Triton Air

A Breath of Fresh Air

by Victoria Kertz

When TRITON AIR isn’t busy installing or repairing a heating, air conditioning or water heating system for one of its clients, the company finds ways to give back to South Orange County. During the devastating COVID-19 shutdowns, Triton Air learned that even the biggest challenges offered plenty of room for growth. Founders Kim and Mike Nicolai are pillars of the San Clemente family-owned and small business network, and they’re leading the charge to improve the lives of local residents. “We have a guiding principle,” Mike says, “to be a community for our community.”

Founded in 2001, Triton Air was started from humble beginnings in the Nicolai’s home. The company has since moved into its current facility, which serves as an office and warehouse. In 2006, as the company grew, it expanded into both neighboring suites. Due to the lockdowns this past March and April, business slowed, and Mike was placed in the regrettable position of needing to lay off some of his employees. As he shared the unfortunate news with his staff, he said, “I look forward to the day when I can see you walk through these doors again, look you in the eye, shake your hand, and welcome you back.” Fortunately, it didn’t take long for them to return.

In May, area families focused on home Improvements, almost in unison, and business skyrocketed. “It completely flipped!” Mike recalls. “It was like going from 0 to 100 miles per hour overnight.” Needless to say, Triton rehired its team, and the company’s business soared. “It was such a meaningful time,” he says “and such an emotional time. To share some positivity was truly rewarding.”

Mike says that Triton’s most requested services are regular maintenance on heating and air systems, but when COVID-19 was determined to be airborne, the focus quickly shifted to air filtration. Many families are now upgrading their systems in an effort to prevent virus spread, and to provide added peace of mind. The MERV-16 mechanical filtration system, which Mike likens to an “N95 mask for your home,” utilizes UVC light technology to prevent virus, bacteria, and even mold reproduction. Another option is a photocatalytic air filtration system, which emulates the air quality on a beach. These indoor climate technologies are also effective in combating smoke from nearby wildfires, Mike says.

Even with thousands of satisfied customers around the county, Triton Air is perhaps best known for its charitable contributions. “Our vision,” Mike says, “is to positively impact people. We ask our team to look out for one another and support one another. Together we go out to help support our community.”

You may see Triton Air’s purple van driving around town. A percentage of sales from that vehicle go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in memory of one of their team members. COVID brought out the best in Triton Air. Their team volunteered to deliver groceries to high-risk people and those aged 65 and older. Other ways the Triton team has served the community is through free installations of systems, including air conditioning for persons with certain neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Excessive heat exacerbates their symptoms and AC makes a huge difference in their quality of life. Triton also provided free installation on a walk-in cooler for Family Assistance Ministries so FAM could store and distribute more food to those in need.

The cause nearest to the Nicolai’s hearts is an organization in Malawi that provides medical support and transportation for expecting mothers and other medical emergencies. It’s a group they met through their church. Mike and Kim are hopeful that they can travel to the African country in July 2021 to see the ambulance they helped finance.

You can support these causes and a local family business by hiring Triton Air to maintain your current HVAC system or to upgrade your existing system. A quick call to San Clemente’s Triton Air is one you can feel good about making.

Triton Air
1221 Puerta del Sol #300
San Clemente • 949.482.2492
TritonAir.com