10 best air conditioning repair companies in San Mateo, California
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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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.
When your air conditioner (AC) breaks down during a hot San Mateo summer, you need service ASAP. Hire a top AC pro in San Mateo, California to get your system back up and running.
AC issues happen for many reasons, and it’s better to hire an experienced AC repair company than attempt to fix the problem on your own.
AC repair technicians receive training to safely conduct electrical repairs and work with refrigerants, which are toxic substances regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Only trained professionals with proper certification should handle refrigerants.
Your AC unit is a key home system, especially during the summer. When you need repairs, find the best HVAC pro for you by reviewing quotes from multiple providers.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in San Mateo
Look for AC repair companies in San Mateo 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.
Bodnar Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Services Offered
Carol Flynn Heating & Cooling
Services Offered
Bay Area Climate Control
Services Offered
JC HVAC Refrigeration & Appliance
Services Offered
Finest Heating & Air
Services Offered
All About Air
Services Offered
Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
Services Offered
Element Home Solutions
Services Offered
Contra Costa Heating & Air Conditioning
Services Offered
Nur HVAC
Services Offered
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
The following are some signs your AC unit needs repairs:
- Rising energy bills: The typical local spending on energy is $128 per month, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and Department of Energy (DOE). If your energy bill is much higher or keeps going up, your AC unit may be the culprit.
- Inconsistent temperatures: When an AC is functioning properly, it maintains a consistent temperature throughout your home. Major temperature fluctuations could mean your HVAC system needs repairs.
- The internal temperature doesn’t match the thermostat: Discrepancies between your home's actual temperature and the thermostat's means there may be an issue with your AC or thermostat.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Get in touch with an AC repair company as soon as possible if your AC is leaking. This could be leaking refrigerant or water from a damaged or blocked tube.
- Weird noises: Loud or unusual noises, such as bubbling, clicking or screeching, can mean a larger issue.
- Strange odors: A smell coming from your AC after going unused for months is normal, but an AC with a lingering or sudden unusual odor may need repairs.
- Weak airflow: If your AC has poor airflow, that's a sign your AC isn't working properly or that something is blocking the duct or vent.
- Warm air: If your vents blow warm air, there could be an issue with your home’s ductwork, or 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 repairs.
Facts about San Mateo
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Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in San Mateo?
Take these factors into account when researching AC repair companies in the San Mateo area.
Make sure the company is licensed in California
Check your AC repair company for proper licensing and insurance. The California Contractors State License Board requires HVAC contractors to maintain proper licensing. HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). AC repair professionals also need a cash bond or surety and worker’s compensation insurance.
Look for national accreditations
Some AC technicians pursue optional national accreditations from professional organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). While not mandatory, accreditation offers proof of the technician’s skill and expertise in the field.
Get a free estimate
Most AC repair companies provide free estimates. This involves an in-home inspection during which the AC repair pro suggests solutions and gives you a quote. Pay attention to how thorough the company is during the inspection.
Compare costs
Request detailed estimates from several AC repair companies to compare pricing. Reviewing several quotes gives you a better sense of the average price range in your area. Don't base your decision soley on the lowest price because their work quality may be lower than others.
Assess experience
Ask the technician about their experience with your AC's make and model. Some HVAC technicians specialize in certain types of systems, whereas others have more generalized experience.
Read reviews
Ask friends and family for AC repair company recommendations. Always look up online reviews for professionals before hiring them.
When browsing reviews, watch out for consistently bad ones. Make sure you're reading current reviews, as the company's service quality could have changed over the years.
What are popular types of AC units in San Mateo?
These are the types of AC units you can typically find in San Mateo homes, along with which homes they're most suitable for:
- Central: Standard central AC units are common in San Mateo, as they’re dependable and efficiently cool entire homes.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a great option for homes without ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems combine heat pumps with furnaces. They provide heating during colder seasons and cooling during hot weather.
- Heat pumps: More homeowners in San Mateo choose heat pumps, which are more energy-efficient 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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