Central Air Conditioning Installation or Replacement

Find a HVAC contractor near San Francisco, CA

Find a HVAC contractor near San Francisco, CA

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Top 10 HVAC Contractors near San Francisco, CA

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How do I find a good HVAC contractor in San Francisco?

You can find the best HVAC and AC contractors in San Francisco by performing an online search. By viewing the top-rated local pros online, you can easily compare ratings and Top Pro statuses. You can also easily access customer reviews, as well as customer-provided photos of actual work done by the contractors.

It’s also helpful to check the contractors’ qualifications. Find out if the pros you’re considering have any credentials, certifications or licenses. For example, you can visit California's Department of Consumer Affairs website to look up HVAC and AC pros and find out if they’re licensed. 

Once you’ve identified three to five pros who seem like a great fit for your project, start asking them for free estimates. Compare the prices you receive to help narrow down the search. In the end, choose a HVAC contractor you believe has the best reviews, the most experience and the fairest prices for their services.

Do I need central air in San Francisco?

For some California coastal cities — like San Francisco — central air conditioning is rare. The city does not commonly experience high temperatures, and ocean breezes and fog keep the weather famously chilly. 

Still, the city does occasionally experience heat waves and record temperatures. If you want to ensure you’ll stay cool during the city's hottest days, air conditioning might be worth the cost. Contact San Francisco’s best HVAC pros to get free estimates and learn more about your options.

What is the most common type of heating system?

The most common type of home heating system is a forced-air heating and cooling system. This type of heater involves a furnace, which is commonly powered by natural gas, forcing air through a series of ducts that distribute the hot air through different rooms in a house. Furnaces can run on other types of fuel, including electricity, propane and oil. This type of heating system is quite popular because it doubles as a path for air conditioning in the summer.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water?

An air conditioner leaking inside the house is a common problem. It could indicate that the air filter is dirty. Or, one of the following may be the culprit:

  • Clogged condensate drain line
  • Leaky, damaged, cracked or rusted drain pan
  • Dirty or broken coils
  • Frozen evaporator coils
  • Broken condensate pump
  • Not enough refrigerant
  • Disconnected drain line

If your AC is leaking, contact a repair service to find out what the problem is — and how much it will cost to fix it.

What is the most efficient heating system for a house?

Geothermal heating tends to be the most efficient way to heat a house when compared to traditional HVAC systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Geothermal heat pumps (also called ground-source heat pumps) transfer energy to and from the ground to supply heat, cool air and hot water.

Note that one of the most important ways to boost efficiency, save electricity and lower your heating bills is to make sure your house is weather-tight and well-insulated.

How much does it cost to install a heating system?

The cost of a heating system depends largely on the type and size of the heating system. For example:

To find out how much your new heating system will cost, contact heating and air companies near you and ask for free cost estimates.

Can I install central air myself?

While you may be able to do some preparation work for central air installation, you should hire a licensed contractor to complete the project and handle the air conditioning refrigerants. 

Also, unless you have the proper credentials, you risk making common mistakes when installing central air. This may include installing the wrong-size furnace, improperly installing ductwork and exhaust systems, and incorrectly managing drainage.

To ensure your central air is installed correctly, contact the best HVAC pros near you and start getting free estimates today.

Does central air add value to a home?

A central air unit or HVAC system may add value to your home. Or, if you’re in the process of selling your home, it may help you close a sale.

The Remodeling Impact report found that 20% of realtors have suggested that home sellers replace their HVAC before attempting to sell their homes, and 7% said this project did help close a sale. 

Talk with an expert to figure out if adding an HVAC system is a good idea for your home. And contact the best HVAC pros near you to get free estimates so you’ll know how much this project will cost you.

Is it worth it to install central air?

Depending on where you live, it might be worth it to install central air. Central air makes your house comfortable on hot summer days. And although it’s hard to predict if adding central air will increase your home’s value, prospective homebuyers will certainly notice if it’s missing.

Another advantage of central air is that it can help dehumidify your home. Not only will it make your home more comfortable and enjoyable, but it can also  help prevent mold from growing or spreading.

Contact the best HVAC contractors near you to learn more about the central air installation process and to start receiving free estimates.

Do HVAC technicians offer remote or virtual services?

Because HVAC technicians need to be physically present to do their work, they have not conventionally offered remote or virtual services. However, with the importance of social distancing due to COVID-19, the need for remote capabilities is greater than ever. If you come across a profile that states the HVAC technician or AC professional is offering remote services, message the pro to find out what those services include.

Consult with your technician to see if the technician will be able to perform a video call consultation. You can find local technicians near you by searching online.

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