Common questions. Straight answers.

Our diagnostic is $89 and is credited toward the repair if you move forward. Most common repairs — capacitor, contactor, thermostat, refrigerant top-off — run $180 to $550. Compressor or coil replacement is higher. You get a flat-rate quote before we start.

Same-day on most weekdays. Morning slots book fastest during a heat wave — call before 10 a.m. if it's urgent. After-hours calls go to an on-call technician, not a national dispatcher.

All major residential brands: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, Bryant, American Standard, Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, York, Payne, Amana, and more. If parts are available, we can repair it.

Rule of thumb: if the repair is more than half the cost of a new system and the unit is over 12 years old, replacement usually wins. R-22 refrigerant systems are also increasingly expensive to service — replacement often makes sense at the next major repair.

A basic 14.3 SEER2 split system runs $6,800 to $9,500 installed for most single-family homes. Variable-speed high-efficiency systems (18+ SEER2) run $11,000 to $15,000 installed with rebates factored. Line-item pricing every time.

In most of San Diego, a heat pump. It cools and heats with one unit, runs more efficiently, and qualifies for the biggest rebates (SDG&E + federal 25C tax credit). Mountain communities with heavy winter loads sometimes still pair a heat pump with a gas furnace.

Every install gets a Manual J load calculation — square footage, insulation, window type and orientation, ceiling height. Contractor rule-of-thumb sizing is usually too big. Oversized systems short-cycle, leave humidity, and wear out faster.

Most central-system swaps are one-day installs. Complex jobs with new ductwork, multi-zone mini splits, or electrical upgrades run 2 to 3 days. We confirm the schedule before booking and call before we arrive.

Yes. SDG&E, TECH Clean California, and the federal IRA 25C tax credit all currently offer meaningful incentives on qualifying heat pumps and high-efficiency AC. We handle SDG&E paperwork directly and give you what you need for federal credits.

Twice a year — spring for cooling, fall for heating. San Diego systems run harder and longer than most people think because our cooling season is long. Annual plans include priority scheduling and a discount on any repairs.

Refrigerant pressure, capacitor microfarads, contactor and relay inspection, fan and blower amp draw, static pressure, temperature split across the coil, condenser coil cleaning, condensate drain flush, electrical tightening, safety controls, thermostat calibration, filter replacement, and more. Written report after every visit.

The Climate Pros Plan is $189/year and includes two tune-ups (spring + fall), priority scheduling, no overtime rates on nights and weekends, and 15% off repairs. Month-to-month, no long-term contract.

Easily. Modern heat pumps operate efficiently down to 5°F or below. San Diego rarely dips below freezing outside the mountain communities. For most homes, a heat pump handles both heat and cool.

For additions, ADUs, converted garages, or rooms that never reach setpoint. A mini split adds zone-by-zone control without rebuilding ductwork. Single-zone install is a one-day job for most homes.

Federal IRA 25C tax credit is up to $2,000 on qualifying heat pumps. SDG&E and TECH Clean California stack on top. Depending on efficiency and income qualification, total incentives can exceed $5,000. We do the paperwork.

Loss of cooling above 85°F outside, loss of heat below 50°F, water leaks from equipment, electrical or burning smells, and CO alarms (call 911 first for CO). A loud but still-running system can usually wait for next business day without risk.

Yes. After-hours calls go to a rotating on-call tech who lives in San Diego County — not a national answering service. Typical response time is 60 to 120 minutes in the service area.

A $189 after-hours trip fee on top of standard rates. No double-time upcharges on the actual repair. Contract customers on the Climate Pros Plan pay no overtime differential.