10 best air conditioning repair companies in Riverside, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreJoin more than 1,440 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score air conditioning repair companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Air conditioner (AC) trouble is the last thing you want to deal with during the summer, especially in hotter areas of the country like California. A professional AC technician in the Riverside area can get your system back up and running before the extreme heat sets in.
We suggest hiring an experienced AC repair company rather than attempt to repair the problem yourself.
AC repair requires proper training and certification. Technicians who handle refrigerants must pass a test and receive a certification through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Fixing your broken AC unit should be a top priority during the hottest months of the summer in Riverside. When you need repairs, find the best AC repair pro for you by comparing quotes from several providers.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in Riverside
Look for AC repair companies in Riverside 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.
MSP Heat And Air
Services Offered
Inland Empire Comfort
Services Offered
Hush Air Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Magnolia Heating and Cooling
Services Offered
Dragonfly Heating & Cooling
Services Offered
Green Comfort
Services Offered
Air One A/C Heating & Plumbing
Services Offered
Ace Home Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc.
Services Offered
RighTime Home Services
Services Offered
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
Your AC needs to be repaired if you spot the following signs:
- Rising energy bills: Consistently higher or rising energy bills may indicate your AC is using more electricity than it should. The average local spending on energy is $96 per month, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and Department of Energy (DOE).
- Inconsistent temperatures: Your AC system should keep your home at a consistent temperature. Fluctuations in temperature from one room to the next could point to an issue with your HVAC.
- The temperature inside the house doesn’t match the thermostat: The thermostat tells your AC when to turn on or off. Conflicting readings could mean there's a problem with the AC system or thermostat.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Fluid coming from your AC is not a good sign. This could be due to leaking refrigerant or water from a broken or blocked tube. Either way, contact an AC repair company immediately.
- Weird noises: Loud or unusual noises, such as bubbling, screeching or clicking, can point to a bigger issue.
- Strange odors: A smell coming from the AC after going unused for months is normal, but an AC with a persistent or sudden bad smell may require repairs.
- Weak airflow: Poor airflow can be a sign that your AC isn't working correctly or that there's an obstruction in a duct or vent.
- Warm air: Warm air indicates a possible problem with your home’s ductwork or that your system's compressor is low on refrigerant.
- Frequent cycles: Your AC cycling on and off more than usual may be a sign of a problem. Your system should turn on more often on warmer days, but it shouldn’t do so constantly during the day.
Facts about Riverside
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in Riverside?
Consider these factors when looking for the best AC repair company for you in the Riverside 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. Other requirements include a surety or cash bond and worker’s compensation insurance. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants to be certified.
Look for national accreditations
Accreditation isn’t necessary, but it offers proof of the AC technician’s expertise and ability in the field. Two professional accreditation organizations include the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
Get a free estimate
Take advantage of free estimates, which most AC repair companies offer. This includes a technician coming to your home to evaluate the issue, recommend solutions and give you a quote. Pay attention to how careful and thorough the technician is during the inspection.
Compare costs
Request detailed, itemized estimates from multiple AC repair providers to compare pricing. Checking several quotes gives you a better idea of the average price range in your area. Be cautious of offers that are much higher or lower than the average.
Assess experience
Verify the provider has experience repairing your type of AC system. HVAC pros work with several types of heating and cooling equipment, but some specialize in certain types of systems.
Read reviews
Ask your friends and family for personal recommendations for AC repair companies. Always read online reviews for professionals before hiring them.
Read comments from past customers to gain insight into their experience with the company, and keep an eye out for consistently bad reviews or a recent increase in negative feedback.
What are popular types of AC units in Riverside?
Below are the types of AC units you'll typically find in Riverside homes, along with which homes they're most suitable for:
- Central: Standard central AC units are reliable and designed to efficiently cool your entire home, making them ideal for hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a efficient 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 Riverside, as they’re more cost-effective 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...
![9 Best Air Conditioner Brands [2024 Complete Buyers Guide]](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.
hvacMar. 4
Find out what SEER ratings mean and how they can help you save on energy costs or qualify for a tax credit.
hvacFeb. 16
Learn how to calculate what size conditioner you need for your room or home.
hvacJan. 11
The energy-efficient heat pump can save you money on energy costs. See how different heat pump types stack up.
hvacFeb. 9
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.
hvacFeb. 12