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Why We Chose to Be a Union HVAC Company and Why That Matters for Tacoma Homeowners

  • By GreenFlow Heating & Cooling
  • Aug 6
  • 6 min read

When you’re looking for a heating and cooling company in Tacoma, you’re likely thinking about things like price, availability, and maybe a few online reviews. But here’s something most homeowners don’t think about whether the company you’re hiring is union or non-union.

At GreenFlow Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to be one of only 12 residential HVAC companies in the entire state of Washington that operates under a union agreement. That’s not something you see every day, and it’s not something we take lightly.

But let’s address the elephant in the room.

Yes we know that when people hear “union,” they sometimes think: Does that mean it costs more? We get it. And we want to talk openly about that and even more importantly, we want to show you why choosing a union contractor for your home’s HVAC system might be one of the best decisions you can make.

Let’s break it down.

Union trained HVAC technicians
Union trained HVAC technicians

First Things First: What Does “Union HVAC Company” Even Mean?

When we say we’re a union company, that means our technicians are members of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 66, a trade union based here in the Pacific Northwest. Local 66 represents the region’s top-trained HVAC and sheet metal professionals people who go through rigorous apprenticeship programs, safety training, and ongoing certifications.

It also means we pay our team fair wages, offer great benefits (health insurance, retirement, continuing education), and uphold safety and quality standards that are higher than what you’ll find in most of the industry.

This isn’t just “a job” for our workers. It’s a career. And you can feel the difference in the way we work, the way we show up, and the way your system runs after the job is done.


Why We Chose the Union as a Small, Local Tacoma HVAC Business

When we started GreenFlow Heating & Cooling, we knew we wanted to do things differently.

We weren’t interested in chasing the lowest bids or cutting corners. We wanted to offer top-tier quality the kind of HVAC work that holds up for decades, not just one or two seasons.

That meant surrounding ourselves with skilled, experienced technicians just like our owner who take pride in their craft. And it meant investing in a business structure that valued people both our customers and our team.

Joining the union allowed us to do exactly that.

A few reasons why it just made sense:

  • Unlimited access to skilled technicians: With our Local 66 partnership, we can tap into a pool of background-checked, drug-tested, highly trained HVAC professionals whenever we need to grow or scale.

  • Accountability and standards: Union labor means our team has a shared code of conduct, safety expectations, and quality benchmarks. That translates directly to better results for your home.

  • Benefits for our team: This one’s big. Union membership means our workers have health insurance, retirement plans, paid training, and real long-term security. We care about our crew and we think that leads to better customer care, too.


“Doesn’t That Make You More Expensive?”

Let’s talk about this.

We’ll be honest we might not be the absolute cheapest bid you can find. But we also won’t be the company you regret hiring later.

Many lower-cost contractors can offer rock-bottom prices by:

  • Using unlicensed or inexperienced workers

  • Skipping permits or inspections

  • Installing undersized or oversized equipment

  • Cutting corners on duct sealing, airflow balancing, or electrical work

  • Ignoring building codes

  • Leaving you with zero warranty or support when something goes wrong

At GreenFlow, we do things the right way, every time. That means:

  • Proper sizing and load calculations

  • Duct sealing and system balancing

  • Permits pulled and inspections passed

  • Top-tier Mitsubishi and American Standard equipment

  • Thorough commissioning and performance testing

The cost of a bad install often shows up in your utility bills, your comfort, and your system lifespan. Saving $1,000 up front can cost you $3,000–$5,000 in the long run.

We’re not here to be the cheapest.

We’re here to be the most reliable, the most transparent, and the highest quality heating and cooling company in Tacoma.


What Does Union HVAC Work Look Like in a Residential Home?

Most people associate union HVAC companies with giant commercial buildings, schools, or government projects. But here’s what’s exciting GreenFlow Heating & Cooling brings that same level of precision and professionalism to your home.

Whether we’re installing a ductless mini-split in your ADU, upgrading your furnace to a high-efficiency heat pump, or replacing old ductwork in a 1920s craftsman, you get the benefit of:

  • Journeyman-level installers who’ve logged thousands of hours in the field

  • Systems that are sized correctly, not just slapped in and set to “auto”

  • Work that’s built to code and beyond

  • A level of professionalism you usually only see on commercial job sites


Why Tacoma Homeowners Should Care About Union Contractors

If you’re hiring someone to paint a fence or fix a leaky faucet, maybe you don’t need top-of-the-line expertise. But when it comes to your home’s comfort, air quality, and energy bills you want someone who knows what they’re doing.

Here’s what you get when you hire a union HVAC company like GreenFlow:

  • Peace of Mind

You’re hiring trained, certified professionals. No guesswork. No cutting corners.

  • Better Installations

Union techs are trained not just in HVAC basics but in airflow dynamics, refrigeration science, electrical codes, and building performance. That means your system runs better, lasts longer, and keeps you more comfortable.

  • Safety

All of our installers are trained in OSHA safety protocols and follow best practices on every job site including in your home.

  • Respect and Cleanliness

We treat your home like it’s our own. That means drop cloths, shoe covers, clean work areas, and real respect for your time and space.

  • Support for Workers

By choosing a union company, you’re supporting a business model that pays fair wages, offers health care, and invests in career-long training. That’s a win for our community.


We’re One of Only 12 Residential Union HVAC Companies in the State of Washington

That’s not a typo. As of now, there are only 12 residential-focused HVAC companies in Washington State that operate under a union agreement. And we’re the only one in Tacoma offering this level of quality and integrity specifically for homeowners.

Most union contractors stick to large-scale commercial or government work. We’ve chosen a different path bringing union quality to residential homes throughout Pierce County.

Because homeowners deserve it too.

So… Why Does This Matter for You?

Here’s the bottom line:

  • You want the job done right the first time.

  • You don’t want to be left in the cold (or heat) because of a bad install.

  • You care about quality, safety, and long-term value.

By choosing a union HVAC contractor like GreenFlow Heating & Cooling, you’re making a smart investment in your home, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

You’re not just buying a heat pump or a mini-split you’re buying a system that will support your lifestyle, your energy goals, and your family’s comfort for the next 15–20 years.

Tacoma Heating and Cooling Done Right

There are a lot of heating and cooling companies in Tacoma but very few operate the way we do. At GreenFlow, we’re combining high-end craftsmanship, residential customer care, and union-trained expertise to create something rare in the world of home services.

If you’re looking for:

We’re here. And we’re proud to be doing HVAC differently.

Get a Quote, Ask Questions, or Just Talk It Through

If you’re not sure what your home needs or you’ve been burned by contractors before

give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options, answer every question, and help you make the best choice for your space and your budget.

And if you decide to work with us, you’ll get more than just a new heating or cooling system you’ll get union-backed quality that lasts.





 
 
 

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