Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve the San Francisco Peninsula within a 30-mile radius of Redwood City. This includes Redwood City, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Carlos, Foster City, Burlingame, and many more communities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Question 2

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

Our technicians are available for appointments from 8am to 8pm daily, including weekends. Our phone support is available 24/7 - you can call us anytime at (650) 396-3290 to speak with a real person, even at 3am. For true emergencies like no heat in freezing weather or gas smells, we dispatch technicians after hours.

Question 3

Do you offer same-day service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer same-day service for most HVAC issues. Call us in the morning and we can often have a technician at your home that same afternoon. For urgent situations like complete system failures during extreme weather, we prioritize getting to you as quickly as possible.

Question 4

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Peninsula HVAC Repair is fully licensed (Fully Licensed & Insured) and insured. We carry full liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. You're protected when we work on your property.

Question 5

What HVAC brands do you service?

Accepted Answer

We service all major HVAC brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Bryant, American Standard, Ruud, York, Amana, and many more. Our technicians are trained to work on both residential and light commercial systems of any brand.

Question 6

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

We provide free estimates for new system installations. For repairs, we charge a diagnostic fee which covers the technician's visit and thorough evaluation of your system. If you proceed with the repair, the diagnostic fee is typically applied toward the total cost.

Question 7

How much does HVAC repair cost?

Accepted Answer

HVAC repair costs vary widely based on the specific issue and parts needed. Most repairs range from $89-$450. We provide upfront pricing after diagnosis - you'll know exactly what the repair will cost before we start any work. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Question 8

Do you provide upfront pricing?

Accepted Answer

We provide upfront, transparent pricing before starting any work. After diagnosing the issue, we'll explain the problem in plain terms and give you a clear quote. You approve the price before we proceed - never any surprise charges.

Question 9

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, checks, and cash. Payment is due upon completion of service.

Question 10

Do you offer financing for new systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer financing options for new HVAC system installations. We work with several financing partners to provide competitive rates and flexible payment plans. Ask our team about current financing promotions when you schedule your installation consultation.

Question 11

Is there a diagnostic or service call fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a diagnostic fee for repair visits which covers the technician's visit and complete system evaluation. This fee is typically applied toward the repair if you choose to proceed. We'll let you know the diagnostic fee when you schedule.

Question 12

Why is my AC blowing warm air?

Accepted Answer

There are several possible causes: low refrigerant (often due to a leak), a dirty air filter restricting airflow, a frozen evaporator coil, compressor issues, or thermostat problems. Start by checking your filter and thermostat settings. If those are fine, call us for a professional diagnosis.

Question 13

How often should I change my AC filter?

Accepted Answer

For standard 1-inch filters, we recommend changing them every 1-3 months depending on usage, pets, and allergies. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers should change monthly. Thicker filters (4-5 inch) can last 6-12 months. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and can cause breakdowns.

Question 14

Why is my AC freezing up?

Accepted Answer

AC freeze-ups are typically caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter or blocked vents), low refrigerant levels, or a failing blower motor. Turn off your AC and let it thaw completely before running it again. If it freezes again, call us - continuing to run a frozen AC can damage the compressor.

Question 15

How long should an AC system last?

Accepted Answer

A well-maintained central AC system typically lasts 15-20 years. Factors affecting lifespan include usage patterns, maintenance frequency, local climate, and equipment quality. If your AC is over 15 years old and needs frequent repairs, it may be time to consider replacement.

Question 16

What size AC do I need for my home?

Accepted Answer

AC sizing requires a proper load calculation considering your home's square footage, insulation, window placement, ceiling height, and local climate. Oversized units short-cycle and don't dehumidify properly; undersized units run constantly. We perform detailed calculations to recommend the right size.

Question 17

Why is my furnace not heating?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include a tripped circuit breaker, a dirty filter restricting airflow, thermostat issues, a failed igniter, flame sensor problems, or gas supply issues. Check your filter and thermostat first. If the furnace still won't heat, call us - some issues like gas problems require professional attention for safety.

Question 18

Is a yellow furnace flame dangerous?

Accepted Answer

A healthy furnace flame should be blue with perhaps a small yellow tip. A predominantly yellow or orange flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which may produce carbon monoxide. If you see a yellow flame, call for service soon. If you smell gas or your CO detector alarms, leave immediately and call 911.

Question 19

How often should I service my furnace?

Accepted Answer

We recommend annual furnace maintenance, ideally in the fall before heating season. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive repairs, ensures safe operation, maintains efficiency, and keeps your manufacturer's warranty valid.

Question 20

What is a heat pump and is it right for me?

Accepted Answer

A heat pump is an efficient system that provides both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than generating it. Heat pumps work exceptionally well in the Peninsula's mild climate, offering significant energy savings compared to traditional furnaces. They're an excellent choice for Peninsula homeowners.

Question 21

Why does my heater smell like burning when I first turn it on?

Accepted Answer

A brief burning smell when you first turn on your heater after months of not using it is normal - it's dust burning off the heat exchanger. This should dissipate within 15-30 minutes. If the smell persists, is very strong, or smells like burning plastic or electrical, turn off the system and call for service.

Question 22

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

Accepted Answer

We recommend professional maintenance twice a year: once in spring for your cooling system and once in fall for your heating system. This ensures both systems are ready for peak season and catches problems early. At minimum, have your system checked once a year.

Question 23

What does HVAC maintenance include?

Accepted Answer

Our maintenance visits include inspecting and cleaning components, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, checking safety controls, replacing filters, measuring airflow and temperatures, and providing a detailed report of your system's condition.

Question 24

Is HVAC maintenance really necessary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Regular maintenance extends equipment life, prevents unexpected breakdowns, maintains efficiency (saving on energy bills), ensures safe operation, and keeps manufacturer warranties valid. Most repairs we see could have been prevented with regular maintenance.

Question 25

What can I do to maintain my HVAC system between professional visits?

Accepted Answer

Change your air filter regularly (every 1-3 months), keep outdoor units clear of debris, keep vents and registers unobstructed, listen for unusual sounds, and watch for changes in performance or energy bills. These simple steps help prevent many common problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions