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10 best air conditioning repair companies in San Diego, 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 San Diego. 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. An AC repair pro in San Diego, California, can fix your AC unit easily.
There are many potential causes behind air conditioning malfunctions. Your best move is hire a licensed and insured professional rather than guessing at solutions yourself.
AC repair pros are trained to safely perform electrical work and work with refrigerants, which are hazardous materials that require a certification to handle.
Fixing your broken AC unit should be a top concern during the hottest months of the summer in San Diego. When you need air conditioning system repairs, get the best AC repair pro for you by reviewing quotes from multiple providers.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in San Diego
Look for AC repair companies in San Diego 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.
Friar's Plumbing Heating & Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Air Plus Heating & Cooling
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Stable Temp HVAC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Same Day Heating & Air Conditioning
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
ASI, The White Glove Guys
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Jackson & Foster Heating and Air Conditioning
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Progressive Heating & Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Action Air Conditioning & Heating
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.
Sky Clean Air
THA Heating, Air, & Plumbing, Inc.
Pacific Heating & Air Conditioning
Airmaxx
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
Get your AC system repaired 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 spending on energy is $138 per month in San Diego. Your air conditioning system may need servicing if your energy bills are higher than usual.
- Inconsistent temperatures: Your AC unit should keep your entire home at a consistent temperature. Major fluctuations in temperature from one room to the next could indicate an issue with your HVAC.
- Inaccurate thermostat readings: Your home's internal temperature should correspond to the thermostat. Conflicting readings could indicate a problem with your AC system or thermostat.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Moisture dripping from your AC is not a good sign. This could be a refrigerant leak or water from a damaged or obstructed tube. Either way, contact an AC repair company immediately.
- Weird noises: AC systems generate some level of noise, but loud or unusual noises, such as bubbling, screeching or clicking, can point to a bigger 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 odd smell may need repairs.
- Weak airflow: Weak or poor airflow can be an indication that your AC system isn't working efficiently or that there's an obstruction in a duct or vent.
- Warm air: If your vents are blowing warm air, there could be a problem with your ductwork, or your system's compressor is low on refrigerant.
- Frequent cycles: Your AC cycling on and off more than usual may indicate a problem. Your system should turn on more frequently on hotter days, but it shouldn’t do so constantly during the day.
Facts about San Diego
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in San Diego?
Account for these factors when trying to find the best AC repair company for you in San Diego.
Make sure the company is licensed in California
Check your AC repair company for licensing and insurance. The California Contractors State License Board requires HVAC contractors to maintain proper licensing. They must also have worker's compensation insurance and a surety or cash bond. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants to be certified.
Look for national accreditations
There are voluntary national accreditations for AC pros, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Accreditation isn’t necessary, but it offers proof of the technician’s ability and expertise in the industry.
Get a free estimate
Most AC repair companies provide free estimates. This involves an in-person assessment during which the technician proposes solutions and gives you a quote. The technician should perform a comprehensive inspection of your AC system before diagnosing the issue.
Compare costs
Obtain itemized estimates from multiple AC repair providers to compare pricing. Comparing multiple estimates gives you a better idea of the rates in your area. Be cautious of offers that are too high or too low.
Assess experience
Ask how familiar the air conditioning repair technician is with your AC's brand and model. HVAC technicians work with various kinds of heating and cooling equipment, but some have expertise in certain types of systems.
Read reviews
Ask friends and family for personal recommendations for AC repair companies. Always read online reviews for professionals you're considering hiring.
Feedback helps you gauge what kind of customer service and work quality you can expect from the company. Keep an eye out for consistently bad reviews or a recent rise in negative feedback.
What are popular types of AC units in San Diego?
The following are the most common types of AC units in San Diego and the homes they work best for:
- Central: Standard central AC units are reliable and efficiently cool your entire home, making them ideal for hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a reliable 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: Heat pumps are gaining in popularity in San Diego, as they’re more energy-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.
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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