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10 best air conditioning repair companies in El Cajon, 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 El Cajon. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Air conditioner (AC) malfunctions in the middle of summer demand immediate repairs. A professional AC repairtechnician in the El Cajon area can get your system back up and running before the extreme heat sets in.
There are many reasons behind air conditioning breakdowns. Your best bet is to get in touch with a professional rather than guessing at solutions yourself.
Air conditioning repair technicians are trained to safely handle electrical problems and work with refrigerants. Refrigerants are hazardous materials that require a certification to handle.
With average summer temperatures exceeding 86 degrees in El Cajon, a broken AC unit is a major headache. When your air conditioning system has a problem, ask for estimates from multiple local HVAC pros to get a provider that works within your budget.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in El Cajon
Look for AC repair companies in El Cajon 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.
Blue Diamond Heating and Air
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Precision Temperature
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Hamel's Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.
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Air Plus Heating & Cooling
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Airmaxx
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Mauzy Heating, Air & Solar
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Same Day Heating & Air Conditioning
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Comfort Bros Heating And Air
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ASI, The White Glove Guys
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Pacific Heating & 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.
Jackson & Foster Heating and Air Conditioning
Friar's Plumbing Heating & Air
Global Heating and Air Conditioning
Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
Contact an AC repair pro if you see the following signs:
- Rising energy bills: Based on data from the Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average local spending on energy is $138 per month. Your air conditioning unit may need a tune-up if your energy bills are higher than normal.
- Inconsistent temperatures: When an air conditioning system is working properly, it keeps your home at a consistent temperature from room to room. Major temperature differences could indicate your HVAC system needs repairs.
- The internal temperature doesn’t match the thermostat: Discrepancies between the thermostat's temperature and your home's actual temperature means there may be a problem with your AC or thermostat.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Contact an air conditioning repair company immediately if there are leaks around your AC. This could be leaking refrigerant or water from a broken or obstructed tube.
- Weird noises: It's normal for AC systems to make some noise, but loud or unusual noises can be an issue. If you hear clicking, bubbling or screeching, 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 unusual odor may require a tune-up.
- Weak airflow: Poor or weak airflow is a common warning that your AC isn’t working efficiently or that there's a blockage in the duct or vent.
- 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 turning on and off more often than usual may indicate an issue. Your system should turn on more on warmer days, but it shouldn’t do so constantly during the day.
Facts about El Cajon
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How do you choose the best AC repair company in El Cajon?
Consider these factors when choosing the best AC repair company for you in El Cajon.
Make sure the company is licensed in California
Verify that your AC repair company has 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 pros who handle refrigerants to be certified. They also need worker's compensation insurance and a surety or cash bond.
Look for national accreditations
Accreditation isn’t required, but it offers proof of the AC technician’s knowledge and skill in the industry. Two professional accreditation associations include the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
Get a free estimate
The norm among HVAC repair companies is to provide free estimates in which a professional evaluates the problem, offers solutions and gives you a quote. Pay attention to how careful and thorough the technician is during the assessment.
Compare costs
Get detailed estimates from several AC repair technicians to compare pricing. Reviewing several estimates gives you a sense of the rates in your area. Be cautious of offers that are too high or too low.
Assess experience
Ask if the company has experience servicing your type of AC system. Technicians with experience servicing your particular system generally provide higher-quality repairs.
Read reviews
Your friends and family may have recommendations for local AC repair companies. Regardless, be sure to look up each company's online reviews.
Read comments from past customers to get a sense of the company's customer service and work quality, and watch out for consistently bad reviews or a recent uptick in negative reviews.
What are popular types of AC units in El Cajon?
These are the most common AC unit types in El Cajon and the homes they’re most suitable for:
- Central: Standard central AC units are very common in El Cajon, as they efficiently cool entire homes, making them well-suited for hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is another common type of AC unit. It offers zoned cooling without the need for ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems both heat and cool your home by combining heat pumps with furnaces.
- Heat pumps: Heat pumps are growing in popularity in El Cajon, as they’re more efficient and work best 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.
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