Heating and Air Conditioning | Electrician in Pleasanton, CA

Frequently Asked Questions About Heating and Air Conditioning | Electrician Services in Pleasanton

Got questions about HVAC or electrical work? You’re not alone. Here are the answers Pleasanton homeowners search for most.

Electrician Questions

Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?

This is one of the most common calls we get at Five or Free Electrical Heating & Air. A tripping breaker usually means the circuit is overloaded, there’s a short circuit, or you have a ground fault somewhere in the wiring. Many Pleasanton homes—especially those built during the city’s growth in the 1960s through 1980s—have electrical systems that weren’t designed for today’s power demands. If resetting the breaker doesn’t solve it, call a licensed electrician before it becomes a fire hazard.

How do I know if my electrical panel needs an upgrade?

If your Pleasanton home still uses fuses instead of breakers, has a 100-amp panel, or you notice flickering lights, burning smells, or breakers that won’t stay reset—it’s time for an evaluation. Many homeowners find their existing panels can’t keep up with air conditioning, modern appliances, home office equipment, and EV chargers. At Five or Free, we upgrade panels to 200-amp service regularly—it improves safety, prevents outages, and prepares your home for future needs.

What is a GFCI outlet and where do I need them?

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. These outlets protect you from electrical shock in areas where water is present—bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoor spaces, and laundry rooms. You can identify them by the “test” and “reset” buttons on the face. If your Pleasanton home doesn’t have GFCI outlets in these areas, our team at Five or Free can install them to bring your home up to current safety standards.

Why are my lights flickering throughout my house?

Flickering lights can signal several issues—loose wiring, voltage fluctuations, an overloaded circuit, or problems with your electrical panel. Occasional flickers during a storm are normal, but consistent flickering is a warning sign. Loose connections can overheat and cause fires. Have a licensed electrician inspect your system to find the root cause.

Can you install an electric vehicle charger at my Pleasanton home?

Yes. Five or Free Electrical Heating & Air installs Level 2 EV charging stations throughout Pleasanton—it’s one of our most popular services. This requires running a dedicated 240-volt circuit from your electrical panel to your garage or driveway. Many Pleasanton homes need panel upgrades to accommodate EV chargers alongside existing electrical loads. We handle all permits and make sure everything meets code.

Is it safe to use extension cords for refrigerators or other major appliances?

No. Extension cords are not designed for the continuous power draw of major appliances like refrigerators, freezers, or space heaters. They can overheat, cause voltage drops, and create serious fire hazards. If your Pleasanton home doesn’t have an outlet where you need one, we can install a dedicated, properly grounded outlet in the right location.

How do I know if my Pleasanton home needs rewiring?

Signs your home may need rewiring include frequently tripping breakers, discolored or warm outlets, burning smells, two-prong outlets throughout the house, or aluminum wiring (common in homes built in the 1960s and 70s). If your Pleasanton home is over 40 years old and hasn’t been updated, Five or Free offers electrical inspections to assess your wiring condition and recommend next steps.