Heating and Air Conditioning | Electrician in SF Bay Area & Sacramento, CA

Frequently Asked Questions About Heating and Air Conditioning Services in the SF Bay Area & Sacramento

1. How often should I service my air conditioner in the SF Bay Area or Sacramento?

You should have your AC serviced at least once a year, ideally in spring before the heat arrives. Sacramento summers regularly hit 100-105 degrees, while Bay Area inland areas like Livermore and San Jose can reach the 90s and beyond. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive breakdowns. Our heating and air conditioning technicians at Five or Free check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test components, and make sure your system is ready for summer heat.

2. Why is my AC running but not cooling my home?

Common causes include low refrigerant (often from a leak), a dirty air filter, frozen evaporator coils, a failing compressor, or blocked airflow from dirty ducts. In Bay Area coastal areas, salt air can also corrode components over time. Our heating and air conditioning team can diagnose the issue and get your AC blowing cold air again quickly.

3. How long do AC units last in the SF Bay Area or Sacramento?

Most air conditioning systems last 12-15 years with regular maintenance. Sacramento’s extreme valley heat and Bay Area coastal salt air can both stress systems over time. If your AC is over 10 years old and struggling to keep up or needing frequent repairs, it’s worth considering replacement with a more efficient model. We help homeowners throughout Northern California evaluate whether repair or replacement makes the most sense.

4. What size AC unit do I need for my Bay Area or Sacramento home?

AC sizing depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, ceiling height, number of windows, and sun exposure. Climate matters too—Sacramento’s 105-degree summers require different sizing considerations than San Francisco’s milder temps. An oversized unit cycles on and off too frequently, while an undersized unit runs constantly and can’t keep up. Our heating and air conditioning technicians at Five or Free perform proper load calculations to recommend the right size for your specific location and home.

5. Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

If your furnace is running but blowing cold air, the most common causes are a faulty pilot light or ignition system, a tripped circuit breaker, a dirty flame sensor, or the thermostat set to “fan” instead of “auto.” Sometimes it’s a simple fix, but our heating and air conditioning team throughout the Bay Area and Sacramento can diagnose and repair any furnace issue quickly.

6. How much does it cost to replace an HVAC system in the SF Bay Area or Sacramento?

HVAC system replacement in the Bay Area and Sacramento typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,000+ depending on the system size, efficiency rating (SEER), brand, and installation complexity. Higher efficiency systems cost more upfront but save significantly on energy bills, especially in Sacramento’s hot summers. Our heating and air conditioning technicians at Five or Free provide detailed estimates and financing options to fit your budget.

7. Should I repair or replace my old AC unit?

A good rule of thumb: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new unit, or if your AC is over 12 years old and needs major repairs, replacement usually makes more sense. Newer systems are 30-50% more efficient than models from 10+ years ago, which can mean substantial savings in areas with extreme heat like Sacramento. Our heating and air conditioning experts at Five or Free help you compare options and make the best decision for your budget and home.