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10 best air conditioning repair companies in San Francisco, 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 Francisco. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
When your air conditioner (AC) stops working during a hot San Francisco summer, you need repairs ASAP. A professional AC technician in the San Francisco area can get your system back up and running before the heat sets in.
AC issues occur for many reasons, and it’s better to hire a licensed and insured AC repair company than diagnose the problem on your own.
AC repair pros are trained to safely handle electrical problems and work with refrigerants. Refrigerants are dangerous materials that require a license to handle.
Your AC system is an indispensable home system, especially during the summer. When your air conditioning system has a problem, collect quotes from several local HVAC repair pros to get a provider that aligns with your budget.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in San Francisco
Look for AC repair companies in San Francisco 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
Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling
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- Clear pricing policy
Tech Air
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- Clear pricing policy
Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
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- Clear pricing policy
Bay Area Climate Control
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- Clear pricing policy
All About Air
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- Clear pricing policy
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, Solar, Electrical
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- Clear pricing policy
Bodnar Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
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- Clear pricing policy
Contra Costa 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.
Hi-5 Appliance Repair
Chill Heating & Cooling
Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning
Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
The following are some signs that your air conditioning system needs repairs:
- Rising energy bills: Higher or rising energy bills may indicate your AC system is using more electricity than it should. The average local spending on energy is $116 per month, based on data from the Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- Inconsistent temperatures: A well-functioning air conditioning system should keep your entire home at a consistent temperature. Major temperature differences between rooms may point to an issue with your HVAC system.
- Inaccurate thermostat readings: The temperature inside your home should correspond to the thermostat. Inconsistent readings could indicate a problem with either your thermostat or AC system.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Call an air conditioning repair company immediately if you see leaks around your AC. This could be a refrigerant leak or water from a damaged or blocked tube.
- Weird noises: It's common for AC systems to produce some noise, but loud or unusual noises can be an issue. If you hear bubbling, clicking or screeching, contact a professional.
- Strange odors: A smell coming from your AC after months of disuse is normal, but an air conditioning system with a persistent or sudden weird scent may need repairs.
- Weak airflow: Poor airflow can be a sign that your AC system isn't working properly or that there's a blockage in a duct or vent.
- Warm air: Warm air can point to an issue with your home’s ductwork or that your system's compressor is low on refrigerant.
- Frequent cycles: It's normal for your AC to turn on more often on warmer days, but if it turns on and off more than usual, your AC may need a tune-up.
Facts about San Francisco
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in San Francisco?
The following factors can help you find the best AC repair company in the San Francisco area.
Make sure the company is licensed in California
Only hire properly licensed and insured AC repair companies. 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. Other requirements include a cash bond or surety and worker’s compensation insurance.
Look for national accreditations
Some AC technicians pursue voluntary national accreditations from organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). While not required, accreditation offers proof of the technician’s expertise and skill in the industry.
Get a free estimate
Most HVAC repair companies provide free estimates where a professional visits your home to assess the problem, suggests solutions and gives you a quote. The technician should carefully inspect your AC system before diagnosing the issue.
Compare costs
Obtain detailed estimates from multiple providers. Checking rates from several providers will help you get an idea of the average local price range. Be wary of offers that are much higher or lower than the average.
Assess experience
Make sure to ask how familiar the air conditioning repair technician is with your AC's brand and model. Technicians with experience working with your particular system generally provide higher-quality repairs.
Read reviews
Ask friends and family for AC repair company recommendations. Always read online reviews for professionals you're considering hiring.
When reading reviews, watch out for consistently bad ones. Make sure you're reading current reviews, as the company's work quality could have changed over the years.
What are popular types of AC units in San Francisco?
These are the most common types of AC units in San Francisco and which homes they’re most suitable for:
- Central: Standard central AC units are dependable and efficiently cool your entire home.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a reliable and efficient choice for homes without ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems combine heat pumps with furnaces, providing cooling during hot weather and heating during colder seasons.
- Heat pumps: Heat pumps are becoming more popular in San Francisco, 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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