahua Tailoring Solutions to Customers Unlike companies that push whatever is “on special,” Erick Silahua takes time to listen. By understanding customer habits and needs, he can recommend the best system for their end goal. Price is discussed only after all technical and lifestyle factors have been considered—ensuring the customer feels confident and comfortable with their decision. Residential vs. Commercial HVAC When the conversation moved to commercial HVAC, Erick Silahua explained that larger-scale systems require additional expertise, special equipment, and specialized technicians. Commercial projects are often more complex, involve coordination with multiple trades, and can experience timing delays—an important consideration for business owners and project managers. Company Values: Doing the Job Right Ryan Stewart shared a personal account of how he entered the family business, emphasizing the values that have shaped Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air. For him, doing things the right way isn’t just about profit—it’s about repeat business, referrals, and truly helping customers. The company culture, he says, is rooted in fairness, honesty, and a willingness to train newcomers who are eager and honest. "It’s a lot easier to get the homeowner or existing customer to call us again than it is to acquire a new customer. So I think that’s super important." - Ryan Stewart Giving Back: Building Community Reputation Reputation matters deeply. Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air is committed to transparency and honesty, and these values extend to charitable work—school drives, holiday meals, and toy drives for local families. This community focus is central to their identity. "I would say that we're honest and that we don't try to rip people off and that will always do the right thing." - Ryan Stewart Why Start a Podcast? Wrapping up, Ryan Stewart talks about wanting to reach more families in Contra Costa County and showcase their company’s reputation for quality, integrity, and reliability. "Hard contractor, quality contractors are hard to come by. They're very hard to come by. And so when you come to work with us or you call us for a service call or any type of service, I think you're going to be happy." - Ryan Stewart Final Thoughts This first episode provides an authentic look at Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air’s philosophy—doing the job right, prioritizing customer relationships, and staying committed to the community. Whether you’re a homeowner considering a service call or just curious about the people behind your HVAC, this podcast is a must-listen! Watch the full episode to get to know Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air—where expertise meets heart. https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FA0r5TXl91Fg%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZEYwems4QlFvWEhISUN1dnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Q3W4U4WU5UGaN99koPf1AM4dj178BMdBli4aaIwGaBwUIolMuLx0H_1LGzA_aem__wuifBOduMf9OceA53hBAA&h=AT19PpP8MQZl6ykwp3KF6SReddtXKGHamLzawqctkzZwq-lCZVOFtK10I4KbusHHZlvgRgmcvQixRtD7GEALOKgF2d4dISS18K7kslzOqqpXIGps87b9Rc3QXc1qYct7ssapWna11J9sIld5vgzkhqNLE_fV7SH0&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1rXm2ZAPTchntDpIgJ0PzPD1wpdKL0F5EQtYM_EDOqhqTaO8x0WQvbfA2lXJOS-caqd3PJjCH2RElW3x1i8wfqG-PLiKKlgiXd-lanM2JZOokIGEg-kkF-GlcJzMxcecFsbnNBPHAVeqs0vagQ1W4V7VvBQ3iJxZ8dDt6feBsIiF0torwoDuR_iaGu92Oyj8ulMXpH7jZ1NCu1-Qc