Short answer: Lee's Air (ProZone LLC) and The Cooling Company are both family-owned HVAC companies in the Las Vegas market, but they differ in licensing type, BBB record, and operational structure. Lee's Air holds a C-21B (limited residential) HVAC license, while The Cooling Company holds a full C-21 (unrestricted) license. Lee's Air has 3 BBB complaints on file, including financing bait-and-switch allegations; The Cooling Company has an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Lee's Air operates 3 different websites, suggesting organizational complexity. Both companies hold plumbing licenses (C-1D). For the full breakdown, see our Lee's Air comparison page.
Key Takeaways
- License type: Lee's Air holds a C-21B (limited residential). The Cooling Company holds a full C-21 (unrestricted). The difference matters.
- BBB complaints: Lee's Air has 3 BBB complaints on file, including financing bait-and-switch allegations. The Cooling Company has zero BBB complaints and an A+ rating.
- Both family-owned: Lee's Air (ProZone LLC) is family-owned. The Cooling Company (Santana family) is family-owned since 2011. Neither is PE-backed.
- Both dual-licensed: Both hold HVAC and plumbing licenses (C-1D), allowing both to handle HVAC and plumbing work.
- Google ratings: Lee's Air: 4.8 stars (609 reviews). The Cooling Company: 4.9 stars (740+ reviews).
- Operational clarity: Lee's Air operates 3 different websites. The Cooling Company operates one website at thecoolingco.com.
Why This Comparison Matters
Lee's Air is an established name in the Las Vegas HVAC market. If you are comparing Lee's Air to other local companies, this comparison provides the licensing, regulatory, and review data that will help you make an informed choice. Both companies are family-owned — a rarity in a market increasingly dominated by PE-backed platforms. But family ownership alone does not make two companies equivalent, and the differences in licensing type, BBB record, and operational structure are worth understanding.
All data in this comparison comes from the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB), the Nevada Secretary of State, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Business profiles.
Licensing: C-21B (Limited) vs C-21 (Full)
This is the most significant licensing difference between the two companies. Lee's Air (ProZone LLC) holds a C-21B license — Nevada's limited residential HVAC license. The Cooling Company holds a C-21 license — the full, unrestricted refrigeration and air conditioning license.
| Category | Lee's Air (ProZone LLC) | The Cooling Company |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC License | C-21B (Limited Residential), Active | C-21 (#0075849), Active |
| Plumbing License | C-1D, Active | C-1D (#0078611), Active |
| Bid Limit | $500,000 | $700,000 (per license) |
| NSCB Disciplinary | Verify at NSCB | Zero |
| BBB Complaints | 3 on file | Zero (A+ rating) |
| Ownership | ProZone LLC (family-owned) | Santana family (family-owned since 2011) |
The C-21B restricts the contractor to residential air conditioning work only. It does not cover commercial HVAC, and the scope of allowed work is narrower than a full C-21. The C-21 covers both residential and commercial HVAC with no project-type restrictions. A contractor who has qualified for a full C-21 has met more extensive NSCB requirements for experience, examination, and financial standing.
For most standard residential jobs — a single AC replacement, furnace installation, or routine repair — both license types are legally sufficient. The difference matters if your project has any commercial component, involves a mixed-use property, or requires the broader scope of work that only a C-21 authorizes.
For a full explanation, see our guide on Nevada HVAC contractor license types: C-21 vs C-21B.
BBB Record: Complaints and Financing Allegations
This is the most consequential difference in this comparison beyond licensing. Lee's Air has 3 BBB complaints on file. Among the complaint themes documented at BBB are financing bait-and-switch allegations — situations where the financing terms presented during the sales process allegedly differed from the terms in the final financing agreement.
We are reporting what BBB records show, not making independent claims about Lee's Air's financing practices. Financing bait-and-switch complaints are among the most serious types of consumer complaints because they involve the financial terms of a major purchase. If you are considering financing HVAC work through any company, we strongly recommend:
- Reading the complete financing agreement before signing — not just the summary the salesperson presents
- Confirming the interest rate, term length, monthly payment, and total cost of financing in writing
- Asking whether the quoted financing terms are guaranteed or subject to credit approval that could change the terms
- Getting the financing offer in writing before the installation date — not at the time of signing
- Comparing the dealer-offered financing to your own options (home equity line, credit union personal loan, credit card with promotional rate)
The Cooling Company holds an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. We offer financing through established lending partners with clear, documented terms. We do not present one set of terms and deliver another. Every financing offer we present is in writing, with the exact rate, term, and monthly payment documented before you commit.
