Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best air conditioning repair companies in Oakland, California
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,440 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 air conditioning repair companies that operate within 50 miles of Oakland. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
A malfunctioning air conditioning system can be a nightmare in the middle of summer. An AC repair pro in Oakland, California, can resolve your broken AC easily.
We recommend hiring a licensed and insured AC repair company rather than diagnose the problem yourself.
AC repair technicians undergo training to safely conduct electrical repairs and handle refrigerants, which are toxic materials regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Only trained professionals with proper certification should handle refrigerants.
With average summer temperatures surpassing 86 degrees in Oakland, a broken AC is a major headache. When you need repairs, get the best HVAC pro for you by comparing quotes from several providers.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in Oakland
Look for AC repair companies in Oakland 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.
Element Home Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bay Area Climate Control
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, Solar, Electrical
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Hi-5 Appliance Repair
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Contra Costa Heating & Air Conditioning
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Chill Heating & Cooling
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
All About Air
Services offered
Highlights
- 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.
Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning
Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning
Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning
Connolly Heating and Air Conditioning
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
Your AC system needs to be repaired if you spot the following signs:
- Rising energy bills: If your energy bill is unusually higher than usual or keeps increasing, your AC system may be the culprit.
- Inconsistent temperatures: When your air conditioning system is working properly, it keep your home at a consistent temperature. Significant temperature differences could indicate your HVAC system needs repairs.
- Inaccurate thermostat readings: The temperature inside your home should correspond to the thermostat. Conflicting readings could indicate a problem with your AC system 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 blocked tube.
- Weird noises: Loud sounds or unusual noises, such as screeching, clicking or bubbling, can signal a serious issue.
- Strange odors: A smell coming from your AC after months of disuse is normal, but an air conditioning system with a lingering or sudden unpleasant scent may need a tune-up.
- Weak airflow: A sign your AC system may need repairs is weak or poor airflow. An inefficient air conditioning system or blockage could cause weak airflow.
- Warm air: There could be a problem with your home’s ductwork, or your system's compressor could be low on refrigerant if your AC is circulating warm air.
- Frequent cycles: Your AC turning on and off more often than usual may indicate a problem. Your system should turn on more often on warmer days, but it shouldn’t do so constantly during the day.
Facts about Oakland
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in Oakland?
Consider these factors when trying to find an AC repair company in Oakland.
Make sure the company is licensed in California
Only hire AC repair companies with 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 work with refrigerants to be certified. They must also have a surety or cash bond and worker’s compensation insurance.
Look for national accreditations
While not mandatory, 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 ability and expertise in the industry.
Get a free estimate
Take advantage of free estimates, which most AC repair companies provide. This includes a technician coming to your home to diagnose the issue, offer solutions and give you a quote. Pay close attention to how careful and thorough the technician is during the inspection.
Compare costs
Request itemized estimates from multiple companies. Comparing several estimates gives you a sense of the average rates in your area. Be cautious of companies that have disproportionately high or low rates.
Assess experience
Ask how familiar the air conditioning repair company is with your AC's brand and model. HVAC pros work with various types of heating and cooling equipment, but some focus their expertise on certain types of systems.
Read reviews
Your friends and family may have recommendations for local AC repair companies. Regardless, be sure to take a look at each company's online reviews.
Reviews help you get a sense of what kind of customer service and work quality you can expect from the company. Be on the lookout for consistently bad reviews or a recent rise in poor reviews.
What are popular types of AC units in Oakland?
The following AC unit types are the most common in Oakland:
- Central: Standard central AC units use ducts to circulate cooled air throughout the home from a central unit outside or inside the house. These are common throughout the country, especially in hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a great choice for homes without ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems combine heat pumps and furnaces. They provide cooling during hot weather and heating during colder seasons.
- Heat pumps: Heat pumps are gaining in popularity in Oakland, as they’re more efficient and work best in warmer climates.
Best air conditioning repair for you
Experts Ready to Help
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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
![10 Best Air Conditioner Brands: [2024 Complete Buyers Guide]](https://cdn.statically.io/img/whoapro.io/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=avif/https://d2hal1rtfsjwuv.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/14210716/AdobeStock_85025341-1024x683.jpeg)
Carrier tops our list with some of the best AC units. Read about how we reviewed the best air conditioner brands on features, reliability and warranties.
hvacMay 23
Find out what SEER ratings mean and how they can help you save on energy costs or qualify for a tax credit.
hvacMay 3
Learn how to calculate what size conditioner you need for your room or home.
hvacMay 3
The energy-efficient heat pump can save you money on energy costs. See how different heat pump types stack up.
hvacApr. 25
This article provides a detailed heat pump versus air conditioner analysis covering cost, maintenance and more to help you find the right system for your home.
hvacMay 6