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10 best air conditioning repair companies in Berkeley, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 air conditioning repair companies that operate within 50 miles of Berkeley. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
A broken air conditioning system can be a nightmare in the middle of summer. Hiring one of the top air conditioning repair pros in Berkeley, California, is the best way to resolve your air conditioning issue quickly.
There are many potential causes behind air conditioning failures. Your best option is hire an expert rather than attempting repairs yourself.
Air conditioning repair technicians undergo training to safely handle electrical problems and work with refrigerants. Refrigerants are toxic substances that require a license to handle.
Summer temperatures in Berkeley get up to 86 degrees on average, making your AC an indispensable home system. Get an AC pro within your budget by requesting estimates from several local technicians.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in Berkeley
Look for AC repair companies in Berkeley with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
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- Clear pricing policy
Element Home Solutions
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- Clear pricing policy
Hi-5 Appliance Repair
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- Clear pricing policy
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, Solar, Electrical
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- Clear pricing policy
Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning
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- Clear pricing policy
Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning
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- Clear pricing policy
Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning
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- Clear pricing policy
Connolly Heating and Air Conditioning
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- Clear pricing policy
Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
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- Clear pricing policy
Smart Heating and Air Conditioning
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- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional air conditioning repair companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Chill Heating & Cooling
Ariston Heating and Cooling
Precision Air Solutions
Bay Area Climate Control
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
The following are some signs your AC system needs to be repaired:
- Rising energy bills: If your energy bill is unusually higher than usual or keeps climbing, your air conditioning unit may be the cause.
- Inconsistent temperatures: Your home's AC unit is meant to provide even cooling in all rooms. Big temperature swings could mean your HVAC system needs repairs.
- Your home's temperature doesn’t match the thermostat: The thermostat tells your air conditioner when to turn on or off. Mismatched readings could mean there's a problem with the AC system or thermostat.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Moisture seeping from your AC is an issue. This could be leaking refrigerant or water from a damaged or blocked tube. Either way, call an AC repair company as soon as possible.
- Weird noises: It's common for AC systems to make some noise, but loud or unusual noises can be an issue. If you hear screeching, clicking or bubbling, contact a professional.
- Strange odors: A smell coming from the AC after going unused for months is normal, but an AC system with a lingering or sudden bad scent may need a tune-up.
- Weak airflow: A sign your AC may need repairs is weak airflow. An inefficient air conditioning system or something blocking the duct or vent could cause weak airflow.
- Warm air: Your home's ductwork could have a problem, or your system's compressor could be low on refrigerant if your AC is blowing warm air.
- Frequent cycles: Your AC cycling on and off more often than usual may indicate a problem. Your system should turn on more on hotter days, but it shouldn’t do so constantly during the day.
Facts about Berkeley
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in Berkeley?
Take these factors into account when researching AC repair companies in the Berkeley area.
Make sure the company is licensed in California
AC repair companies should have proper licensing and insurance. The California Contractors State License Board requires HVAC contractors to maintain proper licensing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants to be certified. They also need a cash bond or surety and worker’s compensation insurance.
Look for national accreditations
While not required, there are national accreditations for AC pros, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Having a certification from one of these professional organizations offers proof of a technician's expertise and ability in the industry.
Get a free estimate
Most AC repair companies offer free estimates where a technician visits your home to evaluate the issue, offers solutions and gives you a quote. Take note of how comprehensive the company is during the assessment.
Compare costs
Obtain detailed estimates from multiple AC repair companies to compare pricing. Multiple estimates will also give you a better idea of the average price range in your area. Be cautious of providers quoting rates that are too high or too low.
Assess experience
Ask about the AC repair company’s familiarity with your AC's make and model. HVAC pros usually have experience with several AC systems, but some specialize in particular brands.
Read reviews
Your friends and family may have personal recommendations for AC repair companies in your area. Regardless, make sure to check each company's online reviews.
Feedback helps you gauge what kind of customer service and work quality you can expect from the company. Watch out for consistently bad reviews or a recent uptick in negative experiences.
What are popular types of AC units in Berkeley?
Here are the most common AC unit types in Berkeley and the homes they suit the most:
- Central: Standard central AC units are very common in Berkeley, as they’re reliable and efficiently cool your entire home, making them ideal for hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a great option for homeowners who prefer zoned cooling and for homes without ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems combine heat pumps with furnaces to provide both heating and cooling.
- Heat pumps: More Berkeley homeowners use heat pumps, which are more energy-efficient in warmer climates.
Best air conditioning repair for you
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Our methodology for selecting AC repair companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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