Google Ratings and Reviews
| Platform | Lee's Air | The Cooling Company |
|---|---|---|
| Google Rating | 4.8 stars (609 reviews) | 4.9 stars (740+ reviews) |
| BBB Rating | 3 complaints on file | A+, zero complaints |
Lee's Air's 4.8 Google rating across 609 reviews is a strong mark. The divergence between their Google rating and BBB complaint record is worth noting — Google reviews capture the overall service experience, while BBB complaints often represent the subset of customers who had significant disputes, particularly around billing, financing, or project completion issues. Both data points are informative.
The Three-Website Question
Lee's Air operates 3 different websites. Multiple websites for the same company can serve legitimate purposes (different service lines, A/B testing, location targeting), but they can also create confusion for customers trying to research the company, find consistent pricing information, or determine which entity they are actually hiring. When evaluating any contractor with multiple web presences, confirm which entity name will appear on your contract and which website contains the authoritative information about pricing, warranties, and terms.
The Cooling Company operates one website: thecoolingco.com. All service information, pricing guidance, educational content, and contact details are in one place. Our license numbers, service areas, and company information are consistently presented across all platforms.
Ownership: Both Family-Owned
Lee's Air (ProZone LLC) is family-owned. The Cooling Company is family-owned by the Santana family since 2011. In a Las Vegas HVAC market increasingly dominated by PE-backed roll-ups, both companies represent the independent, locally accountable model. We respect that Lee's Air has remained family-owned rather than selling to private equity — it is a choice that prioritizes long-term reputation over short-term financial gain, and it benefits the Las Vegas consumer.
That said, family ownership alone does not guarantee a clean record or transparent business practices. The licensing type, BBB complaints, and financing allegations documented in public records are the differentiating factors that homeowners should evaluate alongside ownership structure.
What to Check Before Hiring Either Company
- Verify the license type and status: Confirm C-21 vs C-21B at the NSCB license search.
- Read BBB complaints in detail: Go to bbb.org and read the full text of complaints — not just the number. The nature of complaints matters more than the count.
- Scrutinize financing terms: If financing is part of your purchase, get every term in writing before signing anything. Compare to independent financing options.
- Confirm which entity is on the contract: With multiple websites and business names, confirm the legal entity name on your contract matches the licensed entity on NSCB records.
- Get a detailed written estimate: Ensure the scope of work, equipment models, warranty terms, and total price are documented before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lee's Air a good HVAC company?
Lee's Air has a 4.8 Google rating across 609 reviews, which indicates generally positive customer experiences. They are family-owned and dual-licensed (C-21B + C-1D), which is a strong profile. However, they hold a limited C-21B license (not a full C-21), have 3 BBB complaints including financing-related allegations, and operate 3 different websites. Weigh these factors based on your priorities.
What is the difference between Lee's Air's C-21B and The Cooling Company's C-21?
Lee's Air holds a C-21B — Nevada's limited residential HVAC license, which restricts them to residential AC work only. The Cooling Company holds a full C-21 — the unrestricted license covering both residential and commercial HVAC. The C-21 requires more extensive qualifications. See our complete license type guide for details.
Does Lee's Air have BBB complaints?
Yes. Lee's Air has 3 BBB complaints on file, including allegations related to financing practices. You can read the full complaints at bbb.org by searching for the company name. The Cooling Company has zero BBB complaints and an A+ rating.
Why does Lee's Air have multiple websites?
We cannot speak to Lee's Air's internal reasoning for operating 3 different websites. It may serve legitimate business purposes. We recommend verifying which website contains the most current and authoritative information, and confirming that the entity on your contract matches the entity shown on the NSCB license.
Ready to Compare?
For the full side-by-side comparison, visit our Lee's Air vs The Cooling Company comparison page.
If you are ready to schedule service or want a quote, call (702) 567-0707 or visit our AC repair, AC installation, or plumbing services pages.
Correction Policy
The Cooling Company is committed to factual accuracy in all published content. Every claim in this comparison is sourced from public records (NSCB, Nevada Secretary of State, BBB, Google). If any information is inaccurate or has changed, please contact us at (702) 567-0707 and we will investigate and correct the record promptly. We do not publish information we cannot verify, and we correct errors as soon as they are brought to our attention.